K.O’s forte when it comes to crafting his albums is his ability to bring the best out of his guests. If anything, some of his most well-received and decorated songs have been collaborations. “Skhanda Love” with Nandi Mngoma (now Nandi Madida) saw the duo conjure up that Mzansi-flavoured Nelly-Kelly chemistry that birthed “Dilemma”; the 2014 lover’s anthem remained in the hearts and playlists of millions till they reunited again for “Say You Will”. The Skhanda God has never been the one to shy away from keeping in touch with his softer side, embracing it even more in soulful jams like “Shimmy”, “Call Me”, and “Supa Dupa”. As he undergoes a rejuvenation of his career so many years post-Teargas, the helping hands of Gen Z leaders Young Stunna and Blxckie were the perfect ingredients “SETE” needed.
Now, on paper, I raised a brow about the song, seeing that each artist hailed from a different dimension, with Stunna being an amapiano juggernaut and Somnyama spearheading the local hip hop and trapsoul movement. Let’s not forget that the song’s lead is a certified vet who debuted in the mid 2000s, back when his guests were still in primary school. However, despite the generational chasm, the trio melded well. And I will say that making melody their meeting point was a genius stroke, a perfect denominator since all three artists are versed in it and are known for incorporating it in their respective solo projects. The result is a lover’s ode that sounds Afrobeats-ish, but not really; rap-like, but not exactly; and kind of Afropop-ish with some Afro-soul. A genre-fluid creation.
Although “SETE” is a diadem in the crown of the long-awaited Skhanda Republic 3, Mr Cashtime played something of a minor role in his song with the opening verse. The “Adiwele” hitmaker hoarded most of the spotlight with his infectious hook and middle verse before passing the baton to Blxckie. However, with that said, the song feels measured, almost as much as other K.O love joints. The song’s aftertaste didn’t leave my tongue feeling like K.O could’ve said more, or that maybe Stunna should’ve toned it down or that there just wasn’t enough soulful Blxckie.
I’m not much of a love song person—even when I am in love. Even with some of my favourite albums, I hardly play a love song without smashing the skip button almost a minute into it. However, as I listened to Young Stunna’s professions of his love (“Aw’ mina ngawe ngigcwele ngyak’tshela / Zange’ bang’fak’ umoya ngawe ngay’fela”) and Blxckie’s fawning (“Aw’ ngicabanga wena njalo (njalo) / Sengaba novalo / Oh baby lalela is’khalo (skhalo)”), it’s hard for me not to imagine the ladies melting over their partners. I can’t even mention how many times I’ve heard the song as the background music of “#SundaysAreForLovers” posts on social media. Maybe I don’t relate to the song on that level because I’m not currently in love, but something within me flashes when I hear the words. This is a song that is doing what it’s supposed to do.
As we relish the release of the third instalment of the Skhanda Republic series, those crazy in love will be locking hands with their lovers and gazing lovingly (and brainlessly) into their eyes while the song plays, and those like me will probably just be sitting on the sidelines, nodding to the synchronous beat and harmonic blend of three artists from different worlds. Either way, it’s quality music to be enjoyed, and “SETE” being the top-charting song in the country for six weeks running doesn’t deny this.
