Stogie T is set to make his come back with his first EP since the global pandemic, “Shallow,” a collection that delves into Africa’s current socio-political landscape. “The dream deferred, the loss of hope under the crushing weight of an increasingly failing state,” says Stogie T. His upcoming work doesn’t just touch on these themes but explores the effects on the people’s psyche.
The EP is set to showcase a rich collaboration of talents, featuring American spoken word titan Saul Williams, South African Afro-folk singer Msaki, and the powerful vocalist Bonj. Adding a unique flavor, newcomer Apu Sebekedi’s in the lead single, “Shallow.” The production, steered by experimental jazz musician Shane Cooper, is a testament to the diverse sounds woven into this project.
In the realm of African hip hop, Stogie T stands as a legendary figure. His impressive resume includes collaborations with artists like Styles P, Immortal Technique, Chinese Man, and Nasty C. Stogie T has long been a trailblazer in the African music landscape, initially making waves with Tumi and The Volume, a band that captured the post-apartheid optimism of the rainbow nation. However, “Shallow” takes a different turn, tapping into the disillusionment of a country once celebrated for its democratic miracle. As the world embraces the vibrant sounds of Amapiano, Stogie T’s new EP offers a bittersweet reflection of these paradoxical times. “The overarching messaging in ‘Shallow’ is collective psychosis,” he explains.
“Shallow” was conceived, written, and recorded between Johannesburg and Los Angeles, amidst the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by intense anxiety. Shane Cooper, a significant figure in Johannesburg’s live music scene, joins Stogie T in this endeavor. Their shared love for alternative hip hop and South Africa’s rich 80s musical heritage brings a distinctive edge to the project. “We aimed to merge these colors against the backdrop of the local current dance waves taking over the globe,” says Stogie T.
Stogie T continues to be a voice of conscience within South Africa’s cultural landscape, addressing critical issues such as mental health, land rights, love, and a stark warning about Africa’s future. Reflecting on the production tone, he notes, “We wanted to somehow redeem the 80s by using its vintage keyboards and programmed drums while staying loyal to the core values of my lyricism.”
KK FAM ARE Y’ALL LOOKING FORWARD TO THE DROP???