MFR Souls is a South African amapiano music duo founded in 2012 by Tumelo Nedondwe and Tumelo Mabe, both of whom are DJ and music producers from Katlehong in the East Rand of Johannesburg.[1] They are regarded as being part of the pioneers of the ama piano sound, alongside Kabza de small, Jazzidiciples. Their hit single "Love You Tonight" was commercial success certified platinum in South Africa.
MFR Souls | |
|---|---|
| Origin | East Rand, Katlehong |
| Genres | Amapiano |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Members | Tumelo Nedondwe Tumelo Mabe |
History
edit2009-2013: Early years
editThey met in 2009 at an event in Tokoza and eventually formed their group in 2013, Ma-Ero & Force Reloaded and later was named MFR Souls.[2]
2014-2019: The beginning, Bless The Souls, Scorpion Kings
editIn December 2015, their 5 tracks Extended Play Bless The Souls was released.
In 2016 they released ama piano mixtapes.
On October 4, 2019, they released a single "Love You Tonight" featuring Sha Sha, Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa.[3] The song was certified platinum in South Africa.[4] At the 26th ceremony of South African Music Awards "Love You Tonight" was nominated for Best Collaboration and Best Music Video.[5] Their collaborative album Scorpion Kings with Kabza De Small, Virgo Deep and DJ Maphorisa won Best Produced Album of the Year at SAMA 26 awards.[6] On November 8, 2019, their Extended Play The beginning was released.[7]
2020-present: Musical Kings, Healers Of The Soul, T-Squared
editIn early 2020, their single "Amanikiniki" featuring Kamo Mphela and Bontle Smith was released. The song debuted number 3 on RAM charts and was certified platinum with sales of 50 000 units.[8][9] "Amanikiniki" was nominated for Record of the Year (fan-voted) and Music Video of The Year at 27th South African Music Awards[10] and Song Of the Year at MAMA awards.[11] On August 14, 2020, their second studio album Musical Kings was released.[12] The album features Bontle Smith, Tshego, Zano, J’Something and Manu Worldstar.[13]
On May 14, 2021, they released a single "Abahambayo" featuring Mzulu Kakhulu, Khobzn Kiavalla and DJ T-Man SA.[14]
In October 12, they teased their second studio album Healers Of The Soul, released on November 12, 2021.[15][16] In November 4, album pre-order were made available.
On April 1, 2022, their EP T-squared was released in South Africa.[17]
In early May 2022, they were featured on Freedom Sounds: From Kwaito to Amapiano documentary by Spotify.[18]
On May 5, 2023, the duo released their long-awaited single, "Bawo" featuring Russell Zuma, Shane907 & Locco MusiQ [19]
Discography
editExtended plays
edit- The amapiano mixtape (2016)
- The beginning (2019)
- T-squared (2022)
- Elements of Life (2022)
Studio albums
edit- Musical Kings (2020)
Collaborative albums
edit- The Game Changers (with MDU aka TRP) (2023)
Awards and nominations
editDance Music Awards South Africa
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | "Eargasms" | Best Amapiano Record | Nominated | [20] |
References
edit- ^ Sekudu, Bonolo (April 28, 2020). "Music duo MFR Souls on making it in entertainment and being famous | Drum". News24. South Africa.
- ^ "MFR Souls Ihamba Nabahambayo on their latest single 'Abahambayo' Dark". Yule dark. May 14, 2021.
- ^ "MFR Souls feature Scorpion Kings and Sha Sha on new single, Love You Tonight". JustNje. October 4, 2019.
- ^ Adejoy (August 9, 2020). "MFR Souls' "Love You Tonight" certified platinum". Fakaza News.
- ^ "All the SAMA26 nominees". Biz Community. July 16, 2020.
- ^ Shabangu, Nobantu (August 6, 2020). "Here's a List of the 2020 South African Music Awards (SAMAs) Winners - OkayAfrica". OkayAfrica.
- ^ "MFR Souls release their sophomore EP, The Beginning - JustNje". JustNje. November 9, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
- ^ "MFR Souls Reacts To Amanikiniki Reaching A Gold Status". SA Music Magazine. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
- ^ Adejoy (November 11, 2021). "MFR Souls' "Amanikiniki" goes platinum". Fakaza News. Retrieved November 11, 2021.
- ^ "SAMA27 Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year topped by Blaq Diamond, MFR Souls and Nasty C". samusicawards. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
- ^ Bukola (January 13, 2021). "MFR Souls on double celebration for their hit single, "Amanikiniki"". Fakaza News. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
- ^ "MFR Souls say album, Musical Kings, as celebration of East Rand talent". JustNje. August 17, 2020.
- ^ "MFR Souls take us back to groove with new album 'Musical Kings'". YoMzansi. August 18, 2020.
- ^ "MFR Souls release Abahambayo, featuring Mzulu Kakhulu, Khobzn Kiavalla and DJ T-Man SA". JustNje. May 14, 2021.
- ^ Israel A, John (October 12, 2021). "MFR Souls Shares "Healers Of The Soul" Album Artwork, Tease uThuleleni Featuring Ice 50". Ubetoo. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
- ^ "MFR Souls Announces "Healers Of The Soul Album" - ZAtunes". Zatunes.co.za. October 15, 2021. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
- ^ Zuma, Mbalenhle (April 1, 2022). "MFR Souls drops third project called 'T-Squared'". Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Levinrad, Nathan (May 2, 2022). "Spotify launch 'Freedom Sounds: From Kwaito to Amapiano' documentary and two dedicated playlists in celebration of Freedom Day – Texx and the City". Texx and the City. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Zatunes (May 5, 2023). "MFR Souls & Russell Zuma Drop "Bawo" Feat. Shane907 & Locco Musiq". ZAtunes. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ "Dance Music Awards South Africa 2019: All the winners". Music in Africa. October 4, 2019. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
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