Aubrey Qwana’s Mkabayi Legacy is a heartfelt and deeply personal body of work that pays tribute to his late mother while also speaking to the broader struggles, hopes, and triumphs of everyday South Africans. Across 15 tracks, Aubrey crafts an emotional journey that blends Afro-soul, maskandi, pop, and hip-hop into a sound that is both modern and grounded in cultural tradition. The album’s name itself signals its importance: it’s not just music, but a memorial, a testimony, and a continuation of the values and strength passed down through his family.
Aubrey Qwana and Lington recently appeared on Lentombi featuring Mzukulu and Luve Dubazane.
The storytelling in Mkabayi Legacy is intimate yet relatable. Songs like the lead single Babaleka capture the weight of poverty, the urgency to break free from hardship, and the universal yearning for a better life. Aubrey’s vocals carry a raw sincerity that makes these themes feel immediate and lived-in, while his lyrical delivery blends vulnerability with resilience. The presence of Inkosi Yamagcokama and other collaborators adds further depth, grounding the album in communal energy and shared narratives rather than individual struggle alone.
Musically, the album showcases Aubrey’s versatility. Traditional African instrumentation, heartfelt acoustic melodies, and maskandi textures sit side by side with polished pop arrangements and smooth hip-hop rhythms. This fusion allows the record to move between introspection and groove, balancing heavy themes with uplifting, soulful moments. The production is warm and layered, highlighting his ability to create music that is both radio-friendly and deeply rooted in heritage.
ALBUM: Aubrey Qwana – Mkabayi Legacy
ALBUM: Aubrey Qwana – Mkabayi Legacy
Aubrey Qwana – Ekuhambeni
Aubrey Qwana – Babaleka (feat. Inkosi Yamagcokama)
Aubrey Qwana – Umendo 2
Aubrey Qwana – Fire (feat. Lington)
Aubrey Qwana – Ngyashona (feat. Maraza)
Aubrey Qwana & Shwi – Qhakaza
Aubrey Qwana & Mnqobi Yazo – Ivaka (feat. Imacsoul)
Aubrey Qwana & Dr Mavibes – Amabele (feat. Makhosi)
Aubrey Qwana & Maganga Thishela – Ngafa inhlamba
Aubrey Qwana & Mjolisi – Amabala
Aubrey Qwana & Azanti – Ayispani
Aubrey Qwana & Lington – Lentombi (feat. Mzukulu & Luve Dubazane)
Aubrey Qwana – Murhandziwa
Aubrey Qwana – Nawe
Aubrey Qwana & Starr Healer – Umusa