H20 - Amanzi'mtoti

(Outrageous Records OUT(MW)002)

One of South Africa’s most promising new hip-hop acts is H20. H20 are two Soweto-born rappers, Siphiwe Norten and Menzi Dludla, who have recently released their debut album through South African independent Outrageous Records, a label affiliated to the Rage web site.

The album title 'Amanzi 'Mtoti' means “Pure Water” in their native Zulu which is the language they predominately use (plus some English). The jazzy ‘It’s Wonderful’ is their biggest  hit to date (featured on ‘Mzansi Music’).  It shows the duo’s strength: catchy melodies, great rapping and meaningful lyrics. Siphiwe and Menzi rap about their experiences of life in the townships, such as ‘Enuff Is Enuff’, or wider African issues such as the reggae-flavoured track ‘African’ (which contains beats by Soul II Soul’s Jazzie B).

Reviewer : JJC