An excerpt by Venita Engelbrecht host of the TuksFM Top 40, the excerpt has been borrowed to give context and to find a point of departure in this piece. Venita was announcing the track (Osama) as she was announcing she then said the following, "A big hot track that went viral this year (2021).... and although it went viral and was liked by many it still left people listening to this song (Osama) very confused because they just couldn't figure out the language it was in... FUN FACT: Zakes finally revealed all a while back and Can I just say pure genius is in this song. Osama (the song) is not written in any specific language... the song is written in tongues and the reason being is that Zakes wanted to touch each and every soul and he knew the only way to do that is to not link a specific language or message to the song. The song speaks about the lion within you Osama means Lion. The beauty behind Osama is that the words can mean anything you want them to make sense to you. For some, it can be a prayer and to others, it can be a club banger it is all up to you, a spiritual thing but to you or to someone else it can be a love song. It's (Osama the song) whatever you interpret it to be!" thank you, Venita, for the notes.
The South African music scene has been dominated by the Amapiano genre which got people dancing since the pandemic started way back in 2019. Unbeknownst to the masses' consciousness, a track was being cooked, without any warning in the late quarter of 2021. A club banger was released and it has gotten people across the racial, cultural, sexual, and ideological spectrum dancing. The intensity of this song got renowned brands lining up to work with the artists in various campaigns. The mass appeal that this song has gotten the masses dancing, praying, singing, ululating, and merry-making. Others claim that the song opens up their third eyes, others claim it makes them walk on water, while some say all their worries are washed away to the depths of their rivers of sorrow. All that can be beheld in this tangent is that this body of lyrical magnum opus is that it is a track for the people, intended by the people. Therefore making the track be appreciated by all, over and above in all goodness this track is going to be rocking the airwaves for decades to come and this is why I state so.
This track feels like one going through a luscious green plain, a dive into a dimension within a dimension. The harmony behind the vocals and the percussion is a heart-tugging feeling, a soul snatching feeling, a mind arresting feeling. You can just swiftly dive into the flowing lyrics, to the common mind they do not make sense. To the elevated, heightened mind the lyrics make sense they are a commune of the intangible through the vocals the abstract becomes tangible. The once blinded eyes become anew and they view the world anew. This track is a track that is textured, curated, crafted to allow one to have a spiritual baptism, in the four minutes the soul becomes raised to the stratosphere. After listening to the track, it feels like you have completed your passionate baptism, and you are birthed anew. To an extreme exaggerated view, the track can be likened to a drug, the track is addictive. It lays eggs in your ears, after a few seconds of gestation an earworm wiggles in your ear. It will take residence in your ear and arrest your soul and you become a loyal listener of the track. All in all this track has been tailored to cut across the spectrum like a laser beam seamless and accurate. In the name of the culture, others would call the track "a spiritual thing". Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the world of Osama by Zakes Bantwini and Kasango.
In my analysis incorporating my artistic lenses and literary approach, when the track was released I tried to avoid listening to the track with a lot of people around me. I felt that I will not be able to connect with the track as it is intended to be felt and appreciated by the creators. I, therefore, took time to listen to the track, as I took my take in cupping my ears, arresting them in the prison of my headsets. I felt as if I have self-immolated myself in the musical genius that was"is" before my presence, I laid my ears to the crucifix of musical artistry, self-inflicted imprisonment which I am gladly embracing and taking full custody of as if it is my own child. The song does not demand anyone's approval, does not expect anyone's validation or stamp of praise. The song is so good that it speaks for itself as it is a work of art, a magnum opus of the twenties, a track that has matured like cheese, fermented with great accuracy like wine, has been brewed with excellence like umqombothi. Chosen from the finest ingredients available to the market and presented before us as we are inspired to open our hearts to welcoming a track like no other in this day and age. Understanding the synthesis behind this track one might take a glance a try to paint a picture. A picture that dates back to the golden fifties of Sophiatown when the Apartheid government was in full control and whisking away the lives of many and prospects of others. Sophiatown was it place, a place to be a place where all the worries of the tyrannical government had to be cast away and opened a new page a page where freedom for humanity was understood. This track "Osama" in one's view evokes that feeling of incomprehension and juxtaposing to the reality that is upon us. The similar tyrannical approach of governments is not similar to that of yesterday, in the name of public health people have been restricted, constricted, and have witnessed their rights being arrested by governments and cooperations. A similar sentiment reminds us of the importance of being free and alive. This track "Osama" is that vehicle that advocates for the total liberation of all against the clatches and shackles of the mafia-like organisations that have imprisoned all in the same of law and order. When in reality the custodians of leadership in many cases are the ones robbing from the people. This song is not a mistake, nor is it a coincidence this song is a gift from the intangible plain to the tangible pain. This song is a song for the people, a reminder that you have the will to decide your own destiny. When the experts have failed to come up with the tangible reason that has led to the collapse of humanity. The song empowers all to understand that the truth, to all of our lies, rests in you.
