Album: Before The Album by Shino Kikai

Before The Album is the latest release from South African Amapiano producer, DJ, and composer Shino Kikai, marking another significant chapter in his growing catalogue . Known for his signature blend of jazz-influenced keys and chords with deep township grooves, Shino Kikai has established himself as a regular contributor to collaborative records and a respected figure within the Amapiano community . With this project, he delivers a 10-track collection that serves as both a culmination of his recent work and a teaser of what is to come .

Released on September 9, 2026, the album arrives as his second major collection of the year, following the earlier 2026 project MERAKI which featured the hit single "Thanda Mina" with Nicole Elocin and Chley . The title itself suggests a moment of transition—a gathering of songs, collaborators, and sounds from different points in his catalogue that together form a statement before his next full artistic chapter .

Before The Album showcases Shino Kikai's distinctive production essence, blending the harmonic richness of jazz with the rhythmic foundations of Amapiano . The project gives space to both familiar collaborators and newer creative pairings, with each vocalist and musician adding distinct character to the collection . The result is a body of work that feels both cohesive and varied, reflecting his continued focus on collaborative musical releases .

At the heart of the album is "Lala Ngoxolo," a nine-minute and twenty-one-second record that was first released on August 19 . The title translates to "Rest in Peace," and the song carries a deeply emotional theme centred on love, loss, and remembrance . The collaboration features an impressive lineup of vocalists including Sino Msolo, TEE Ramzy, Sykes, Starr Healer, Pale Moloi, and Sipho Magudulela, each contributing to a powerful meditation on grief and memory .

Before The Album brings together a carefully selected roster of collaborators from across the South African music landscape . The album includes "Ixoxo" featuring Xolani Guitars, "Amalobolo" featuring Aubrey Seapose, and "Inyani" featuring Ciniso . "Weho Mdali 2.0" reunites him with Kabza De Small, while "uMdali" features Malaika M and Leandra.Vert . "Njalo Njalo" brings together Mashudu and Leandra.Vert, and the album also includes tracks such as "Ngembathe," "Inky Skies," and "Ngisangane" .

Shino Kikai—born in Thembisa, Gauteng on August 17, 1995—has steadily built a reputation as one of Amapiano's most underrated talents . His catalogue includes standout collaborations such as "Selimathunzi" with Nkosazana Daughter and DJ Khyber, "Mniki we Mali" with Kabza De Small, and "Incwadi Yenduduzo" with Thatohatsi . His affiliation with DJ Maphorisa's New Money Gang Records has further connected him to the wider Amapiano community . With Before The Album, he presents a project that finally places his own creative vision front and centre, allowing listeners to credit him fully for the songs that are sure to dominate the airwaves .