The GwapCity SmartCity Mixtape Volume 1 represents a groundbreaking collaboration across continents, featuring artists from the USA, Canada, South Africa, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Zimbabwe. This project, spearheaded by Merkus Amani and Adonaiyah Yearwood, also known as Shorto, is a testament to the power of music in uniting diverse cultures and voices under a common theme of resilience and purpose.
Recorded in various studios around the world, the mixtape's production credits highlight a unique blend of talent. Shorto of 3IO Music Group in Trinidad & Tobago laid the sonic foundation, while Street Keys, a young prodigy from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, contributed to the mixing and mastering of tracks recorded in Africa. This dual-engine production approach not only ensures a unified sound but also symbolizes the mixtape's core vision: bridging continents and cultures through music.
The mixtape's cassette-themed format, with Side A focusing on readiness and Side B on reverence, offers listeners a nostalgic yet modern auditory experience. Featured artists include Cowboy Normara from South Africa, Dre Mafia from Canada/Jamaica, and Flame Boy A from Zimbabwe, among others, showcasing a wide array of talents and styles.
Set for release on July 17, 2025, the mixtape aligns with a symbolic date from Genesis, marking a moment of transition from storm to solid ground. This theme resonates deeply with the executive producer Merkus Amani's personal journey of recovery and renewal.
The GwapCity SmartCity Mixtape Volume 1 is more than just a collection of tracks; it's a movement. It invites listeners, media partners, and cultural sponsors to join in building a sound that not only echoes but establishes a new cultural paradigm. This project underscores the importance of global collaboration in the arts, offering a blueprint for how music can serve as a catalyst for unity and transformation.
