A Soulful Start to the Year
Yumbs is kicking off 2025 in full stride with the release of Yummy’s House Vol. 1, a richly textured, proudly South African EP that dropped on 11 April. At the heart of the project is the emotional lead single Awuboni, a moving collaboration with Scotts Maphuma, brought to life by a stellar vocal lineup including Nia Pearl, Zani, Makhanj, and Mashudu.
A Love Letter to Amapiano with a Houseful of Soul
Yummy’s House Vol. 1 is more than just an EP — it’s a curated soundscape where soulful Amapiano meets nostalgic house grooves. Staying true to his “private-school Amapiano” roots, Yumbs fuses homegrown textures, indigenous instruments, and multi-lingual lyricism into a cohesive sonic journey. He calls on a powerful ensemble, with vocal and production contributions from Russell Zuma, Langa Mavuso, Sfarzo Rtee, and the ever-present Scotts Maphuma.
Focus Single ‘Awuboni’: A Deep Dive into Love and Longing
With Awuboni, Yumbs delivers a track steeped in vulnerability and raw emotion. Infused with Maskandi undertones, the song reflects the frustrations of loving someone resistant to change — a soulful confrontation layered with heartfelt harmonies. The emotional weight of the track is matched by the vocal prowess of Nia Pearl, Mashudu, Zani, and Makhanj, crafting a listening experience that resonates deeply.
Momentum from Amaphupho and Piano Pulse Recognition
The EP follows the success of Amaphupho, a track that earned early recognition on YouTube’s Piano Pulse podcast as one of the best releases of the week. The critical nod signaled that Yumbs is in top creative form heading into this new chapter.
Yumborghini Club: Building Culture Beyond the Studio
Yumbs isn’t just producing music — he’s building community. His signature event series, Yumborghini Club: Last Sundays, held its latest edition on 30 March 2025 at La Familia Street Culture. More than a party, it served as a space for connection and celebration, while also doubling as the backdrop for Yumbs’ live mix — released just ahead of the EP. Images from the day quickly lit up timelines, drumming up excitement for the project’s arrival.
About Yumbs: From Church Drums to Global Beats
Born Ayanda Oratile Yumba in Kagiso township in 2002, Yumbs’ musical journey began behind a church drum set at age ten. His talent blossomed at the National School of the Arts, where he learned bass, guitar, and piano, later sharpening his skills at the Academy of Sound Engineering.
His breakout came in 2020 with co-production credits on Musa Keys’ smash hit Vula Mlomo. From there, his resume grew to include collaborations with Kelvin Momo, Bien, Pabi Cooper, Major League Djz, DJ Maphorisa, and global names like Joe Boy, Blxckie, and even Ciara, Will.I.Am, and Pharrell Williams.
A Rising Star with Global Intent
Yumbs’ debut EP The First Offering (2022) featured a who’s who of the Amapiano scene, while his role as executive producer on Pabi Cooper’s Cooperville further showcased his ear for sonic cohesion. His remix of Ciara’s How We Roll and the Amapiano remix of Muni Long’s Made For Me solidified his growing international profile.
In early 2025, Yumbs continued his global reach by joining Warner Music Africa’s songwriting camp in Ghana, working with top-tier artists and producers from across Africa and the UK.
An Artist in Full Bloom
With Yummy’s House Vol. 1, Yumbs has crafted more than an EP — he’s delivered a cultural statement, a celebration of identity, emotion, and the evolving sound of Amapiano. If this project is any indication, 2025 is shaping up to be the year Yumbs solidifies his place among the genre’s most visionary architects.
