Audiences nationwide were introduced to OZ through his 2009 single IMAL' YAM' the video of which received massive flighting on SABC1's music video programme Music Lounge. A handful others joined his fan train after the 2010 FIFA world cup inspired hit SIYABANGENA which featured Kay-E and Succezz Lepora.
But OZ is more than a group member, this Durban born and bred lyricist holds his own through his agile rhymes, fantastic beats, sing-along hooks and detailed storytelling about his hometown, his life stories, aspirations critically-heralded punchlines.
Testament to this are his 2012 singles Promise To Owethu which is still on the Y FM playlist and eThekwini which is huge on Umhlobo Wenene FM and features the SAMA Award nominee Sakhile Mfuphi. On Valentine's Day OZ released a new single "Back To The City" which is in preparation to his semaphore album release Direct Translation. Back To The City features a member of the electro-rap crew 4Front, S-Lee.
On Back To The City OZ’s lyrics are still razor sharp, his perceptive being that of a lyrical assassin eliminating competition and establishing himself as the city's number one rapper. His beliefs remain opinionated, punchlines non-commercial and approach very clinical while S-Lee's vocals on the hook gives the joint an instant vintage feel.
Among my favorites lines are: "If you are not Goodenough, this city is cold you'll need ten Skipas" and "Angibaphushi bayaziwela, Humtee-Dumtee (I don't push them, the fall on their own, Humtee-Dumtee)" not forgetting "Njenge trainer kaProkid, I'm here to make a Pro-fit (Like Prokid's trainer, I'm here to make a Pro-fit)".
What's nice with this song is that you can follow the lyrics even if you are not Zulu speaking which gives it a global appeal. If you love slow jam beats then the instrumentation will mesmerize you. This single is so great I have no doubt it will land him a slot in this years Back To the City Festival. As for the subject matter and song title one can only wonder if it was coincidence that the song was named identical to South Africa's biggest Hip-Hop gathering.
