Mzansi Avenue

Avenue Music: Leigh-Anne says Goodbye to Silence with Dead & Gone!  Leigh-Anne . Every artist wants to be in control of their identity in music and not just be another industry product for sales with no true relation. As some songs are the ever so pleasant radio friendly pop, they tend to contain too much sugar, which makes them feel superficial, surface level offerings that offer a nice melody yet long-term it holds no weight. Recently there's been a shift in music with songs that run for 2 minutes and are denied the classic bridge, it feels like "oh, we can't add more because the shorter the better especially for TikTok challenges" Leigh-Anne on the other is very defiant leaving Warner a record label she was part of since her solo career kicked off with an impressionable debut single to a choir connect love affair with My Love she seemed off to a solid start. Underrated rollup if you ask me, it had star quality but less stage presentation, the mark...

Avenue Music: Lauren Jauregui is Back & Sounds Rooted and Ready Official Artwork/ Attunement Records. Lauren Jauregui has been independent in the music scene for a while now, with an unexpected Fifth Harmony reunion and releasing some beautifully constructed pieces of music that are emotionally dependant in carrying the story of her ever so broad and deep engagements of romance, mental health and desires. Her EPs (Prelude & In Between) deserve to be in the Top 5 of anyone's music library.  Ego brings in a very deep and uncomfortable conversation, tackling the truths, taking in the tension like sips of quenching the thirst of uncertainty, Lauren lyrically dives right in opening up like she's in therapy or penning the ultimatum before the finale, raising the stakes as she sounds so in love, longing for answers and true to her intentions it's such a chilled sonic arrangement yet the message carries so much depth that you can't help but be compelled. We ...

Avenue Music: Leigh-Anne Pinnock a Review into Her Music (I Just Need Something That's Real) Official Artwork for Been a Minute. Highly established as a member of Little Mix, historic awards, acclaimed vocals and insane chemistry, they had the formula and were able to navigate into the industry that was somehow failing them? With a 10 year run and global smash hits such as Shout Out to My Ex, Wings & Sweet Melody these girls solidified themselves and withstood as most groups didn't have longevity. Now on hiatus they all took time to craft and create a sound suitable for their artistry, Leigh-Anne kicked off the journey with fans expecting some R&B driven records of course, her signing to the label thrilled everyone who had high hopes. Don't Say Love was released as her debut single and it's quite daring and bold she didn't play it safe. Leigh-Anne went for a mature yet unforgettable sound, the song is a missed opportunity we're surprised it d...

International Song Of The Week: Perrie - If He Wanted To He Would, Award Winning Pre-Chorus! Official Artwork. Columbia Records  We've all been that girl (boy) falling for potential - Perrie sings a fact in the ring of romance, broken promises and proposed picture frames that were so out of the view of reality. This song is definitely a winner. A catchy start and an electric chorus that sounds like an anthem of a wake-up call. Perrie is making a national announcement about bad boyfriends. Call her the good advice on this brimming banger.  She's in her element and you can tell this is one song she's proud to have recorded. With an accompanying visual that references iconic movies such as Mean Girls, Pretty Woman & The Holiday. Perrie gets campy and dreamy, having fun while looking radiantly gorgeous. Kudos to her stylist. very fashionable looks that stole the show. With the announcement of her long awaited debut studio album Perrie, she went back to the drawi...

Pop Essentials: Ego by The Saturdays - Iconic & B-Side Delight! Official Artwork. Polydor Records. Taken from their sophomore album Wordshaker , written by Steve Mac , Ina Wroldsen and Rhys Baker . Produced by Steve Mac . Ego is definitely a dramatic dance anthem with a very glitzy so in the spotlight sonical arrangement, lyrically is about a not so team player who prefers to ride solo much to the girl's dismay. It's one of their discography signature calls because this song is sure a hit with its distinctiveness yet dashes an almost theatrical cut with strong flavour of the 80s.  Official Artwork. Polydor Records. The Saturdays definitely won with this one as it carries a completely different energy, giving you something dancy yet different. The bridge is a thriller as Vanessa bodly takes charge before the harmony packed chorus emerges. It also has the fan favourite b-side track: Flashback which is a missed opportunity for the girls, this should've ...

