Album: Before The Album Album by Shino Kikai

Release Date: 9 September 2026

South African producer Shino Kikai presents his new Before The Album Album, released on 9 September 2026 through Neema Music Productions, with distribution by AWAL Recordings. The project contains 10 tracks and runs for approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes, giving its compositions plenty of space to develop. The tracklist includes “Lala Ngoxolo,” “Ixoxo,” “Amalobolo,” “Inyani,” “Weho Mdali 2.0 (Remix),” “uMdali,” “Ngembathe,” “Inky Skies,” “Njalo Njalo” and “Ngisangane,” forming an expansive project centred on Shino Kikai’s production and collaborative approach.

Musically, Before The Album Album is officially categorized as Electronic, while the music draws strongly from Amapiano and the soulful, melodic side of South African piano music. The project combines extended arrangements, layered percussion, deep rhythmic grooves, expressive vocals and rich instrumental elements. Many of its songs stretch beyond six minutes, allowing Shino Kikai to develop the melodies and collaborations gradually while maintaining the atmospheric and dance-oriented character running throughout the album.

Collaboration is a major part of Before The Album Album, with Shino Kikai joined by an extensive lineup including Sino Msolo, TEE Ramzy, Sykes, Starr Healer, Pale Moloi, Sipho Magudulela, Xolani Guitars, Amahle Gasa, Aubrey Seapose, Makhanj, Ciniso, Dudu Makhoba, Kabza De Small, Malaika M, Leandra.Vert, Amohelang Ralebepa, DJ Maphorisa, Mashudu and Russell Zuma. “Lala Ngoxolo” brings together several of these collaborators, Kabza De Small appears on “Weho Mdali 2.0 (Remix),” DJ Maphorisa, Mashudu and Leandra.Vert contribute to “Njalo Njalo,” while Russell Zuma joins the closing track “Ngisangane.” The extensive feature list gives the project variety while keeping Shino Kikai’s Amapiano-influenced production firmly at its centre.