Saudi: ” I’m finally at a point where I believe in myself more than any artist.”
Anele Mbisha, known to his fans as Saudi, the maestro of African Trapper and a luminary in the South African Hip Hop scene, emerges from a profound hiatus, debuting his highly-anticipated album, “Msotra Don’t Die” set to drop Friday, 01 December 2023 under OVLOE Monopoly-his independent record label. This vibrant project, comprising 18 tracks, is a poetic dedication not only to his personal journey but to the essence of maternal love and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
This album is an ode to resilience and rededication. Reflecting on his hiatus, Saudi says, “Understanding that I have dreams much bigger than my achievements, I’m driven to reach my full potential. This album is both inspired by and dedicated to my mother—a personal, sentimental tribute to all mothers. I aim to make my creator proud.”
The creative process behind “Msotra Don’t Die” signifies a profound shift in Saudi’s approach. He emphasized, “Every song has its own role and universal message. I’m passionate about conveying a message that transcends time. Collaboration with diverse producers and instrumentalists has expanded the album’s musical horizons.”
The album showcases Saudi’s evolution as an artist, affirming, “I’ve reached a whole new level in my ability. I’m finally at a point where I believe in myself more than any artist.” The standout feature of the album lies in the collaboration with Emtee and J-Smash on tracks like “Pardon Me” and “Politiki” illuminating the album’s dynamic essence.
Seeking collaborations with distinctive qualities, Saudi aimed to incorporate elements outside his traditional repertoire. Although specific South African artists couldn’t join, the album remains a testament to musical diversity and innovation.
“Msotra Don’t Die” echoes Saudi’s growth within the music industry and personally as an artist. “I’ve evolved into a musician aiming to elevate the status quo of South African music. My life experiences, both triumphant and challenging, serve as a narrative in this project.”
Navigating challenges, Saudi inventively repurposed scrapped records for inspiration. “I couldn’t compromise on the depth of content. Each song had to challenge norms while remaining relatable and authentic.”
The album resonates with universal themes of love, hardship, triumph, and self-belief. Saudi envisions it as a refuge for anyone going through despair, fostering strength and hope.
With “Msotra Don’t Die,” he invites listeners on a soul-stirring journey. The album’s melodies and emotions transcend language barriers, promising a tapestry of emotions and a resonant experience for all.
The full “Msotra Don’t Die” album will be available to stream on Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, SoundCloud and Tidal from 01 December 2023.
