Champagne69’s debut album is a celebration of the New Wave of South African SoundCloud rap. A VIP guest list of talent convenes over trap music’s wonted groaning basslines for a robust exchange of energy between the duo of Siyangena69 and Williestilios. Maglera Doe Boy breathes new life into “15 GOONS”, a single released in 2020, and further appears on “RUGER”, which is built on the video-game sounds characteristic of his street-rap aesthetic. The duo link up with fellow New Wave forerunners PatricKxxLee, J Molley and Lethabo Acid on “PMS”, and complete the picture with the inclusion of the New Wave’s biggest advocate, late South African hip-hop legend Riky Rick, who shows up posthumously on “SKIT”. In it, he commends the duo for safeguarding hip-hop and encourages unity among their generation. “It’s gonna be important for all you cats to stand up for each other,” Riky says. Big brother’s words were heeded: On WAVES NEVER DIE, the movement appears intact and teems with life.