Black Motion – Dali Ft. Spice Drums, LivinSz, Nobuhle, Thabo Roy Mabogwane, Mpho Thobejane and Bongumenzi Kevin Mkhonta

In Zulu, the word is often used as a term of affection, a way of calling someone dear or darling. In another sense, it connects to the idea of the creator, the one who brings things into being. Both readings are lovely. One is warm and personal, the other is large and spiritual, and I will not pretend to say which the record intends. That doubt is part of the charm.

Everyday Nigerian life has its own versions of both meanings. We call people “darling”, “baby” and “my love”, and we also say “God that created me” when we want to give thanks. A short word that holds tenderness and reverence together is rare, and it makes the title worth stopping on.

The record appears on Pula le Maatla, with Spice Drums, LivinSz, Nobuhle, Thabo Roy Mabogwane, Mpho Thobejane and Bongumenzi Kevin Mkhonta on the credit. Nobuhle is a name that stands out in the line-up, and a female voice among the guests often changes the emotional colour of a record.

It is a title for an evening spent with someone you care about, when the right word is the shortest one you know.

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