Muzz Afrika, formerly Edgar Muzah, has released OWN KING through It Sounds Fresh. The eight-track album is the sound of an artist rediscovering his creative freedom.

The SAMA-winning singer-songwriter, producer, composer and bassist has worked with Ami Faku, Nathi Mankayi, Amanda Black, Blaq Diamond, Nomcebo Zikode, MXO, Ntsika, Putuma, Willis Wataffi, Ringo Madlingozi and Phila Madlingozi. This project, shaped over roughly two years of personal growth, turns the lens on him. Its central idea is knowing who you are and having the confidence to own your journey.

A new chapter, a lighter touch. Lead single “ENERGY” is what Muzz calls a “Muzz Pop” record: vibrant, accessible and unapologetically celebratory. It celebrates being drawn to someone and embracing the feeling without overthinking. It also arrived by accident, born during a session meant for a different song.

“I am having fun with my music again,” he says. “I want people to feel good and not think for a few minutes.”

OWN KING marks a clear departure from his previous work, Son Of A Tribe. The roots remain, but the approach is more open to experimentation and accessible melodies. He went into the studio with nothing to prove and followed the music instead. “I genuinely believe this project was given to me,” he says. “My job was to be humble enough to receive it.” He is also clear about the title: “It is not about being above anyone. It is about knowing who you are, owning your journey and being brave enough to become the best version of yourself.”

The tracklist, in brief

• “CORONATION” opens the album as Muzz steps forward to claim his own path.

• “CELEBRATE” invites listeners to acknowledge how far they have come and enjoy the present.

• “HEALER” reflects his belief in music as light and reassurance.

• “ENERGY” carries the album’s confidence and freedom.

• “DURA” takes its meaning from the traditional granary that stores harvested crops. When you know your granary is full, he says, you need not accept less than you deserve out of fear of running out.

• “THIS ONE” rejects competitive success in favour of collective progress, with enough opportunity for everyone.

• “HUYA” captures the intensity of desire, with repeated invitations for a lover to come closer.

• “LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL” closes the album with a call to release what causes pain and practise gratitude.

Positivity is the thread running through it all. Muzz deliberately avoided building the album around sadness, choosing music that can lift people through hard times without losing sight of life’s beauty. “Life can be heavy, but there is still so much worth celebrating,” he says. “If OWN KING helps someone believe in themselves again, then the music has done its job.”

OWN KING is out now. Follow Muzz Afrika on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X at @ndinimuzz.