Bulawayo’s hip hop scene is on full blast, and the Kwela Initiative is leading the charge. Spearheaded by none other than Asaph, the movement hosted an exclusive listening party for their brand-new project, Sounds of the City and trust us, the city pulled up.

Held at Nexus (formerly Vista), the event was pure vibes, fans, artists, producers, and hip hop heads all under one roof, vibing, laughing, and showing love to the sounds that define the City of Kings and Queens. Attendees were treated to impromptu performances, surprise cameos, and the rare chance to mingle with some of Byo’s finest talents.

And let’s talk about the music because this album is straight fire, no cap. Whether you’re looking for turn-up anthems, chill zone bangers, romantic dedications, or soulful introspection, Sounds of the City delivers. It’s a full showcase of what Bulawayo brings to the table, raw talent, real stories, and undeniable groove.

Featuring a star-studded lineup, the album brings together Asaph, CMK, Curtis Dee Rovar, Kid Thrill, Fuel Tha Don, Brintz, TBK, Farai, Israel, Stones Moyo, Salem Bhebhe, Philo Cliff, Indigo Saint, Mike The Future, and Swazy, just to name a few.

On the production deck, the soundscapes were cooked up by heavy hitters RyZon, MK Beats, GhaWdZilla DaProducer, and Leemzy Beatz, giving each track that crisp, polished feel.
The 11-track project runs about 40 minutes, but every minute is worth it.
The tracklist reads like a playlist for every mood; Zaka, Top Jita, Walk by Faith, Burg, Sweet Lami, Awubambeki, My Type, Another Day, Mali Yephepha, Vuka, Amaphupho.

Every song bangs, but fan favourites already emerging include Top Jita, Sweet Lami, Amaphupho, Zaka, My Type, and Burg. These tracks capture the energy, hustle, and dreams of Byo’s streets, the true sound of the city. Available now on Ditto, Spotify, and YouTube, this album is a must-listen for anyone who loves African hip hop done right.

Massive shout-out to Asaph, the Kwela team, all the featured artists and producers, the sponsors, and of course, the fans keeping the movement alive.
If Sounds of the City is anything to go by, the Kwela Initiative is only getting started and the future of Byo hip hop is looking bright, bold, and unstoppable.