Alternative rap artist Manzi Fleur unveiled his anticipated project, MABEL TRAIN TO THE SKY, on Friday, October 18. This concept album seamlessly blends alté, Afrobeat, R&B, drum and bass, indie, and rap, taking listeners on a journey through the many facets of love—heartbreak, situationships, self-discovery, and the pursuit of purpose. The project captures love in its most complex forms, with standout tracks that leave a lasting impression. No Rice at Home celebrates Manzi’s victories on the road to success, while C’est What C’est dives into the depths of depression, offering a glimmer of hope for better days. The soulful “Mabel Blues,” featuring Zowie Kengocha, reflects the search for support in times of hardship. ALSO READ: Bushali’s identity, talent shine in his bold 17-track ‘Full Moon’ LP Across the 11-track album, Manzi maintains a laid-back, chill vibe, with each track unfolding like a chapter in an ongoing story. The album feels like a vintage lo-fi experience, where the narrative flows seamlessly from one song to the next, much like the artist's journey on a train through various phases of life. Collaborations on the album include Mwiza, thedicekid, Zowie Kengocha, and Furaha. In an interview with The New Times, Manzi Fleur opened up, saying: “I wanted this project to resonate with anyone who’s experienced the complexities of love and self-identity. I hope it brings comfort and connection.” A member of the MellowCouch collective, Manzi is part of a movement blending new sounds to redefine creative rap in Rwanda. The collective’s recent 9-track mixtape, “Kubayenga” by Sema Sole, has already dominated rap charts since its August release. Explore MABEL TRAIN TO THE SKY via https://symphony.to/manzi-fleur/mabel-train-to-the-sky.
