Bringing things right back to home base, Thando Skwatsha ruminates on the process of growing up, moving away from one’s parents and finding oneself in the very real world in his new single, “isaziso”. It comes ahead of his upcoming full length project, imini nentsuku, which arrives 18 November and is produced by his long-time collaborator Milan Rendall.
Directly translating as “notice” or “notification”, the track, which is sung wholly in his mother tongue is isiXhosa, sheds light on his own journey into adulthood and his subsequent reconnection to his ancestors. “isaziso” is something of a call to them, notifying them of who he has become. All this set against a minimalist-rhythm-heavy sonic backdrop. Atmospheric piano chords meet light percussive rhythm, and Skwatsha’s trademark, rich vocals.
The video keeps things equally simplistic – just Skwatsha himself, donned in a Guess jersey, reeling out the track against a darkened backdrop, while the English translation of the song threads along the bottom of the screen. On any other track this over-simple visual might have fallen flat, but here it soars in its innate, visceral simplicity.
Feature pic supplied by artist
