South African musician Babalwa M’s highly anticipated album, Candour, was released on October 25, 2024.

Following her rumored split from partner and producer Kelvin Momo, Babalwa M said, "The newly released 8-track album showcases my vulnerability, allowing fans to connect with my personal experiences and emotions in a way music allows."

Candour is a masterpiece that showcases the unwavering talent and creativity of the Queen of Private School Amapiano. The newly released album peaked at No. 1 on Apple Music's Top 10 Albums Chart across all genres over the weekend of its release.

The album’s opener, “Donga,” sets the tone with an infectious native drum entry and Babalwa M’s incredible vocals. The feature of fellow South African artist Stixx adds another layer to the song. The track stands as a beginning to an immersive blend of amapiano and AfroHouse.

The second track, “Bo Thata,” is a brilliant collaboration with Nvcho and Stixx. The song’s intricate melodies and heartfelt lyrics beautifully express the pain of a gone love. The chorus sets as a reminder of the love Babalwa M shared with her supposed ex, making this song a standout.

The album’s amapiano-infused sound continues to shine in tracks such as “Mthuthuzeli” (feat. Yallunder) and “Dlala Ngothando” (feat. MaWhoo). The latter brings on a new twist as it also features Babalwa M’s alleged ex-partner Kelvin Momo, adding a layer of complexity to the song.

At the album’s midpoint, “Ndimfumene” (feat. Thato Hatsi) showcases Babalwa’s ability to create an emotionally resonant track that balances catchiness with depth. The following solo piece, "Piki Piki," offers a refreshing approach as her vocals take the limelight.

Coming to the project’s closing angle, “IKude inqondo Yam” (feat. Mzizi) and “Xola Ntliziyo” (feat. Kelvin Momo, Stixx, MaWhoo, Mzizi) continue the high-energy momentum. The latter track is a masterclass in production, featuring four out of seven previously featured artists on the project.

Overall, Candour is a triumph and is easily Babalwa M’s best project so far. Her ability to navigate the complexities of her personal life and channel them into her music is exceptional.

With this project, she delivered a gem that would undoubtedly touch the souls of her listeners.

Performers: Babalwa M, Stixx, Nvcho, Kelvin Momo, Yallunder, MaWhoo, Thato Hatsi, Mzizi.

Songwriters: Babalwa Mavuso, Emmanuel Prince Simeli Mano, Samuel Seloane, Sumkele Lethabo Mofokeng Mhlanga, Marvin Manyaka, Unathi Jafta, Thato Kelvin Letwaba, Yolanda Nyembezi, Nontobeko Thandeka Ngema, Thato Raphadi, Mthintheki Mzizi.

Album Producers: Kelvin Momo, Marvin Manyaka & Stixx

The album art cover of Candour, an 8-track album by South African Queen of Private School Amapiano, Babalwa M.

Babalwa M: Candour - Album Review

The album art cover of Candour, an 8-track album by South African Queen of Private School Amapiano, Babalwa M.

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