Curation Picks: Fave, Ice Beats Slide, Sbuda Maleather - Gen Z Love

The music world today is an exhilarating paradox: a weird, exciting, daunting, and profoundly experimental phase all at once. This feeling isn't confined to any single genre; instead, we're witnessing an unprecedented era of cross-genre learning and collaboration. Geographical and stylistic boundaries are dissolving, forging a truly global soundscape.

This spirit of community and collaboration is beautifully embodied by initiatives like the Nando's "Mix It Up" series on Bridges For Music. More than just a platform, it's a force for connection, actively encouraging collaboration between established headliners and emerging talent across different scenes.

The "Mix It Up" project has been integral in demonstrating how seemingly disparate sounds – specifically Amapiano, Afrobeats, and UK Drill – can not only coexist but thrive together. The prior three EPs have been a fascinating exercise in curating well-thought-out, if unexpected, musical partnerships.

My current favourite example of this alchemic blend comes from their latest installment, Mix It Up, Vol 4. The standout EP cut "Gen Z Love" shows the incredible FAVE – an artist already known for her succesfful collaborations with South African talent – floating a remarkably easy yet groovy flow over the track's production by Ice Beats Slide and Sbuda Maleather.

What makes this track a standout is how FAVE elevates the lyrical aspect of Amapiano. She moves beyond the typical club narratives, delving into the more intricate themes of love, dating, and modern relationships from a compelling Gen Z perspective. It's a sophisticated, genre-bending moment that proves the current musical landscape is not just about the beat – it's about the depth of the storytelling, too.