Loki Set to Release Highly Anticipated Single "Amaphanta" Featuring Emtee and Saudi

Durban's lyrical maestro, Loki, is set to drop a sonic masterpiece titled "Amaphanta" featuring the legendary Emtee and Saudi on August 9, 2024. In an exclusive interview with Lunathi Drops, Loki opened up about the inspiration behind the song, his transition to independence, and his thoughts on the upcoming release.

The Birth of "Amaphanta"

Loki shared the backstory of "Amaphanta," revealing the mental and emotional state he was in during its creation.

"So the song comes about when I'm in a session with Lunatik; it was only us two in that moment—we had been working on songs prior to that. And then Efelow and Kling were coming to the session to join me. And as they were coming, we had started working on a new song, and that hook just came to me as soon as that beat came on. At the time, I was in a place where I was grateful but also fighting for my life—you know, fighting for my career—to prove to myself that I am who I've always said myself to be."

Challenges of Independence

Having recently parted ways with Skhanda World, where he worked alongside industry giants like K.O and Ma-E, Loki discussed the challenges he faces as an independent artist.

"The challenges I'd say I've faced are just reach, you know, a lot of reach, and it's a lot of work when you don't have people around you who I'd say cater to the side of the project that needs to be catered for. So generally, you'd have someone handling artwork; all you do is just give them the idea, and they do it—this time I have to do it. Radio, you really have to connect with compilers now, where last time all I had to do was submit and everything was just handled for me. So now I really have to touch base with all parts of getting this job done, seeing this song through, and making sure this song is what it is.”

Featuring Emtee and Saudi

One of the most exciting aspects of "Amaphanta" is the collaboration with Emtee and Saudi, two artists who have made significant contributions to South African hip-hop. Loki explained how he chose these artists for the track.

"So the features—these two features were always going to be there, but there were also other figures. . . Kling and Efelow were also going to be on the song, but when I was playing the song for people, they'd always say I haven't said enough to give away that space, that people still need to hear my story, that people need to hear what I'm saying when I say 'khon'okshaya amanzi' yabo, so Saudi and Emtee were as easy as it comes in terms of thinking of people who can hold that sound down and really convey a message. You know, I feel like they have built their careers off of talking that talk. So I had to get people that talk that talk, know how to use melodies, and just know how to sound good on a song."

Managing Expectations and Audience Reception

As Loki prepares for what is likely his biggest release since leaving Skhanda World, he spoke about the pressure and audience expectations.

"Bro, the love I've received since I announced the date has been nothing short of amazing, you know. I mean, I've always known that a song is something special, but when you put it into the world, that's the only time when you can really gauge how good a song is, and so far, yo bro, I can go as far as saying this is probably the best hip-hop song of the year. I don't want to 'say'song' because I don't want to be that naive, but my heart says it's the best hip-hop song of the year. You know, especially in a time where a lot of people are beefing, it's a lot of energy where 'pick your side, pick your team' or whatever, I'm trying to do a thing that says let's just all achieve together. I think we can all achieve this together. And the pressure isn't really there; the pressure is just me doing what I know I can do and that people hopefully gravitate to it."

What’s Next for Loki?

Anticipation is high for "Amaphanta," and Loki hinted at future plans depending on the song's success.

"I think that all depends on how well the song does, but I already have the next song lined up, and I have the next song after that also lined up. I'm a person who thinks ahead, so the plan is that we go again and try to top this one. Because I feel like, I've always said I feel like I've always had the song that'll change my life; I've always had it. Even when I was still at Skhanda, because I've had this song since I was still at the label, I've always felt like I have a song that'll change my life. Now it's just about me putting my best foot forward at all times, and that song will come to fruition."

Conclusion

"Amaphanta" is set to drop on the 9th of August, featuring Emtee and Saudi and produced by Lunatik. Make sure you set your reminders and get it on all digital platforms when it drops. This release promises to be a significant milestone in Loki’s career and a notable moment in the South African hip-hop scene.

Article written by Lunathi Drops 

Enhanced & Published by Nasiphi Zwane