Avenue Music: MajorSteez & Nomfundo Moh - Angeke, Comforting Melodies and A Burning Romance! Official Artwork. While scrolling on TikTok late at night, I came across this vibrant and heartwarming record, it's very happening, in the heat of the moment sure to get you moving with a fun, mature and captivating arrangement it promises to also be a memorable release with an infectious chorus.  The song dropped a few days ago and it's definitely a blaze! They have a winner. With engaging promo clips that are doing excellent rounds, soon it'll be not just on the radio but on various playlists around the world. Why remain in the South of Africa when reach is far better than in previous eras of music? This song has the local flavour and brings flaming delivery sure to feel like a cosy up by the fireplace. Now that's something. It has this ambience to it as it opens up with the chorus, like a flame that's sparking up before it trails its way for some cuddle and chemistry....

Pop Essentials: Dagny - Heartbreak In The Making Official Artwork. It's such a dangerous flame Dagny is sparking up, knowing the consequences she is ready to embrace the pain that comes with this thrilling romance, forget caution it's more of you only live once and a guy who is a risk she's willing to take. We've all been there before, in a space where we desired a bad boy/girl who has us daring enough to not know what's good for us.  She already knows the outcome and jumps right in. Licking wounds like ice cream, the satisfaction of I knew what I was getting myself into.  As she sings "Have you ever seen? How there's always beauty in a tragedy" you'd swear she's justifying it over a very active beat as it drums with hints of nostalgia and summer sunset. The song is sweet, sugary with some buzzing guitars and it sounds like a cut from the 80s that will sure have you reminiscing over a romance. It's Fresh Pop. Written By: Dagny N...

Avenue Music: Sugababes - Weeds (Official Visual) Official Artwork. This is a Incase You Missed It! They Bloom & Bright in their latest music video.  Hot of off Jungle a dark yet glamorous dancefloor starter, the babes maintain momentum with a soft and gentle ballad that gives you sophisticated soulful arrangements, a vibrance of nearly hip hop with the dripping beats and some rooted rhythm, they play in the dirt growing something that blooms into something so beautiful as Mutya leads the ethereal chorus.  Keisha & Siobhan give the verses a more petal kind of palette, which is sweet and showcases their expressiveness of intimacy and appreciation. The middle 8 is filled with busy harmonies that are well scattered bouncing off each other giving you vintage Sugababes as they don't miss a beat.  From displaying their wild side to the beauty of nature. What a transition.  Daring to Delicate.  Check Out the official video below: Official Video Than...

Avenue Music: Danny Gokey - Open Up The Gates  Official Artwork. Taken from his recent studio album: Sound Of Heaven ( Released July 26th 2024 ) . Open Up The Gates is definitely an upbeat song that'll have you singing out without holding back, it fires you up to praise the Lord Almighty. I'm in love with the chorus, it's very engaging you can't help but find yourself waving your hands up high, getting on a new good and Godly groove.  Shout His praise Open up the gates and let the people Sing His name The powerful and mighty name of Jesus His presence is among us now When I first heard this record I knew it had to immediately be on my playlist, the lyrics are more of expecting what is from God, opening up to God so He may make way for us to receive. Over a very bright and burning beat, with his sharp and strong vocals you can definitely hear the passion and how this song changes the influence into a more pleasant one and that's beautiful.   Official Audi...

Avenue Music: The Power Songs! My Picks. Hi Aaron here, I love music and usually over the years I've used it like a soundtrack to fit any kind of situation I was in, yes you could say I was like a musical movie character always ready to sing in the rain but not in a literal sense. With music we're able to soak in and immerse ourselves, especially if a song is God led you feel His touch, you're able to connect and Praise Him as He moves You. These are some of the songs that have had a beautiful impact as I listened to them.  1. Tear Off The Roof by Brandon Lake -  Official Artwork. - One of the most Faith driven songs as it encourages you to believe in Jesus and call on to him, referencing the Holy Scriptures in Matthew. It will definitely move you to act, it's empowering and one of my favourite songs ever! It's now my alarm tone, that's how much I love it, Turnaround takes second place. That "Out of the wreckage is coming a treasure" openin...

