Reason’s Azania is a sonic Trojan Horse

23 nov 2018 - 14:16

Azania is the proposed name of South Africa. Many have argued that the current name is merely a geographic reference that adds no value to the nation, its people and their identity.

Partial cover art for Reason's Azania album.

South African Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa was vehemently opposed to the geographical name and in 2017 suggested that South Africa be renamed. Those who didn’t agree with him said that such a change would be too expensive. The name also brings about memories of anti-apartheid movements such as the Azanian People’s Organisation.

Reason’s Azania album invites listeners in with ‘Welcome to Azania', which starts off with Nelisiwe Sibiya's rendition of the struggle song. "From Cape to Cairo” she sings with fervor and a spine-chilling velvet voice reaching notes that shatter the windows to the soul.

The album lives up to the connotation of the title in ‘Cashless Society' featuring Ginger Trill. The title is also a nod to the rap group of the same name. The song is layered with sound bites of news reports about the legacy of apartheid. The juxtaposition of irony makes the song both powerful and entertaining to listen to:

High schools no cash
Bottle stores more cash
Corner stores no cash
Prostitutes more cash
Hospitals no cash
Cops got no cash
Church got more cash.

The title song features excerpts from the late Hugh Masekela’s Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech at the 2016 MTV African Music Awards. Masekela said artists needed to do more to inspire their fans, especially poor fans who supported their music. Reason echoes this sentiment:

Lemme remind who I do this for
My brothers and sisters who are struggling to get a job
They needed an education that they cannot afford.

'Azania' is augmented by the vocals of South African veteran singer Sibongile Khumalo and the production skills of US artist Swizz Beatz.

Before you roll your eyes and think, “what a bore” because of the conscious lyrical content, Reason does a great job in strking a balance between profundity and danceable tunes. In 'Byela Mina' featuring South African artist pH RawX, Reason treads on Afropop territory and deviates from the heavy hip hop texture that crosses between boom bap and trap. There has been a trend of South African artists experimenting with Afropop only to fail dismally. But what Reason gets right is that he ropes in the hip hop element by adding rap to the Afropop equation.

Azania's chi largely emanates from introspection. ‘Nkosi Yam'' is a litany and can be unassumingly philosophicall – an intellectual Trojan Horse. The song can easily be passed off as a club banger for those who don’t care about what the artist has to say.

A goofy moment in Azania can be found in 'Home Alone' featuring South African rapper Una Rams. Reason reminisces about a girl he invited over after school when his parents we not at home. It was, and still is, the best time to invite a potential lover. What better way to “study biology” than a practical lesson? (Please remember consent, kids).

Azania is a balanced album that caters for both conscious listeners and those who are just looking for a good time. But don't have too much of a good time here because you might miss the earnest, thought-provoking lyricism. At any rate, this wooden horse will get you sooner or later. Perhaps late at night when you think you're safe from deeper thoughts.