On her debut EP Batho, South African-born, New York-based vocalist NALEDI crafts a sonic narrative that’s as much a journey through her diaspora as a call to global unity. The six-track offering, whose title means “people” in Sotho, is both a love letter to her roots and a confrontational challenge to listeners across continents. NALEDI’s vocal prowess is undeniable, her voice a malleable instrument capable of evoking both tender vulnerability and fierce defiance. Across five languages, she weaves a soundscape that draws heavily from rock, free jazz, and what she describes as “sounds of the living and dying.” This eclectic mix results in a listening experience that’s as unpredictable as it is engaging.
NALEDI | SUPPLIED
NALEDI introduces the listening experience with “Sisindise (isiZulu for save us)”, a dramatic orchestral musing accompanied by daring guitar riffs, spoken word, haunting saxophone solos, melodic textures and cadence, all working in tandem to paint a dystopian rally cry to the heavens for salvation. NALEDI’s poem noted with quotes such as “Captivity of the mind kept in handheld devices divides us” and “This world is falling victim to itself, and its self-righteous existence/no care for its women/no care for its children/God help us!” establishes a sense of urgency for social change sourced from the bitter reflection on the destitute state of society
The call to action continues in “Change”, where through the quote “Something tells me things are about to change/and here is why/the people tend their eyes towards a new and brighter day” and the refrain “There must be something out there” our attention is drawn to the ether from which the spiritual essence leading the framework of change is drawn. Still captured by guitar riffs and saxophone solos as “Sisindise”, “Change” captures the overarching social justice theme of Batho and emphasizes it with melodic prowess, heartfelt cadence and delicate approach to songwriting form.
Stream “Change” Here:
The EP’s conceptual framework is ambitious, perhaps overly so. NALEDI attempts to bridge the 8,000-mile gap between her South African homeland and her adopted American home while simultaneously addressing social injustices and celebrating cultural resilience. It’s a lofty goal that occasionally threatens to collapse under its own weight but is largely held aloft by the sheer force of NALEDI’s conviction. “Peace and Justice,” the EP’s lead single, exemplifies this tension. Inspired by the 2022 Uvalde school shooting, the track juxtaposes African rhythms with subject matter rooted in American violence, creating a dissonance that’s both jarring and poignant. It’s a bold choice that only sometimes lands seamlessly but speaks to the artist’s commitment to grappling with complex global issues.
Where Batho truly shines is in its moments of introspection. NALEDI’s exploration of homesickness and cultural identity, as noted in records such as “Batho Baka (My People)” and “Kulala,” results in some of the EP’s most effective moments. Her mentor’s words about voice carrying ancestral DNA resonate throughout the project, lending gravitas to even the most experimental passages. “Areyeng! (Let’s Go)” serves as the EP’s high point, showcasing NALEDI’s unique vocal style and her knack for genre-blending. Here, her influences coalesce into something genuinely fresh, hinting at the potential for a truly distinctive artistic voice. NALEDI’s desire to bridge continents and cultures is admirable, but the EP sometimes feels scattered, struggling to maintain a cohesive narrative thread amidst its multilingual, multi-genre approach.
Stream “Batho Baka” Here:
NALEDI’s unwavering conviction saves “Batho” from becoming a well-intentioned but muddled debut. There’s an urgency to her delivery that demands attention, even when the musical foundation beneath her wavers. Her commitment to the principles of Ubuntu – the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity – permeates every song, lending the EP a sense of purpose that elevates it beyond mere musical experimentation. As a first-generation child born after apartheid, NALEDI brings a unique perspective to her art, one that seeks to find commonalities in global struggles while celebrating the richness of her cultural heritage. It’s a delicate balance, and while she doesn’t always succeed, the attempt itself is worthy of recognition.
Batho is far from a perfect debut, but it’s a bold statement of intent from an artist unafraid to scream into the void. NALEDI’s willingness to confront societal ills while simultaneously celebrating the resilience of her people results in a listening experience that’s often uncomfortable but never uninteresting. As she continues to refine her sound and sharpen her message, NALEDI could well become a formidable voice in the global music scene, and one looks forward to bearing witness to her creative evolution as an artist who prides herself on reflecting the times.
Stream “Batho” Here: https://orcd.co/streambatho
