A swirl of soulful melodies and organic instrumentation, DJ/producer Soa Mattrix’ Akani is the epitome of private school amapiano. Living up to its title—Xitsonga for “build together”—the album is anchored by a communal energy. This ethos sees a vocal ensemble including Jessica LM, Tribal Soul, Cnethemba Gonelo, Bassie, Dinky Kunene, B33Kay SA and Innocent Mangolo of Murumba Pitch add texture to compositions accentuated by the keys of Happy Jazzman, strings of Maremo Violin, refined strums of Sipho Magudulela and velvety notes of Bongane and Mdu Sax. Probing parenthood, ancestry, and romance, this debut album injects poignant lyricism into amapiano that houses elements of jazz, R&B, Afrosoul, kwaito and Afrotech. While the title track is a dedication to Mattrix’ son, various themes are weaved between mellow basslines, logdrums and shuffling kicks. Here, the spiritual “Imimoya”, prayerful “Amaphupho”, striving “Phumelela” and yearnful "Incwadi" meet the romance of “Abantu” and “Don't Wake Me Up”. It’s through the relatability of these topics that a rapport is established, just as Soa Mattrix constructs a richly layered experience through his embrace of collectivity.