African Music News: Mvula Draes vulnerability and diverse sound make him unstoppable on his latest EP, My First Last Breath (2024)

Mvula Drae has been on the rise for a while. From making impressive numbers on streaming platforms to bagging a nomination for City Awards’ Artist of the Year, he has laid the groundwork for his place among the best with his latest EP, My First Last Breath. 

Drae’s effortless flow is the immediate star of the EP. Opening with “Bubbaloo”, a clever play on the soft and hard of the candy that serves as the perfect description of what the rapper shares. On “Remin Noodles”, over a dreamy beat, is a tale of loneliness, pain, confusion and a reluctance to share. The brilliant word play, “Mumble some cumbersome”, conveys the intensity of these emotions, while he shows off different depths of his talent by singing on most of record. The mix of mediums and genres exhibits Drae’s growth as an artist, with “I Got It” serving as a highlight of this. 

Homage to the genres that inspired the project is paid in subtle but effective ways too. “Runaway” pays tribute to Kanye West twofold, both with the title borrowed from his 2010 hit and with the lyrics that mirror those on West’s own. Then there’s a nod to Mariah Carey on, “I’m Still Breathing”, before Drae tips his hat to French Montana’s “Pop That” on “SMYL (Save Me Your Lies)”.

My First Last Breath is a testament to life and honest living above all else. Through his candour and willingness to colour outside of the lines, Drae achieves something magnificent and is arguably one of the best local projects of 2023.

Feature pic supplied by artist