@Manu_WorldStar's #YoungAfricanStory Has Arrived

Image by Nhlonipho Zondi

Last night, Manu WorldStar hosted guests in Johannesburg in celebration of the release of his EP, Young African Story. In the room were representatives of the media as well as his Punchline family, among his own family and in many more. 

Today, on August 23, 2019, the afro-pop star has debuted his EP. When questioned as to why he chose to debut an EP instead of a full-length project, he explained that it was his management team that advised him to "chill." With this in mind, the EP features five tracks, two of which he released between 2018 and 2019. Otherwise, the project opens richly with the self-titled single, "Young African Story." The track has a rap element to it, however, it's very clearly soul inspired. 

 

 

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I would like to thank every single person that worked towards the making of the #YASEP. It would never have come to this point without all of you ????????????????????❤. Can you guess who produced what? ???????? YOUNG AFRICAN STORY DROPS THIS FRIDAY. ARE YOU READY????????????????????? Thank you @thepunchlineza @vthseason @sonymusic_south @eternal_africa @airdeeglobal @therealganjabeatz @heemal_ganjabeatz @matti_ganjabeatz @mrkamera @ruff_1020_atm @noblemakesongs @christheillustrator

A post shared by  WorldStar (@manu_worldstar) on Aug 19, 2019 at 3:06am PDT

This is followed up by "Rent," a single he's been performing for a few months now. The song takes listeners from soul to true afro-pop! It's a feel-good track, particularly one that must be paid on loudspeaker among friends during the times where the only entertainment available is music, cheap liquor, and great stories. While he performed the song at this release party, the crowd was in full swing for this number.

The only other song folks won't recognize easily is "Sheba." Interestingly, the song's hook is "Sheba ngwano" which may remind you of Rouge's single titled after the same phrase. Beautifully, however, seeing her out in full support of Manu at his release party was a treat. The songs have totally different vibes, where Rouge's single is far harder in terms of grit and style, Manu made a song for you to dance to at every type of gathering. 

The beauty of Manu's rise and his work is to see just how much love surrounds him while he does it all. The Punchline boys joined the music man onstage to perform their single, "Party Up, Get Paid," and to make the most noise in the crowd to hype up their fellow musician and friend. He sang "Nalingi" with his mother on his arm and his dad beaming from the crowd. Not to mention, the young artist had the opportunity to share that the song that changed his life has been certified gold. 

In conclusion, Young African Story is a well-produced project, it deserves your attention, and as a listener, Manu ensured that what he presented to the world was something of quality and worth.