JAN TAPES – 2020Wayfly’s Emotional, Cultural & Sonic Statement

Elias Mototo
Feb 20
4 min read

2020Wayfly is not a name you hear every day. But when you do, you already know the speakers are about to shake.

Born Tshepo Manana, the Sebokeng-based producer and hip-hop DJ has officially stepped into album territory with JAN TAPES, released on January 30 (with the drop date exclusively leaked by Wavy Kulture under his direction). The project is named after his late father, Jan Manana, and it is more than just a compilation — it’s a cultural timestamp for the Vaal.

This marks his first official body of work following a strong 2025 run, including the standout single “Ke Nako” with Hemustbefabulous, which sampled the late Ntate Tsepo Tshola’s classic “Nonyana.” From that moment, it was clear: 2020Wayfly wasn’t playing.

Now, with 12 records carefully curated and produced, JAN TAPES arrives as a statement.

A Strong Opening: Swag, Trauma & Reflection

“Jan Intro (Live)” sets the tone. Featuring Tshego Santana, the intro balances aura and vulnerability. There’s braggadocio — swag, flair, dominance — but also restraint. He touches on parental issues, only to pull back, saying he avoids unpacking them because it would “ruin the day.” It’s controlled emotion — and that control feels intentional.

HemustbeFRXSH follows with one of the most introspective lines on the project:

“From a young kid’s point of view, if I knew hotloba tje, nenka bua le Jah ang’baballe setswadi se be teng.”

Translated loosely: If I knew life would get this tough, I would have asked God to protect my parents.

That line hits differently considering the album’s dedication.

There’s also a subtle cultural callback when Tshego Santana references doing this “The whole time,” echoing the spirit of Riky Rick — particularly era mentorship energy, where he treated emerging artists like his own children. That lineage matters. It shows awareness of legacy.

Phakathi / Hotla Loka – Gratitude After the Storm

Track 2, “Phakathi / Hotla Loka,” again features Hemustbefabulous. Sonically, it leans hood and kwaito-inspired — gritty but melodic.

There’s a noticeable shift in Fabulous’ tone. If you watched his emotional breakdown discussing his debut album INJRY SZN, you understand the context. He once explained the pain behind that title. Now, on JAN TAPES, he reassures himself — and listeners — that everything will be okay.

It feels like growth. Not hype. Not flexing. Growth.

Beautiful moment.

Paola (Faranah) – Peace, Love & Stability

“Paola (Faranah)” — “Paola” in S’milano refers to a hot girl — is a chilled, intimate record. Fabulous expresses gratitude to a woman who loved him when he was broke. There’s no need for validation. When he’s with her, he’s at peace.

It’s refreshing when street rappers allow softness into the narrative. The Vaal scene doesn’t often spotlight emotional stability — but here, it’s central.

A Vaal Collective Like Never Before

One of the album’s most powerful aspects is its community-driven approach. This isn’t just a producer album. It’s a Vaal compilation in spirit.

Artists featured include:

Real Deal Genaro
Dukii Gone Green
Masedi
Espiquet
DJ Frisky
Loboza
Trill Kay
JustSam
Lawkiid
Earle Fari

This level of Vaal collaboration on one cohesive tape is rare. 2020Wayfly isn’t just producing songs — he’s building ecosystem equity.

Azishe Tsotsi – Proof of Consistency

Guluva (Feat. Real Deal Genaro, Boss Jean & Lation) released 2021 on YouTube sounds exactly like Azishe tsotsi in terms of sonics. Including Azishe Tsotsi here isn’t filler — it’s evidence. It shows that 2020Wayfly’s production quality has been consistently elite for years.

Consistency is underrated in the underground.

He’s had it.

Smilano Energy & The Streets’ Favourite

A Vaal tape wouldn’t be complete without Smilano influence. Tracks like “Why” and “Ngwaneso” bring that localized flair.

Masedi shines with personality, mocking fake designer culture while still empathizing:

He laughs — but he understands.

“Nna Nlate Etsa” and “Call of Duty” (both late 2025 singles) served as strategic rollout records, creating momentum ahead of JAN TAPES.

Then there’s “Diboto (Milano)” — arguably the streets’ favourite. It leans toward dance sonics rather than traditional hip hop. This could signal a new sonic wave emerging from the Vaal.

The blueprint was already visible in last year’s smash “Ntlwelle Ke Theose” by 2020Wayfly, Hemustbefabulous, Masedi, Bino Boy and Makhwenkhwe.

This isn’t accidental. It’s evolution.

The Emotional Core: A Son’s Dedication

During an emotional interview on VUT FM’s The Morning Fix with Tshego Loate, 2020Wayfly revealed that his father always encouraged him to pursue something meaningful — not music.

Now, music has become that meaningful thing.

He wished his father were alive to see it.

That context reframes the entire album.

JAN TAPES isn’t just a project. It’s closure. It’s rebellion. It’s fulfillment.