By Chiyembekezo Kachitsa
Malawian rapper Afana Ceez has released his latest album, Tsotsi pa Mpanje, a 14-track project that brings together South African Amapiano and sounds rooted in Malawi.
Afana Ceez released the album on Thursday, September 17, with the project already receiving a positive response from fans across the country.
The album features a wide range of Malawian artists, including Gwamba, Zeze, Gibo Pearson, Naerae, Kineo, Episodz, Beejay, Ace Jizzy, Oath, Leumas, CJM, Don Bunji and Omega, alongside DJ Clame.
It also features South African Amapiano star Sizwe Alakine, giving the project an international touch while maintaining its strong connection to Malawian sounds.
The title Tsotsi pa Mpanje reflects the musical direction of the project. Afana Ceez explains that “Tsotsi” is a South African term associated with a gang member, while “Mpanje” is a word commonly used to refer to Malawi. He chose the title to represent the fusion of Amapiano with local sounds and the musical flavours that Malawians enjoy.
The album also includes “Timapanga,” his collaboration with Gwamba, which was released before the full project and offered listeners an early taste of its musical direction.
Born Paul Chisiano, Afana Ceez is a Zomba-born rapper currently based in Blantyre. He spent part of his childhood in Tanzania before returning to Malawi in 2011.
His musical journey began with the rap group Team Gutta, which recorded “Masache,” featuring Martse, Spyral and Toast, before he later pursued a solo career.
Afana Ceez officially made his solo debut with “Kingpin” in 2021. The song earned him a Best Upcoming Artist nomination at the UMP Awards and helped establish his presence in Malawi’s hip-hop scene.
His subsequent work, including “Kadi” and “Chule,” continued to attract recognition, with “Chule,” featuring Zeze and Tuno, receiving a Best Collaboration of the Year nomination at the 2023 Maso Awards.
Known for his interest in vernacular rap, Afana Ceez has cited the late Martse as one of his local inspirations, while internationally drawing influence from artists such as Lil Wayne and Burna Boy.
With Tsotsi pa Mpanje, the rapper continues to explore a sound that connects Malawian musical identity with contemporary African influences.
The album also represents another step towards Afana Ceez’s wider ambition of earning international recognition and taking his music beyond Malawi.
For now, Tsotsi pa Mpanje offers listeners a 14-track project built around the fusion at the heart of its title: Amapiano energy meeting Malawian sounds.
Stream the album:
