1. “Sax Fifth Avenue”

Masego | Masego

I’ve already used this (semi-)annual exercise to wax poetic about the musical talents of fellow June Gemini Micah Davis, stage name Masego, proselytizing to the masses that his superstardom is all but imminent, because is there anything he can’t do?

Masego’s clearly found beauty in the journey. This year’s Masego is his most ambitious and complete project to date, an amalgam of sounds owing to his global travels he somehow wrangles into cohesion, much like Beyoncé’s Renaissance in its seamless transitions between each track. I’ve landed on at least 4 different favorites since March (the brother is seriously preaching on “Who Cares Anyway” and “You Never Visit Me”). Still, I continue returning to “Sax Fifth Avenue” because of how deeply his manifesto seemingly resembles my own.

Masego makes clear this life as a creative is all he desires, that it is endemic to his very being. Frankly, plan B’s don’t exist – and probably shouldn’t, either – when you’re that convinced of your calling. And despite the struggles along the way, you’ve got to believe that your patience and persistence will soon be rewarded, as validation of your faith. Nearly a decade into his career, Masego finally seems to be on the brink of everything he’s dreamed. Radio run coming soon, soon, soon…