Album Review: Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh: Democracy and Delusion
Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh’s rap game has been under the radar for many
years, with the last taste of his lyrical talent showcased in 2005 (Entity:
Royal School of Hip Hop). The album is a breath of fresh air, it is very rare
to come across music that is empowering, yet makes you want to get up and
dance.
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The album cover shows blurred imagery of the South African, sending a strong message of what he’ll be unpacking. Source: Twitter
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The album cover shows blurred imagery of the South African, sending a strong message of what he’ll be unpacking.
His 13 track album makes you want to do more than get up and
dance, leaving you singing and rapping lyrics way after you’ve switched off! It
is one of the albums that’s giving back power to the black conscious man. Each song
and beat is delivered to teach and challenge your thinking. You may not regard
yourself as a conscious folk or have never bothered with it, the album is a
great start for you.
"It’s hard to choose just one track worth listening to over and over again, because each track allows you to connect differently to its message."
He addresses various political, social, economic issues
affecting progress of the majority in South Africa. One of the lyrics from “Imbi
Lendawo” says “se ba thule nje ‘bazi icniso (they’ve
kept quiet knowing the truth)”, and tracks like Thinamasoja, Mambush,
Sifuna Umhlaba, We Shall Rise pierce through the heart reminding one of the
pains we’ve deliberately been put through by the likes of our black presidents.
He collaborates with a few great artists like poet, Lebo Mashile, rapper Van-Go,
R&B group Solo and more, each delivering powerful messages encouraging action
against injustices of the black man.
The album is well written and organised, from the beat
arrangement to political sound bites, it all fits in so perfectly. If the music
is so good, I’m considering getting the book of the same name….
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