Primed for a global takeover, the award-winning new queen of South African rap Sho Madjozi unveils her latest single and music video “Toro” [feat. DDG] today via Epic Records. Listen to “Toro” HERE and watch the music video HERE.
The track is notably her first English release since the viral “John Cena,” and continues to position the music industry disruptor as a true international force of nature. Over a high-energy and sonically unpredictable beat, she launches into a kinetic flow, dipping in and out of the production with confidential proclamations such as “It’s my time, and I’m gonna decide how I use it” and kickstarting a rapid-fire cadence. Meanwhile, hot off the release of his new album It’s Not Me It’s You [Epic Records], platinum hip hop phenomenon DDG rolls through with a quotable cameo of his own.
The song is in the style of Amapiano, a burgeoning genre of style of house music that has emerged out
of South Africa over the past several years that incorporates elements of deep house, kwaito, jazz, and
lounge music. It showcases Sho Madjozi’s unique ear and ability to create forward-looking music that
speaks to her own story.
In the accompanying visual, Sho Madjozi engages in a high-stakes underground dance-off complete with downright incendiary choreography and no shortage of energy.
About the song, Sho Madjozi commented, “‘Toro’ is short for ‘Mtoroki’ meaning an ‘escaper’. I’ve escaped bad managers, bad lovers, and still come out as me. I even defy convention because I say and do what I like. However, this music video is part one of this story. The thing around my neck stands for my gift—the thing that has given me my success. The video makes a statement about how isolating fame can be: how friends, manager, etc., have backstabbed me. By the end of this video, I’m disillusioned with fame and wishing I didn’t have this gift at all because it’s made me lose touch with those closest to me and probably even myself.”
Next up, she supports Stromae on tour across North America. The arena run kicks off with a two-night
stand at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY November 21-22 before three shows at Bell Centre
in Montreal Canada November 25-29, stops in major markets, and its conclusion back at Bell Centre on
December 14.
