An exciting mix of lively soukous and soulful lyrics

In many ways, Puzzle is more than an album for Gaz Mawete. Thematically, it captures the Congolese singer’s wide array of experiences, but it also unfolds like a treasure map of the unique vibes and styles that make up his sound. On the 15-track project, Gaz rounds off the livelier edges of soukous with elements of soul, R&B, trap, and shoegaze music while conjuring a sense of wonder, ambition, rage, and love with his beguiling voice. There’s dense percussion and prickly synths on “Sé Na Sé,” a collaboration with Suspect 95. “Baby Mama” kicks off with tender piano chords making a strong declaration of intent to protect a loved one. And “Tin Tin” takes its dance-ready essence from rumba. With Puzzle, Mawete draws a line under his versatility while paying homage to the music and memories that have shaped him.