The South African house music scene has been buzzing with anticipation, and the reason is simple: Black Motion’s fifth studio album, “Rebirth Of The Drum,” has finally been released. Launched on September 1, 2023, under the banner of Universal Music Africa, the album is a high-octane tribute to the African drum and a showcase of the duo’s distinct blend of traditional rhythms with contemporary electronic music. Thabo ‘Smol’ Mabogwane and Bongani ‘MurdahBongz’ Mohosana, the talents behind Black Motion, have enlisted an impressive array of guest artists, including Madala Kunene, Busi Mhlongo, and Mabi Gabriel Thobejane, to bring their vision to life. The release is both a nod to their heritage and a finger on the pulse of modern music trends, making it a must-listen for fans across genres.
Quick Highlights:
- Long-Awaited Release: The album has been one of the most anticipated releases in the South African house music scene.
- Star-Studded Collaborations: The album features a variety of guest artists, adding layers of complexity and richness to the duo’s signature style.
- Cultural Homage: “Rebirth Of The Drum” serves as a tribute to African drum culture, blending the traditional and the contemporary in a unique auditory experience.
- Tracklist Unveiled: The album consists of 16 tracks, each offering a different facet of Black Motion’s versatile musical abilities.
- Controversies Addressed: Amidst rumors of a split and the addition of a new member, Black Motion reaffirms their unity and ongoing contributions to the music industry.
The album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a carefully curated musical journey that promises to take listeners through a wide range of emotions. Whether you’re in the mood for uplifting beats or introspective tunes, “Rebirth Of The Drum” has something for everyone. Its release marks a significant moment in the African electronic music landscape, reinforcing Black Motion’s place as pioneers in the genre.
Black Motion’s “Rebirth Of The Drum”: A Culmination of Heritage and Modernity
Black Motion’s latest album, “Rebirth Of The Drum,” serves as a harmonious fusion of cultural heritage and modern musical elements. Released on September 1, 2023, the album stands as a monumental tribute to the significance of the African drum, intricately weaving traditional rhythms with contemporary electronic beats. Featuring an ensemble of guest artists like Madala Kunene and Busi Mhlongo, the album encapsulates a broad spectrum of emotions from jubilance to sorrow. By effortlessly blending ancestral sounds with current musical trends, “Rebirth Of The Drum” not only cements Black Motion’s status as innovators in the South African house music scene but also creates a transcendent experience that appeals to a global audience.
Meaning of the Album: Black Motion’s “Rebirth Of The Drum”
“Rebirth of the Drum,” Black Motion’s seventh studio album, serves as an auditory tapestry that weaves together the traditional and the modern, the local and the global. This project signals an evolution for the duo, now comprised of Smol and Problem Child Ten83, as they explore both familiar terrains and uncharted territories in their musical journey. For instance, their dynamic reimagining of Madala Kunene’s classic “Abangoma” simultaneously pays homage to South African musical heritage and heralds the electro-spiritual sounds of the future. In doing so, the album transcends time, offering a layered conversation between past, present, and future.
This temporal fluidity is matched by a spatial and cultural expansiveness. Songs like “Shona Malanga,” “Teka,” and “Like I Do” employ a multitude of languages, hinting at a broader, continental perspective. The ancestral chants that pepper the tracks add another layer of depth, serving as both a nod to tradition and a universal call to the spiritual dimensions of existence. This multi-lingual, multi-generational approach sets the album apart, marking it as a work that is as rooted in specific locales as it is boundlessly cosmopolitan.
At its core, “Rebirth of the Drum” is more than a collection of songs; it’s a complex dialogue between varying elements—traditional versus contemporary, electronic versus organic, individual versus collective. Through collaborations that vocalize the universal quests for love, happiness, healing, and spiritual enlightenment, the album offers a rich auditory experience. By employing syncopated percussion, ethereal synths, and earthy strums, Black Motion crafts soundscapes that are as thought-provoking as they are dance-inducing. It’s a masterful synthesis that not only propels the duo further into the musical stratosphere but also enriches the listener’s understanding of what African electronic music can be.
New Member Drama: MurdahBongz Speaks Out
However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Black Motion. Rumors of a split have been circulating since April, fueled by the unexpected addition of a new member, Kabelo ‘Problem Child’ Koma. In a recent interview with Kaya 959, Mohosana expressed his feelings about the situation. “For me, I was hurt, but I still smile about it,” he said. He discovered Koma’s membership through social media, after Koma appeared in an interview alongside Mabogwane ahead of their performance at the Tastic Heritage Festival. Despite these allegations of a split, a statement was issued on behalf of Black Motion by Sprit Motion, which firmly dismissed the rumors. It assured fans that Black Motion “still exists and has plans for more years to come,” adding that Mohosana had rebranded as Morda for a solo career, while Mabogwane is focusing on other business ventures.
Tracklist of “Rebirth Of The Drum”
- Intro (Tribute to Gabriel Mabi Thobejane) (feat. Refentse Mabogwane)
- Abangoma (Cave Mix) (feat. Madala Kunene, Busi Mhlongo, Mabi Gabriel Thobejane & Tu Nokwe)
- Shona Malanga (feat. Presss & Rockboys)
- Ngoma (feat. Mazet SA)
- Imali Yethu (feat. Bongi Silinda)
- Jabula (feat. Nokwazi)
- Bawo (feat. Aux Alaio)
- Teka (feat. Andrea De Beatboxer)
- Please Stay (feat. Bucie)
- Mthakathi (feat. Mpho.Wav)
- Umoya (feat. Philasande)
- Shake Madala (feat. Andrea De Beatboxer)
- Beautiful Eyes (feat. KB)
- Jozi Mavala (feat. Tlabzin & Tumzero SA)
- Midnight Groove (feat. Young Paris, OhTeeh & Bonnie)
- Like I Do (feat. KC)
Each track serves as a chapter in the overarching narrative, seamlessly fusing traditional African music elements with modern electronic influences. Whether you’re looking to dance or delve into introspective moments, “Rebirth Of The Drum” offers a comprehensive auditory journey. With this album, Black Motion proves once again why they’re one of the leading names in the African electronic music scene.
OUT NOW#rebirthofthedrum#BlackMotion#newalbum#FriendsOfBlackMotion pic.twitter.com/a0baueUGix
— Black Motion (@black_motion) September 1, 2023
The Future of Black Motion
Mohosana, in the same interview, confirmed that talks are underway. “My heart is still Black Motion, my blood,” he passionately stated. He also mentioned that the reason behind launching his solo career was his belief that Black Motion had “reached the ceiling” and he wanted to try something new. He’s even received support from his wife, DJ and entrepreneur Ntombezinhle ‘DJ Zinhle’ Jiyane, despite the public backlash blaming her for the rumored split. But one thing is for sure, whether as a solo artist or as part of a group, Mohosana and his partner Mabogwane have a lot more to offer. As for “Rebirth Of The Drum,” it stands as a testament to Black Motion’s ingenuity, talent, and the mesmerizing power of African drum beats. The album signals not just a rebirth of the drum but perhaps also a rebirth for Black Motion amid internal challenges and changes.
So as fans soak in the transcendent beats of “Rebirth Of The Drum,” they can also look forward to what lies ahead for Black Motion. Amid the highs of a successful album launch and the lows of internal group dynamics, one thing is certain: the duo has left an indelible mark on the landscape of African music, and they’re far from done.