Music
New Zealand based Phodiso’s new single ‘Talk Too Much’ is out now
Phodiso is a Botswana-born hip-hop artist doing big things in New Zealand and has just released his new single ‘Talk Too Much‘ from his upcoming EP, Act II. We’re really proud of this one and Phodiso is eager to engage with the music community back in his homeland so it’d be an honour to get a feature on your site! Or if there’s any other way we can work together please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me!
‘Talk Too Much’ is the first single from Act II, the second EP from Botswana-born, Auckland-based hip hop artist Phodiso. The energetic track is the emcee’s response to critics of his confidence and his defence of his right to do the most.
Following the release of teaser track ‘Usain‘ in March, the tune sets the tone for the artist’s next chapter. No shrinking, no holding back.
Born in Gaborone, Botswana, Phodiso began learning Tswana percussion styles through community song and dance ceremonies. His thought-provoking lyricism and experimental artistry scratches the itch of contemporary pop, while honoring his Southern Afrikan hip hop and Afro jazz influences.
Since settling in Aotearoa in 2010, the multi-disciplinary, multilingual artist has developed his creative approach and shared his gift of language and rhythm in a variety of ways, including as a vocalist and percussionist (New Telepathics, Pan Africana, Black Sunday), writing and performing poetry, and the release of his debut EP Act I. The lead single from that record, ‘Running Lines’ put Phodiso on the map, dominating student radio charts for weeks following its release.
Due to release on 28 May, Act II sees him collaborate with some of the most exciting producers in Aotearoa, including Mueslibeats (BLKCITY, Jodang), Carawei Gao (Venom Dolls, Milky Avenue Studio), and Zaidoon Nasir a.k.a WHO SHOT SCOTT.
It’s not often that an artist surfaces with a truly unique sound and story. Phodiso is here to present a new narrative.
In “Frustrated”, Titose and South African songstress Hanna craft a delicate yet emotionally potent ballad that captures the quiet chaos of loving someone indecisive. The track is reflective and anxious, built on minimalist R&B production that lets the vocals breathe—and ache.
Both artists deliver tender yet resolute performances, embodying a love that’s hanging by a thread. The lyrics are a plea for clarity, a call to action. “I’m ready to jump,” they seem to say, “but I can’t keep shrinking to fit into your uncertainty.” It’s a relatable tug-of-war: staying for love, but dying for a decision.
“Frustrated” doesn’t scream—it simmers. It’s for those late-night overthinks, when your heart wants answers, but your person keeps you on pause. A hauntingly beautiful collaboration that sits with you long after the music fades.
“Rugged-Raw” is exactly what it sounds like—unfiltered, charged, and unapologetically hip-hop. On this collab, AbTheActivist and Zeus are in rare form, combining new-school energy with OG precision.
Ab opens the track with braggadocio and bite—talking his wins, taking aim, and holding his ground. The bars are sharp, direct, and chest-out confident, calling out peers and asserting position with zero hesitation. There’s no filler here—just straight jabs and flexes from a young rapper who knows exactly where he’s headed.
Then comes Zeus, stepping in like the seasoned heavyweight he is. It’s big bro energy, calm and calculated but lethal. He rides the beat with authority, delivering lines that land with experience and swagger. It’s the “I’ve seen it all, now watch me win again” type of verse that only a vet can pull off.
“Rugged-Raw” isn’t just a track—it’s a moment. A cross-generational power move that speaks to where hip-hop in Botswana has been, and where it’s going. This one’s for the heads, the spitters, and the culture.
This ain’t just a song. It’s a statement. It’s Chub Heightz standing ten toes down, speaking from the heart, and making it clear—he’s here to stay.
The beat knocks. Fella on the beat knew exactly what he was cooking. Chub walks all over it, sharp, confident, no wasted breath. He’s talking legacy. Talking faith. Talking hustle. That’s respect.
And that cover? Ohmz The Don delivered. That 90s graffiti energy isn’t just for show—it’s the DNA of the record.
Hip-hop will never die. They must just forget. “AYOO” proves that.
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