Based in Johannesburg, the talented singer-songwriter, producer, and SAMA award-winning artist Muzz Afrika—previously recognized as Edgar Muzah—has embarked on an exciting new chapter with the launch of his eagerly awaited album, OWN KING, which is now available through It Sounds Fresh.
Inspired by two transformative years of personal introspection and artistic growth, OWN KING signifies a pivotal moment for the multifaceted bassist and innovative entrepreneur.
Having joined forces with notable South African artists such as Ami Faku, Amanda Black, and Blending Pop and African roots, this fresh offering encapsulates an artist reclaiming his creative freedom while exploring a wider, more relatable musical realm.
Central to the album is a compelling theme centered on self-worth, healing, and communal achievement.
Instead of being restricted by former expectations or his prior acclaimed work, Son Of A Tribe, Muzz Afrika permitted himself to follow the music’s natural flow, influenced by personal insights, late-night discussions, and pure joy.
“OWN KING is not about being above anyone,” Muzz Afrika explains. “It is about knowing who you are, owning your journey and being brave enough to become the best version of yourself. I genuinely believe this project was given to me; my job was to be humble enough to receive it.”
Kicking off this new phase is the energetic single “ENERGY,” which Muzz characterizes as a “Muzz Pop” track.
Emerging spontaneously during a recording session for a completely different song, this piece captures the genuine thrill of feeling a connection to someone and completely surrendering to that feeling.
“ENERGY represents the confidence, freedom and positivity I want people to feel through my music,” says Muzz.
“I am having fun with my music again. I want people to feel good and not think for a few minutes. Feel the energy of the song and make it personal to their own stories.”
The album unfolds like a narrative of self-discovery, opening with “CORONATION,” which marks the decisive moment Muzz embraces his new journey. It then transitions smoothly into “CELEBRATE,” a powerful anthem encouraging listeners to recognize their own advancements, followed by “HEALER,” which emphasizes the healing and therapeutic essence of music.
Personal reflections are deeply woven into the latter part of the album.
On “DURA,” named for the traditional granary used to store collected crops, Muzz employs this metaphor to remind listeners of their intrinsic worth. The song illustrates that when your internal granary is full, there is no need to settle for less out of fear or scarcity.
In keeping with his collaborative ethos, Muzz critiques the cutthroat aspects of the music business on “THIS ONE,” a lively track that celebrates collective achievement over individual rivalry.
The album also explores romantic longing with the captivating track “HUYA” before concluding with the grounded, grateful tones of “LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL”—a final reminder to let go of pain and embrace the joy of existence.
Ultimately, OWN KING intentionally steers clear of lingering on sadness, instead providing a radiant, cohesive thread of optimism and hope to navigate through difficult times.
“I want people to feel hope,” Muzz Afrika concludes. “I want someone to hear a song and feel seen, encouraged or simply happy to be alive. Life can be heavy, but there is still so much worth celebrating. If OWN KING helps someone believe in themselves again, then the music has done its job.”