Avenue Music: Tyla Bursts Into Bliss on Sentimental new Record. Official Artwork./ Epic & FAX records Viral sensation and Global star who poured into the scene with a refreshing new sound of South African flavour blends international. Tyla has went on to win a Grammy and various awards in entertainment as she takes centre stage as Pop's lastest act. An acclaimed debut studio album with cuts such as Butterfly, Push 2 Start & Art she set herself apart, standing out and walking to the studio to put on more than just her voice on the record.  Bliss is post debut and it's a tantalizing song with adventurous tones, it is dance heavy yet with a light-hearted romantic take of a love that definitely has you taking off to the sky, experiencing overwhelming joy. Tyla's vocals are rich and defy gravity as she sings from the heart. Almost has tribal elements and it showcases a departure from her usual sound, she's in new territory and is comfortable and in control. It does h...

Monday Music Motivation: The Saturdays - Not Giving Up Official Artwork. / Polydor & Fascination Records Released as the fifth single from their fourth studio album Living For The Weekend, Not Giving Up is a trance record with dance and electrifying energy, written by Antonio Egizii, Celetia Martin, David Musumeci, Carla Marie Williams and Carl Ryden who served as the producer. Lyrically it's about not giving up on love and you're definitely gonna find yourself empowered over an undeniably riveting record, Rochelle kicks off the song with a gentle verse sure to entice you and builds to a power packed chorus as they affirm they're not, never giving up, no matter the no.  Mollie's verse one of the song's highlights with the beat giving a fresh twist, it's one of the most sonically pleasing moments in music. As it echoes sonically with lush and club friendly tones.  Frankie's bridge gives the song an edgy sugar rush, as she nudges a romance with assurance a...

Pop Essentials: Sunday Rain by Sugababes  Official Artwork./ Island Records A pop diva moment with some soul and sass, a revenge driven ballad that is very extravagant chiming in with lavish instrumentation that is jazzy and whiskey neat. Taken from the 6th studio album Catfights & Spotlights. It takes centre stage at the crime scene...a love affair gone wrong!  Sunday Rain isn't an instant classic it grows on you and you come to enjoy its timeless energy. it's one of their must listen to records as part of their discography. Amelle. Keisha & Heidi brought the vocals and presence that you can't help but press the repeat button. It should've been a single, a very strong record with a dream girls type of chorus, Motown vibes and our favourite. You know what they say 'with Saturday sun always come Sunday Rain.'  they sing on the chorus.  It doesn't get better than this, it's a hit with a missed opportunity of being a global smash, yes it's not a...

International Song Of The Week: Sugababes Unleash Their Inner Jungle!  Official Artwork. They've had us pushing the button, we missed them like a hole in the head, they're cooler than a red dress and their comeback has us excited since the independent and well received certified fresh album - The Lost Tapes which has stunning cuts such as Victory. I Lay Down. I'm Alright. Metal Heart & Flatline. Jungle is definitely a club banger, it's reminiscent of their earlier work from their album Three, Hole in The Head to be exact. The song is feel good, glamorous get to dancing, it's completely different from When the Rain Comes, it's more urban, underground almost gothic in terms of dress code yet professionally playful, catchy and pop tastic. It has a boasting, bold and defined beat that is like a drink offered by the barman, a cocktail called Jungle, it's a daring daiquiri. It seems to be a new and interesting era for the Sugababes sonically, this single is mo...

Editor's Taste: The Party Starters Happy Friday & I Aaron your Editor in Chief have a nice selection for you, I'm a huge fan of good music and I can't resist some dance bops that definitely make me move and singalong, a bond at first listen...I think of it as an experience where we get to have our musical moments, someone's song fits our narrative and they burst into song while we dance or cry, laugh, montage our way into expression. How cool is that? Max George - Till I Met You.  Official Artwork. So this week I have Till I Met You by Max George it's one of his slept on records, it's such an Ibiza moment of his, a heartfelt self introspective dance ballad where a new lover brings a change and inspires true intentions over a club infused beat that has this appeal I can't put my play to, it's more of this high and night life vibe, big city, bright lights and just a techno funky dance record. It's highly active with such a frenzy flow.  Official Au...

