With their highly anticipated album Moya Wa Taola now finally available from today on all streaming and download platforms, Black Motion are throwing the bones to get a signal of what the future holds. In doing so, the South African duo of Thabo “Smol” Mabogwane and Bongani “Murdah” Mohosana have created a soundtrack for all of us seeking guidance on the way forward.
Moya Wa Taola presents a musical and narrative journey, inspired by a consciousness not frequently observed in South African—or even global—electronic music. It also richly delivers on Black Motion’s purpose to make music that mirrors the journey of a traditional healer—in this instance, reflecting the essence of the healer’s calling to throw the bones and “read” what the ancestors are saying.
“Moya Wa Taola represents a body of work that is guided by the spirit of the bones. We travel a lot and create by drawing inspiration from all life experiences and in particular how people are affected by communities and their social standing,” says Murdah of the duo’s fifth record.
That Black Motion are straddling both the ancient and the innovative is visible throughout the 12 songs on Moya Wa Taola - imparting on the listener a sense of joy, upliftment and introspection that is both rooted in the lessons and wisdom of the past and gently guided by Africa’s position as the birthplace of humankind.
From the album’s Intro, which features Hlapogadi a Phaahla and Morwangwato Hlakudi, to its closer, the breathlessly futuristic Machine Gun (a collaboration with Culoe De Song), there’s a comitment by this platinum-selling duo to stay true – which is why they command the respect that they do - and have made their mark as a household name in South Africa.
In creating Moya Wa Taola Black Motion worked with a range of vocalists and lyricists, all capable of bringing to life the duo’s call for a signal. Alongside Mafikizolo, Brenden Praise, MissP, Uhuru and Lady X, there’s J.Logic and Cacharel, underscoring Black Motion’s particular gift for creating the musical bedrock for Africa’s most affecting singers to shine. It’s the same with Prayer for Rain featuring Caiiro and Tabia— a track that sees Black Motion reaching the pinnacle of their renowned ability to create a trance-like state through hypnotic beats and drumming. The feel-good lead single Joy Joy featuring Brenden Praise, is set to be a summer hit with its signature live drums, jazz-flavoured grooves and dancefloor-ready beats.
Black Motion are taking their purpose-driven music to the world—through recordings and live shows which are as absorbing as they are thrilling. Recently named winners of the Best Live Act category at the Dance Music Awards South Africa, and two time winners of the South African Music Award for Best Dance Album, Black Motion’s 2018 album once again delivers electronic music with a manifestly human heart; a creation that carries meaningful messages for every one of us.
