Music
Stream FridayNights X FreshMapensele’s street banger “Dead Broke”
I have to admit I haven’t given the homies FridayNights & FreshMapensele a deeper listen but that’s a thing of the past now, this “Dead Broke” song is heavy. Their collaborative joint combines personal narratives of overcoming struggles with clever wordplay and with uniquely Botswana cultural references.
Friday Nights, (alias Ace J), starts off by reflecting on his past, emphasizing that he no longer wants to return to his prior state of being broke. He mentions that no one knew where he came from and references ridicule from a time when everyone thought he had no distinctive style. He dismisses fake smiles and prefers silence, indicating his focus and determination. As he reaches a better financial situation, he compares himself to the late South African rapper Prokid, suggesting that he is reaching a desired professional level in his career. He contrasts this with others who are still insignificant and merely make empty noise. He highlights his patience and hard work in the past, acknowledging his elevation to a different status now, don’t let these words sway you from how dope and street this song is.
Fresh Mapensele joins in with his verse, leveraging his heavy Motswako spit. He mentions coming back with force and cracking the whip on everybody, indicating his assertiveness and confidence. Mapensele mentions heavy hood drip and fashion, merely suggesting that he is the embodiment of the archetypal stylish, and influential persona. The line “Bring the mini bus and we’re all in” implies unity and camaraderie with his crew, emphasizing their collective success.
He continues to assert himself as the man in the Motswako leadership position, projecting strength and authority. Passing by Broadhurst, the homie checks on his friends, showcasing loyalty and groundedness. The use of fresh street slang and the ambition to rise to the top indicate the home boy’s determination to impress everyone around him.
Mapensele & Fresh Mapensele demonstrate growth and confidence while incorporating vernacular prowess to connect with their audience and convey a sense of authenticity all the while speaking with their chests out because now they’re no longer “Dead broke”, or not accepting it.
With his new single “Garri,” Botswana’s own WNDRSZN delivers a moving blend of nostalgia, rhythm, and reflection. The track feels like a time capsule — echoing the golden sounds of Africa’s past while remaining grounded in the grit of modern life.
Garri paints the picture of long days, crowded taxi rides, and quiet moments of exhaustion — when silence speaks louder than words. WNDRSZN captures the ache and beauty of that struggle with haunting tenderness, reminding us of the resilience that lives in ordinary people.
Inspired by African classics like Ismaël Lô’s Tajabone and Oliver Mtukudzi’s Neria, Garri draws from deep emotional wells of hope and survival. It’s not just a song; it’s a feeling — a lament, a memory, and a prayer for better days.
With his signature fusion of AfroSoul and Kalahari Pop, WNDRSZN once again reimagines what African music can sound like — rooted in heritage but speaking to now.
Garri is more than music. It’s a mirror to our everyday hustle — and a gentle call to keep going.
Priscilla K returns with a soulful new single titled “Show Me”, a heartfelt Afrobeat-meets-Afrotech track that blends rhythm and emotion effortlessly. In this song, she opens up about the need to be seen, to be affirmed, and to be reminded of her worth — especially in moments of doubt.
With lyrics like “Show me a sign I’m wanted, I’m worthy,” Priscilla delivers a message that’s both intimate and universal. It’s a plea for reassurance, but also an anthem of resilience — a reminder that even when we fall, we can rise again and fight.
Sonically, Show Me shimmers with layered percussion and subtle electronic textures, carried by her powerful, emotive vocals. It’s a record that feels alive — grounded in vulnerability, but glowing with hope.
Show Me isn’t just a song — it’s a moment of honesty from an artist unafraid to feel, fall, and rise again.
It’s been a minute since we last heard from Clever Blanco, but the Faded Gang member is back with a fresh project titled Lit No More. The tape opens with Cops & Robbers, a smooth but gritty groove that instantly pulls you in. Blanco shows his range across the project — from the introspective Heart Ain’t Gold to the hard-hitting Rage Manual.
The project also features appearances from Ando Slime, Angvlo, and Maxx Tokyo, adding different textures to Blanco’s production and flow. As a producer, musician, writer, and rapper, Clever Blanco sounds refreshed and focused. Lit No More is a solid reminder of his creative depth — and proof that good music never really leaves, it just waits for the right moment to return.
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