Diana Kinyanjui 
Renowned Producer and DJ Airburn Sounds is set to release his long-awaited single CRUSH YAM with singer Mawhoo, BoontleRSA and featuring Optimist Music SA
The song is set to be released on Friday, 12 September 2025. CRUSH YAM is a soothing and melodic sound that represents longing. It is a heartfelt expression wrapped in rhythm and melody. CRUSH YAM plays on the innocence of fancying someone and never seeing it through, the permanent longing, but the fear of disappointment.
The lyrics tell a story of romance, affection, and the desire to be loved with a gentle and emotive beat. The rhythmic Amapiano beat is playful, but like a heartbeat trembling yet allows one to dance. Each music note is like poetry combined with dance. It is a mellow yet upbeat Amapiano song that infuses a soothing guitar.
Mawhoos’ feminine vocals create a balance. Both the male and female vocalists explore their vulnerability and shyness in their approach of being in love. Airburn Sounds says CRUSH YAM is a lighthearted song. It feels like a page from a secret diary, one kept their secrets, it’s tender and vulnerable.
“It is a light-hearted, romantic song. It’s almost very poetic Amapiano. But also a universal sound for both young and old.”
BoontleRSA describes the song as fun, playful, and melodic.
“Everyone can relate to the song. Everyone has been in love or had a crush they fear talking to.”
Mawhoo says the song is different from anything she has done.
“It’s innocent, explores vulnerability, and is just a fun song.”
Optimist Music ZA said making the song came naturally and easily.
“We have all had crushes, and the making of the song was organic, natural, and unforced. This is why the light airiness of the song speaks to everyone.”
QUESTION AND ANSWERS
1. How did the collaboration with these three artists come about?
I had always wanted to work with Mawhoo. Mawhoo hosted a music camp, orking towards her album. I had set up my studio at the camp as one of the head producers. We made a lot of songs. But Crush Yam stood out. BoontleRSA first came up with the melody forAirburn Sounds set to release infectious new single titled ‘Crush Yam’
The music was initially meant to be on Mawhoo’s album, but it didn’t make it due to technical issues. However, it worked well for everyone because we took the time to work on it. We re-recorded her verse and added some guitar.
2. When and how long did it take to work on the music?
I worked on the beat. The song took a few hours to put together. But we kept it and went back to make some adjustments. You know, as an artist, a song is never complete – there will always be something you feel you could have done better.
3. What was the inspiration behind the song Crush Yam?
It’s a really mellow, chilled Amapiano love song that everyone can relate to – all ages, all races. Not complicated. It’s a simple song, fun and great for the coming summer.
4. What are you currently working on?
I am already finishing up my next release which will be a single coming out end of the month featuring Zuma, Azi and S’Villa. Will announce everything soon. Then, after that, I will be releasing my EP – star-studded. Big names, great songs, and just good music. There’s a lot on the pipeline.
5. Describe your sound?
My sound is Soulful, Afro-soul mixed with Amapiano. Crush Yam has an Afro Soul guitar, so it makes the Amapiano sound very different to what people are used to. I am very versatile. I started out making Afrobeats and Hip-Hop. Now, I’m exploring Amapiano infused with Kwaito – that wave is coming in hard. I produced something amazing for Stilo Magolide with the same sound. But my style cant really be boxed
AirBurn Sounds, real name Thabo Mahundla is a self-taught music producer and DJ. Born in Joburg Alexandra and raised in Thembisa, with roots in Limpopo. From a young age, he demonstrated his love for music and won several DJ competitions as a teenager.
A music marvel, he has produced for artists such as Zanda Zakuza, Mr Brown, Stilo Magolide, Makhadzi, Temwah, Boity Thulo, Rethabile Khumalo, Nokwazi and many more.
His music has made it to international shores and he also got an opportunity to work with USA/Senegalese artist Akon.
He produced the latest release by Jamaican artist Ka$e.
Airburn Sounds latest unreleased work includes features with Sir Trill, LeemCrazy, Mulest Vankay, Naledi, CZwe, Kabza De Small, Zuma, Nation365, Naledi Aphiwe, Veyane, OHP Sage, Soulful G, Semi Langa, and many more.
His hard work and love for an authentic African sound which infuses Tech, Amapiano, Soul, Dance, Afro and Afrobeats has earned him a place on the international stage.
Social Media:
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