It's the third installment of our Hip Hop Fridays review with guest writer Zole Moloi.
This week, Zole rediscovers Kwesta, courtesy of his new song Ngudu, featuring Cassper Nyovest.
Here's what the hip hop textbook had to say about the song and the rapper...
Admittedly, it took me some time to really appreciate Kwesta’s incredible skills on the mic.
I still have his Special Rekwest debut album wrapped in plastic somewhere, having never had a chance to properly listen to it for some or other reason. I’d been sleeping on the Katlehong native, even though he came on the scene back in 2007.
What a rude awakening I got when I heard the now critically acclaimed and, in my opinion, truly classic joint King Speech in 2014. One could sense that there was something incredibly special about the witty, punchline-prone MC, as he firmly gripped your attention, dope bar after dope bar.
I love it when an artist spills their heart on a track - honestly, with no holds barred. DaKaR made it known at that moment that he could live up to that exact moniker, 'Da King of African Rap’, and actually prove it to any naysayers.
With multiple features, live performances, and award nominations to his name, Kwesta has since cemented his place as a formidable contender in the game.
READ: Hip Hop Fridays - Is B3nchMarq singing about Bonang?
Fast forward to 2016, and we see the release of DaKaR 2, a double disc sequel to the first DaKaR instalment.
The second single off this offering is Ngud', featuring Cassper Nyovest. This kwaito-tinged party starter is a sure banger that sees the MC going in with his now signature deep baritone voice, which serves as a distinct instrument in itself. It’s catchy and contagious without all the overt bells and whistles we see from other artists out there. Even though purist Hip Hop heads would argue that this is not a traditional rap song, one cannot ignore Kwesta’s ability to move from his core bar-for-bar delivery to a more understated kwaito influenced vernac style of rap with incredible ease.
When he drops lines like Nalo tshwala buya delela ntwana, asib’shaye, you just know it wouldn’t have the same effect in English. In fact, even trying to translate that line would render it impotent, so I won’t. Let us not forget that Mr Fill Up the Dome himself, Cassper, is also present here and he does a good job of representing his Maftown roots. This is Cassper at his most natural and comfortable, leaving one thinking that it might be best for him to stay away from English rapping altogether? This combination works on all levels to deliver a mellow, yet thumping party song reminiscent of those old school Trompies and TKZee kwaito classics.
Big things can be expected from Kwesta and I can’t wait to hear what the whole DaKaR 2 has in store. But first, I need to unwrap that Special Rekwest and make my way back up.
Image Credits: Instagram
