Mshini Wam b/w Gwababa (Don't Be Scared)

Part of a new breed of African artists, 24 year old Spoek Mathambo (Rapper/DJ and Graphic Designer/Illustrator) is hitting the world hard with his take on Afro-futurism. Spoek sees himself as a part of a new wave of energy in Africa, which is intent on nurturing a sense of progressiveness while maintaining a pride in culture. As front-man for electrorap outfits SWEAT.X and PLAYDOE, Spoek Mathambo has become a increasingly prominent figure in the international music scene over the last couple of years.

Most recently, Spoek Mathambo has finished recording his solo album, “Mshini Wam” for BBE, and has built a live band (which includes two dancers) in order to tour the project. The album is a sign to the world of what Africa has in store in terms of progressive electronic music! The title “Mshini Wam” is from a famous Zulu song called Umshini wami, (English: My Machine), often sung by members of the military wing of the ANC and the South African president himself whenever they are in trouble – in their version it means: “Bring Me My Machine Gun”. Yet for Spoek Mathambo Mshini Wam has quite a different meaning: “My Machine…A way to express a new wave of electronic African music!”.

Spoek has risen to become one of the foremost recognised exporters of the new South African club music (which he has coined as Township Tech). He has gathered widespread attention as far afield as the New York Times and Fader Magazine. The single release “Mshini Wam b/w Gwababa (Don’t Be Scared)” features two tracks taken from the album as well as a generous load of exciting remixes.