A lot of upcoming cats in the entertainment scene think the answers to their difficulties are in someone else, when in fact we hold the power as creatives.
The biggest mistake an artist can make is not realising that they have the power, says in tidy lieu South African Disc Jockey (DJ) and beat-producing duo — Marlode & Owams — ultimately usurped by a surge for guts, as such, knocking walls down; prior to chucking out fear that lingered in the shadiness of a dilemma!
On the button, last month today, the 21-year-old Amapiano artist pretty much foaled their extremely expected crunchy number ‘Impilo’ — on which they combine their signature panaches with the tantamount broader energy of 2woBunnies. Able to thrive, the canon which features an ensemble of talents is a heartfelt Amapiano/Dance single.
To deliver a thumping song that speaks to the whimsical nature of the human experience on a profound level, this collaborative elbow grease showcases the artists’ vocal prowess, ensuant in a rich and dynamic vocal arrangement that underscores the track’s theme.
Golden with earthy personal magnetism, argus-eyed musical artists MaWhoo, Leandra. Vert, Toby Franco, Gilano, and Sponge 101 — make it a life-or-death factor that listeners get honest and real food to the soul, with a serious seasoner veered between a bullocky balance in harmonies and lyrics. Chiefly giving this luscious opus ‘Impilo’, an orpine chiseled gustatory perceptual experience!
Opined to possess such great energy and potential to put down their flags in the Amapiano space and become future leaders in the arena, Marlode known off-stage as Sifiso Kevin Sibeko and Owams born Owami Ntuli — both hail from Middleburg, Mpumalanga.
Buoyed by a healthy upbringing, in a conservative yet comprehensive family, the church became a first-string pillar for Marlode’s musicianship. He played the trumpet in the church brass band. At the other end of the experience scale, Owams grew up largely on euphony by American rapper Tupac Amaru Shakur (also known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli), as well as American singer-songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist Michael Jackson.
This would of course lead him to take his shot at a rap career, which at length morphed into a broader auditory communication junket — with Owams having been a producer for over eight years.
Literally a dream come true, as a duo, Marlode & Owams set out producing for numerous musician friends — which aided in developing a keen ear for tonal pattern. It would more and more animate how the creatives approach — to the lowest degree farcical — other genres such as Afrobeats.
Of its sound, Marlode & Owams exhaustively — fair to middling — avows: “Our music can be classified under Amapiano and/or Dance music. Afrobeats, Rhythm & Blues Soul — largely influence the sound for the drums and melodies.”
Departing from their university pursuits to chase their cacoethes for ballads, the Disc Jockeys’ impressive track record includes production credits on the tune ‘Dzepa’ by 2woBunnies and multi-platinum artist Ch’cco — in collaboration with musical artists Shaunmusiq and Ftears. It is Marlode & Owams’ biggest anthem to date — certified gold — in verity, helping to ballista the duet’s canter to stardom in the local sonic composition industry.
A seamless mix of wholesale Amapiano rhythms, entrancing melodies, and special soulful vocals — the making waves creatives’ up-to-the-minute banger ‘Impilo’, renders a brawny backdrop to the motif of navigating life’s plights. The hit’s glib-tongued narrative is ameliorated by the incorporation of an epic guitar solo, adding a unique dimension to the ditty’s hearable landscape.
2woBunnies, the versatile musical pair known for its genre-blending abilities, bring its crystalline contact to the berceuse. Its circular-knit integration of various ariose elements, creates an immersive soundscape that heightens the birdcall’s message of hope and elasticity.
Things looking up, the super collective cast of vocalists strap in, to amaze. Sprinkling fervour in the studio, to make ‘Impilo’ a fiercely competitive jam that cut into life’s trials and tribulations — while serving as an afoot plea for providential steering throughout the trip.
A goodish contingent of Amapiano enthusiasts and tattle stalwarts alike — are bucked up to immerse themselves in the cantabile and cerebral excursion that the record offers. Fully focused on captivating listeners with its chanted excellence and profound message, ‘Impilo’ is a reminder that life is a journey which — with all its predicaments and triumphs — is expeditiously voyaged with faith.
Treating protagonists to a singable feast, so, Marlode & Owams has chop-chop risen through the ranks of the Amapiano scene — gaining credit for its avant-garde expressive style to the genre. Pushing creative boundaries, the duet’s ability to infuse deep emotions into its auditory sensation, is likewise resonating with audiences around the globe.
Moonshot grooved for the big push, Marlode & Owams is hard at work on its debut EP, building different layers of pulsing keys and pregnant trills. Blues going through a metempsychosis, the offering promises to be the ticker of a star-studded liaison.
It features a cast of notable collaborators like Nkosazana Daughter a musical artist, Rhythm & Blues singer-songwriter Nanette, Slade a songwriter and music producer, musical artist TmanXpress, and Yumbs a multi-platinum selling producer. A step up, in haste, hardening Marlode & Owams’ position as the industry’s next mammoth thing.
All niggles whittled in a heavy-duty innovative approach and boundless creativity — the chemistry advantaged Disc Jockey and beat-producing duo has garnered an abundance of attention; not only as hotshot musicians, but also as influencers in the realms of fashion and film. Lief tethering, banking wins, reinventing the roulette wheel!
- Grant Moyo is a prolific writer, innovative media personality, entrepreneur and a creative artist who is passionate about using his creative mind for the betterment of society. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter): @TotemGrant
