AWARD-WINNING Afro-pop singer and rapper, Smamkele "Dedication ZA" Mthetho, wants to take his sound to the next level.
The 26-year-old musician from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape calls himself the Prince of Matatiele, stating that he's the only one who mixes Afro-pop and hip-hop in one genre.
He said he's preparing to release his single Memeza, featuring Philisiwe Ntintili at the end of June 2023.
He released his debut EP, titled Inkosana Yase Matatiele, in 2021.
Dedication ZA, who won Best Rap Artist of the Year at the 2019 City Awards, told Daily Sun that he wants to follow his name as a dedicated musician to give his fans what they want.
"It's been a while since the release of my debut EP in 2021, and now it's time for music lovers to get my new music.
"My new song delves into sounds that have influenced me as an artist, using classic samples and boldly exploring the future for me through sound and Xhosa lyrics," he said.
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He said the song is about his life and where he comes from personally and musically.
"Memeza for me is everything that moves. The world is calling, our dreams are manifesting, and all the stars are aligning," said Dedication ZA.
He said that Afro-beat inspired him to stick to the traditional Afro-pop sound, where he writes about his struggles and cries to his ancestors, asking them to hear his cries and open doors for him.
"I started my music career in 2009 as a hip-hop musician but over time I ventured into to Afro-pop.
"Now I do both Afro-pop and rap and call my genre Afro-beat," he said.
