Soweto-born producer Mdoovar embellishes amapiano’s defining elements—humping log drum, thick bass and airy pads—with droning synths, shimmering electric guitars and jazzy trumpets to create a soulful soundscape for the ethereal vocals of guests like Basiame, Simmy, Ami Faku, Sir Trill and others to glide and soar as they please. Isithembiso leans towards the “private school” amapiano strain that’s lush, long-form and rich in musicality; it’s soothing even when it’s danceable. And it’s dominated by the knocking bass that defines the album’s second half, where soulful vocals are complemented by sporadic raps and chants.