Pop Essentials: Armand Joubert - So Gone  Official Artwork. Released in 2018 this song is definitely a playlist essential with a compelling and constantly buzzing beat a dose of fresh nostalgia an effective romantic ingredient over this bittersweet story set in song as Armand sounds hurt yet ready to move on, talk about dancing or partying the pain away.  Tropical, Pop & Jive it gives you a sense of wild, youth and free an uplifting electric, the kind of spark that sends you into a celebratory shock, contemplating and reflecting a previous romance before realising you're so gone with the coolest moves to a happier groove.   I'm not saying I don't wanna be here I'm just trying to get through the fear I'm not saying that you did me wrong How long till we break and it's so gone The Pre-Chorus gives us a charging chant like offering as ready for takeoff and then speeds off. Our favourite part of the song. Armand is also a vocal powerhouse, sharp and skydiving vo...

 Monday Music Motivation: Kelly Clarkson closes a chapter in theatrical style! Official Artwork./ Atlantic Records  Taken from her tenth studio album Chemistry (deluxe), goodbye is a hard hitting ballad with one of the most soundtrack cinema score ever! it sounds like the climax of the film before the end credits as the main character wraps up a romance and moves on to something better, a power move of overcoming victimhood. It feels like she's been observant and is well aware of what her former lover has been doing to her, she's done. The song was inspired by her divorce as the song's opening verse is like a fierce confrontation, you hear these vulnerable yet soaring vocals as if she's on fire and blazes the past leaving no trace.  The outro/refrain is a highlight, the harmonies are just catchy and give a proper send off riding off into the sunset with a smile, the story reaching an end where she's won. You were always tellin' me how I made you a better man Pro...

Avenue Music: Craig David & Tiwa savage - Commitment  Official Artwork. This is their first ever collaboration, sweet and slick vocal delivery over a moving melody sure to get you started! Both well established artists in their own respective spaces of genre articulation and sonic dance tuning into emotion. They've accomplished so much with timeless hits part of their discography such as Insomnia. I Know You (Ft. Bastille). Somebody's Son Ft. Brandy & Thank You.  Commitment is R&B, Afro Beats with some pop magic, sounding urban and appealing. It's a catchy song, it draws you in as soon as Craig starts singing, it's a fun love record as both of them interact with each other on what happened to the relationship as they have different perspectives with David maintaining he's one to commit but Tiwa counters with they could never agree, always clashing fdlm playing chess to undress. Singing  'Cause when you go left, I just go right.  Craig David has been ...

Avenue Music: Rollercoaster Gives Perrie Her New Groove! Official Artwork./Columbia Records Coming right off You Go Your Way a moving on anthem that was electric and captivating, ahead of her debut studio album after 10 Good History making years part of UK Girl Band Little Mix, Ms Edwards proves her powerful vocals aren't getting lost in the library of music, no way she's getting acclaimed and archived because she's jamming into new horizons. Her newest single feels summer fresh and has this vibrance to it that lets you let your hair down, it's sultry, fun, mature and Perrie showcases vocal versatility, proving she's not the high note, flashy ad-libs girl but has a shelf of range and impeccable taste as she doesn't shy away from shining.  It sounds like a classic and feels like a Perrie original solidifying starting out sound and it's a nice transition, her songs sound like they're in the same era, a collective of good music, this and Tears a...

Pop Essentials: Perfume by Britney Spears  Album Artwork/ RCA Perfume by Britney Spears was said to a big ballad ahead of its release, it had this attention towards it. Critics compared her vocals to Gwen Stefani and complimented her for such a heart sore record.  Yeah, it's a catchy song, dreamy almost sounds like real life heartbreak meets fairytale setting love adventure. The first verse is hard hitting yet delicate. Which finds her questioning and trying to convince herself that she's not crazy.  The second verse is filled with desperation and a plea of forget me not. Insecurities spring up to a scorching summer as trying to make excuses and leaning towards denial that it's just paranoia, a mirage when it's actually playing out.  With a balanced out chorus that gives you a takeoff effect yet stays grounded to rather shake things up with a more heartfelt delivery, it's fun and pretty clever as she sings "I'll never tell, tell on myself but i hope she sme...