M.Phasha gets real on just what it is to navigate a modern South Africa in his shoes. “ReTsogile”, which features uWah, translates from the original sePedi as “we are awake”. Which feels apt considering the searing honesty of the track. It was inspired by a combination of loadshedding frustration and historical research – which also feels pretty appropriate.
Simplicity rules this track, from the hollow beat which taps out the prevailing rhythm, to the wafting synths which create the uniform backdrop to M.Phasha’s stark truths. The video is just as simple and just as striking, opening with an excerpt of an iconic interview with Miriam Makeba, as she speaks to artistry and belonging.
Rapped bars drop melodiously while M.Phasha cuts a striking figure in black and white, unspooling a tale of generational struggle, cultural identity and unresolved issues which have prevailed over the last three decades. Lines like “What happened to my language / writing songs in my mother tongue” and “my parents were just numbers” cut to the quick.
All this delivered with a poignant authenticity, a wake up call, a personal consideration of lives lived.
Feature pic supplied by artist
