Music

Listen to TonicMotion's 'Drums of War' EP

The 18-year-old amapiano producer's EP has been tapped by the likes of Soulection and more.

Muzi Tembe aka TonicMotion from Empangeni, South Africa, might still be a senior in high school, but is not here to play. The 18-year-old producer's new EP, Drums of WAR', showcases a new wave of amapiano we can all tap into.

In Drums of War, TonicMotion flawlessly blends deep house and amapiano together to make his own distinct sound. His signature intro—he starts off each track with the sound of kids chattering from a distance—is also distinctly recognizable and nostalgic. The 5-track EP will take you through a trance-like state and will make you want to sway your body and move your feet.

"I designed the concept of the cover art. The skeleton represents the government and the soldiers represent us, the youths fighting against the system in South Africa," TonicMotion explains. "The inspiration comes from a song I was listening to, a deep house track called 'Deeper; by Dj Mreja. The lyrics said, 'we have all heard the drums of war let us dance to the beat of love.'"

Keep reading...Show less
Audio

10 African Artists From Toronto to Watch

African-rooted artists are growing in numbers and contributing to the success of the Toronto music scene.

Toronto thrives as one of the leading hubs for new music and art that continue to make an impact on a global scale. With the insurgence and influence of artists from different cultural backgrounds, the Toronto music scene has curated the soundtracks for different seasons and memorable moments within the city and across the world. African artists are particularly growing in numbers and contributing to the music industry's success here. As a Toronto-based DJ myself, it's important to me to redefine what people consider to be African music. There are many more layers to African music and artists than what's been popularized in the city.

Read ahead for our list of 10 African Artists From Toronto to Watch.

Keep reading...Show less

get okayafrica in your inbox

news.

popular.