Raphael Benza Explains Why AKA’s “Mass Country” Stands Out As A Special Album

Raphael Benza Explains Why AKA’s “Mass Country” Stands Out As A Special Album. In the history of South African hip-hop, few albums carry the emotional and cultural weight of AKA’s Mass Country. Released in February 2023, just weeks after the tragic passing of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, the project became more than a body of work. It became a farewell, a statement, and a defining chapter in the story of one of the country’s most influential artists.

But what exactly makes Mass Country stand apart?

In an exclusive interview with SA Hip Hop Mag, Vth Season founder and longtime AKA collaborator Raphael Benza opened up about the album’s remarkable journey from idea to execution. His reflections reveal a project built on patience, intention, and a level of ambition rarely seen in the local industry.

According to Benza, Mass Country was the longest project AKA ever worked on. The process began in 2019, even before the release of Bhovamania, and unfolded over four years, shaped by global uncertainty and personal growth. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, career milestones, and life’s shifting seasons, the album slowly took form.

“It took him a while to make ‘Mass Country.’ He had a dream way back,” Benza said.

That time allowed AKA to dive deeper into themes of life, legacy, vulnerability, and triumph. Songs such as “Last Time” and “Company” reflect an artist who had matured both personally and creatively. In a genre often driven by speed and trends, Mass Country embraced patience. The result is an album that feels layered and reflective, capturing a version of AKA that was evolving in real time.

Another defining feature of the project was its collaborative scale. Benza revealed that Mass Country involved more songwriting camps than any previous AKA album. Creative sessions took place in locations such as Mooi River and Vanderbijlpark, with additional work completed in Los Angeles. These were not casual meetups but carefully curated spaces where producers, writers, and artists came together to shape a cohesive vision.

The guest list speaks to that ambition. Heavyweights like Nasty C and Khuli Chana joined forces with international contributors, including Nigerian artist KDDO. The sound blended hip-hop foundations with Amapiano textures and broader African influences. Benza described the album as a thesis on music rooted in South Africa and the continent at large.

The scale of the album extended beyond the music itself. Benza confirmed that Mass Country was the most expensive project AKA ever created. The investment was visible in the production quality and especially in the visuals.

The music video for “Lemons (Lemonade)” showcased vibrant Lagos backdrops and cinematic storytelling, reflecting AKA’s larger-than-life persona. Other visuals pushed creative boundaries with polished cinematography and layered narratives. The goal was not simply to release songs but to create an immersive experience.

For Benza, that commitment to excellence defined AKA’s approach. He did not just record music. He built worlds around it.

Three years later, as South African hip-hop continues to evolve, Mass Country remains a benchmark. It represents patience in an era of urgency, collaboration in a competitive landscape, and bold investment in artistic vision.