Let me take you back in time for a moment. It is the December of 2021, you’re scrolling through your “For You Page” on TikTok and every video that pops up has a song with the lyrics: “don’t you taste my patience my mind is not sane, I’m beyond insane, Nna” accompanied by the dance move now known as the “Tempela”. This very song, “Nkao Tempela” by Ch’cco and Mellow & Sleazy went on to grab the hearts of many across the nation and beyond. Shoot putting Ch’cco into stardom. Since that very moment in time Ch’cco has gone on to work with some of the biggest names in the Amapiano industry and yet he has not dropped a single album under his name, why is that?
A generational album consists of Ten things: The artists sound, song quality, originality and innovation, emotional resonance, consistency, production quality, artists vision, replay value, cultural impact and critical and commercial reception. Ch’cco at the time was lacking in all fronts of this criteria but now more than ever he fits the criteria so well that one can argue that he is lining up to drop what could be one of the most generational Amapiano albums in the last five years. Let’s delve deeper into why.
- The artist’s innovative sound:
Coming from his rap roots, Shiko Matlebjane first set foot in the Amapiano industry through the hit single “you my baby” and since then he has been on a journey of developing his sound as an artist. If you listen to his most recent work “Kontrol” versus his debut single one can notice that he has embraced the core elements of Amapiano while infusing his track with contemporary sounds and production techniques. His music now often features lush, layered synthesizers, intricate drum patterns, and infectious basslines that create a dynamic and immersive listening experience. Whereas before it felt as if there was barely any creative play in trying to represent himself as an artist through his music.
- The artist’s collaborative skills:
Collaboration is a cornerstone of Ch’cco’s approach to music. He frequently works with other artists and producers, which not only enhances the diversity of his sound but also fosters a sense of community within the Amapiano scene. When we look at all the artists that he has worked with and continues to work with he has got such a large catalogue to pick from to and to this debut album of his whereas before he was limited because of lack of the relations that he had with them and his lack of experience with playing around with this sound through collaborations.
- The artist’s Cultural impact:
Ch’cco’s rise in the Amapiano scene comes at a time when the genre is gaining international recognition. His album is expected to contribute significantly to the global footprint of Amapiano, introducing it to new audiences and potentially shaping the future direction of the genre.
- The artist’s artistic vision:
Shikos artistic vision has grown over the years, it is evident in the cohesive nature of his projects. Whether it’s a single track or a 2 track EP, his work is now characterised by a clear sense of direction and purpose. This vision is not only reflected in the music itself but also in the accompanying visuals, album art, and promotional materials, all of which contribute to a unified and compelling artistic identity.
- The artists lyricism:
A significant aspect of Ch’cco’s sound is its cultural resonance. His lyrics often reflect the experiences and aspirations of South African youth, addressing themes such as love, resilience, and the pursuit of success. This lyrical content, combined with his charismatic vocal delivery, creates an emotional connection with listeners, making his music both relatable and impactful.
Ch’cco’s music serves as a cultural bridge, bringing the rich sounds of Amapiano to new audiences both within and outside of South Africa. By incorporating elements of local slang and references to South African culture, he maintains an authentic voice that resonates deeply with his home audience while also appealing to international listeners.
Ch’cco’s upcoming album has all the ingredients to be a generational project. His innovative sound, strategic collaborations, high production quality, cultural impact and cohesive artistic vision collectively set the stage for a landmark release. As Ch’cco continues to push the boundaries of Amapiano and connect with audiences on a deep emotional level, his new album is poised to make a significant impact on the music landscape, solidifying his status as one of the leading artists of his generation.
