On her first LP, soul singer-songwriter Vuyina embarks on a cathartic journey of reflection. “23.02.99 is a collection of stories and moments of pain, happiness and self-reflection in my life that have shaped me from my literal inception to the person I am now,” she tells Apple Music. “It often can be very difficult for me to express myself in times of need, or pain. Making this album helped me to overcome many of the things that I struggle to vocalise and helped me face the things that I was too scared to—it helped me find peace.” Over 10 tracks, Vuyina narrates a coming-of-age tale as she learns to embrace her strong side on the empowering Sizwe Alakine collab “Right Away”—coupled with a don’t-cross-me warning on “Hauntin U”. Those bold chapters are juxtaposed with introspection as she revisits her most vulnerable moments (“Umona”), learns to shake off negativity (“Aye”), revels in love’s purity (“All to You”) and navigates grief and the perpetual weight of unanswered questions (“Londiwe’s Outro”).