Acclaimed local artist Pitso Ramakhula offered fans and music enthusiasts a deeply reflective and personal experience during a listening session held at Cafe What? on 18 April.
The event centered around his latest project, Matla a Pina a title that looses translates to The Power of Music and lived up to its name through both sound and substance.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Ramakhula emphasised that the project is rooted in personal evolution and human growth. “Change is the only constant,” he explained.
“We are forever evolving, whether we are aware of it or not. When opportunities to step into new spaces come, we shouldn’t limit ourselves. That is how we grow as human beings.”
This philosophy is woven throughout Matla a Pina, with Ramakhula encouraging listeners to embrace transformation and live fully, without self-imposed boundaries. For him, music is more than entertainment, it is a liberating force.
“Music liberates the soul. It frees us from fear, from tension, and reconnects us with who we truly are,” he said.
The new project also marks a notable shift in Ramakhula’s artistic direction. Comparing it to his earlier work, he described his debut as a period of exploration, largely self-produced and experimental.
In contrast, Matla a Pina reflects a more refined and collaborative process. Working with a network of trusted creatives, Ramakhula leaned into a more structured production approach, allowing for richer soundscapes and deeper musical layering.
This evolution is also evident in his delivery. Known for his lyrical and rap-driven style, Ramakhula now embraces more melody and vocal expression.
“I am singing more than I used to. It is about simplifying the message and delivering it in a way that people can truly feel.”
Despite this sonic evolution, Ramakhula remains firmly grounded in his Sesotho identity. He highlighted the importance of language, storytelling, and cultural memory in shaping his music.
Through Matla a Pina, he seeks to present these elements in a more accessible and emotionally resonant way, simplifying complex ideas while preserving their depth.
“Our language and culture carry meaning. We need to remind ourselves who we are and why we are here.”
In an unconventional move, Ramakhula has initially limited access to the project through select platforms, a decision he said is temporary but intentional.
He expressed concerns about the sustainability of digital streaming for artists, pointing to long-standing challenges around royalties and income generation.
“For years, artists have struggled to make a living from their work. This approach is about creating value and taking responsibility for what we produce.”
Ultimately, Matla a Pina is more than just an album, it is a statement of intent. Through it, Ramakhula challenges listeners to reflect, evolve, and find meaning in their journeys.
Summary
- The event centered around his latest project, Matla a Pina a title that looses translates to The Power of Music and lived up to its name through both sound and substance.
- In an unconventional move, Ramakhula has initially limited access to the project through select platforms, a decision he said is temporary but intentional.
- Matla a Pina is more than just an album, it is a statement of intent.
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