April 22, 2022
Content Connect Africa
Having gone through a complete rebrand, ZULO finally unveils his debut EP, cleverly titled Talk to Me Naace. With a tight 9-track run and calculatedly stylized tracklist clocking in at exactly 35 minutes—which is undoubtedly intentional considering ZULO's fine attention to detail and precision—the EP deals with themes of patience, timing and self-empowerment, as well as the aftermath of ZULO's harsh realities—including his father's recovery from stomach cancer—over triumphant melodies and groovy bass synths while making use of classic South African samples from Miriam Makeba to Benjamin Ball. The EP incorporates various sonic experimental elements from the trap-infused street flossing braggadocio, "SUPREME"—the nostelgic kwaito textures on "JUST VAARBS" and "Love Your Life"—the afro-pop and reggae hyprid, "Flashlights"—to the EDM-enthralled and sexually thrusted funk ballad, "8"—along with glimpses of classic boom bap hip-hop and R&B. The rapper and music producer frequently pays homage to the south of Johannesburg, where he's from, specifically on the hard-hitting anthem "Portals", the EP's lead single. ZULO is accompanied by the project's host, "The General"—played by emcee Zane Gulston—to enhance the project's storytelling as he welcomes the world to witness the rise of the Supreme Leader ZULO...