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.
In the dynamic landscape of alternative pop music, independent artist Robyn L emerges as a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from Botswana and splitting her time between Gaborone, Cape Town, and Los Angeles, Robyn L has captured the attention of music enthusiasts worldwide with her distinct and introspective style.
Listen to ‘Obsession’ here:
Following the success of her debut single, “Malibu Barbie,” which amassed over 1 million streams within its first year of release, Robyn L continues to make waves in the industry. The Botswana-born artist has cultivated a global fan base with a TikTok following exceeding 400k.
“I’m excited for this release!” says Robyn L. “Obsession” is the first new song for 2024, with several more on the cards, all ahead of the upcoming album. I’ve worked with fabulous writers and producers, and to bring my work back home to Botswana and South Africa has been top of my list”.
Robyn L’s music is a testament to her versatility, seamlessly blending influences from various genres to create captivating soundscapes. Her upcoming single, “Obsession,” is poised to captivate audiences with its unique sound and compelling narrative.
A recent graduate from Berklee College of Music, class of 2024, where she earned a degree in songwriting, the 21-year-old artist is primed to leave an indelible mark on the music world. With an anticipated album release date set for late August 2024, Robyn L is on a mission to become a household name and a pioneer in the music industry.
Robyn L invites fans and music enthusiasts alike to join her on this exciting journey as she establishes herself as a rising star in the alternative pop scene. Follow her on social media: https://www.tiktok.com/@robynlmusic
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More information: www.ibemusic.org
Check out the latest banger from the BW in 2024! Gifted rapper Melo teams up with Bang!Gae for a production that’s pure fire. With beats crafted by Nephew and beautiful nods to Setswana dikhwaere, “Tsa Makhete” is a masterpiece. Featuring the talented Nicole Martinez and Lord Ledimo, this track is an absolute vibe. Stream it now and feel the rhythm pulsating through your veins! 🎶 #TsaMakhete #BWMusic2024
It’s fantastic to see more and more Botswana producers moving outward and flourishing across borders. From Solo Otto to AmoBeatz, Flex The Ninja, and most recently, ButiOnTheTrack, who is busy making major contributions on records with top-level artists such as Mzansi’s Touchline. On ‘Say It To Yourself,’ Touchline delivers introspective bars, elevating himself to the envisioned level, with Buti’s beat serving as the perfect canvas. Listen to the song here.
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