Nigerian-Kiwi hip-hop artist Mazbou Q lays down the gauntlet with his brand new single ‘Blacklight’ – the second single from his upcoming EP.
Listen to the single here and watch the lyric video premiering now on PopularSongs.
The hard-hitting, anthemic number features two of New Zealand’s rising emcees of African descent, Mo Muse and Phodiso. Each delivers a passionate verse over the track’s shifting rhythmic cadence and guitar melodies reminiscent of traditional African Highlife music.
“‘Blacklight’ is an ode to Afro Kiwi identity in the creative space, and a declaration that we are here to stay” says Mazbou Q.
‘Blacklight’ follows the February release of Mazbou Q’s debut single ‘To The Gates’, which premiered on one of New Zealand’s top hip-hop and R&B stations, Mai FM and has since been added to the country’s largest independent radio station, the famed 95bFM .
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Both singles – ‘To The Gates’ and ‘Blacklight’ – set Mazbou Q up for the release of his highly-anticipated debut EP, which will be released in the coming weeks.
“There is a noticeable evolution in sound from my previous work. Listeners can expect to hear more genre-bending, lyrically daring stuff that you won’t find anywhere else” saysMazbou Q about the EP.
Mazbou Q – formerly known as Unchained XL – is a UK-born, Tāmaki Makaurau-based Nigerian Kiwi rapper and producer. His unique musical background of golden-age hip-hop, West African highlife and heavy metal forms the backdrop for his non-formulaic style of hip-hop inspired by the likes of Fela Kuti, The Roots and Oddisee.
Mazbou Q frequently confronts his listeners with an unapologetic style of socio-political commentary, yet is unafraid to also bring them on his personal journey of navigating the complexities of his unique cultural identity.
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