Upon listening to Osama you get to realise you are on an independent journey, a journey to nowhere yet a journey somewhere. A deep celestial dive into your heart of hearts, the leveled calm vocals are textured to speak to the one that seeks their eyes to the code wove in the intangible lyrics, the truth to this tack lies within you. This decade or window from 2019 to 2020 mushroomed a lot of motivational speakers, the gurus of life, the fundis, and philosophers of life. When in reality it is another human being that is trying to make a quick buck by looking all glossed up and manifesting a superficial perspective to the assumed answers of life. When in actuality the truth lies within you, the answers to this world rest within you, the solutions to your unique hurdles take home within you. Therefore drawing a juxtaposition to the track as it is intelligible we are introduced to another perspective of the song as it is reminding all that have their worries and seeking answers to this intelligible reality that is life. In all in all as it does not make sense you find sense in the nonsense. Thus in my view, the approach incorporated in this track is to empower the listener into understanding that the truth that we all seek does not lie in the next. Live your truth as you have found that truth as it is with the rest of everything as there are many ways of solving a chess problem like so in life there are many ways of solving your own problems. This track can be seen as a motivational track, another reminder that Zakes and Kasango with melody are reminding all that you do not need a motivational speaker to go after your life, to fetch your life. You need yourself, your intuition as your heart and soul decide to make sense of what is before itself. In one's observation, this track is dispelling the nuances that have mushroomed in this day and age as grifters and con artists have decided to make easy money through dosing people with lies so as to look and seem relevant within the eyes and ears of the many. When in reality the truth that you seek, in the intelligible lyrics as the world is they all reside in the heart and soul of one that views its reality " we live in the same building but we got different views" That is how the mastery of this song has allowed humanity to understand that there is no need to be dependent on anyone. Find your truth live it, understand it, practice it, and know it in embracing your intelligible journey you make sense of the reality that you face and you do not have the conviction of imposing your view upon someone else as you understand your reality. Thus the philosophical approach to listening to Osama as it allows the listener to make sense of it all through their own understanding.
Osama means Lion, the symbolism of the Lion is a curated and intentional approach to evoking the animal in you the listener of the track. From one angle we are brought to understand that in African culture, many ethnic groups use animals to identify themselves. The various animals in the animal kingdom that have been incorporated into African culture are as follows, Leopard, Buffalo, Zebra, Monkey, Lion, Elephant, Eland, Porcupine among other animals and monikers. This approach is a conscious code that the artists have woven into this track. As humanity is facing a stern test into survival as everything has been pushed to its limits. The conscious critical question around animal welfare has been brought to the picture, many lions are being kept in captivity forced to reproduce, and then sold off as exotic pets, trophies, or for medicinal purposes that the human being find marketable only to satisfy its gluttonous urges. In order for humanity to be able to survive the impending doom conservational practices have to be incorporated and ethics have to be practiced in order to survive. Therefore here in one's observation this track uses the Lion symbolism, in one's suggestion they are raising the conscious question around the welfare of nature and its species that beautify the world. The work is a conscious work that discusses the importance of nature in our lifetime and what tomorrow holds. The symbolism of the Lion can be further explored along these lines, the listener is of royalty, the listener is of majestic grace and opulence. The listener is strong, as the lion claims its territory, so should the person claim its territory. In suggesting this anecdote further, the Lion is a confident animal, sure-footed like a goat scaling down a palm tree. In the same breath, the listener is a lion they are being encouraged to claim its stake in this world. Without prejudicing anyone as they chase after what is theirs and what has destiny prepared them, seek after that which is yours, race down that is meant to be yours conjured by the efforts of one's hands. The symbolism of the Lion is sacred and majestic, spiritual, and important to African culture and religious culture. As is the Lion is a revered and respected animal from rugby to football, to companies, to brands they all use the Lion as a moniker a representative of what they believe should and is the culture of themselves and just the Lion moniker speaks for what they stand for and believe in. The Lyrics as they dive deep they evoke the Lion in the listener's heart. The roar of the Lion is a sign to all potential enemies not to trample nor dare to cross its path or else they will feel the might and thrust of the Lion. In the lyrics, there is the part that goes "Oh-oh-oh" here it can be interpreted as the Lion being copied as it is roaring. The same approach of the roar of the listener being evoked in the listener claim your stake, claim your territory, be ready to defend your legacy. Thus again here the writers of this song are realising us to understand that nature and humanity are interwoven. One finds being, purpose, and existence in just mimicking the Lion in the same thread the Lion in one's heart resurrects in the heart of many.
Osama the Lion is always alone in the savanna plain as it claims its place in this world. The same experience of being African, the African is reminded that it is alone and it has to be strong as the Lion. As the Lion can feed itself the African has the will to feed itself, cater itself, and protect itself, Kwame Nkrumah once said, "the African can solve its own problems". In the same school of thought, the Lion stands tall and defends its identity and so the African, or anyone can and has the capacity of defending itself.
Osama is an evocative song that is tailored and well-curated, textured, and tailored to be in communication with the inner person. The person that has a yearning of being free, to feel alive, and not just being alive but being alive with a purpose. A purpose that reminds the listener as the life ahead expects one to be strong, confident, and firm in their conviction. Evoke the Osama in you and become liberated the person that you are destined to become awaits you to realise that liberation rests and lies in one.
This song "Osama" carries a celestial aura that grapples the ear and the heart. Taking a look at the video's introduction with the guest appearance of the legendary actor Prof John Kani gives, rather emits the reconstruction of the scene in the Black Panther movie. The scene is an iconic scene and well-tailored to deliver the vitality of African culture, the majesty of African culture, the richness of African culture. African spirituality is woven into African culture in everything that the African does is spiritual. Tracing back to the way we eat, live, interact, and prepare our food. It is a spiritual practice that is alien to the commercial, capitalised world that is soulless and out of touch with humanity. African culture is a dream space that expresses the dogmatic aura of having a calling into the various gifts we all have as we have been brought into this reality we understand that existence is not a matter of what can one get out of the other, it is what one can give to the other. As is Zakes approaches Prof Kani in the scene. Therefore we all gifts a purpose in this world evoke the Osama in you and seek within you what you can do to give back to the world that has made you. The journey of finding purpose, and intention is a lonely path and heavy over and above it is tempting, tempting to quit as it is scary. Thus our wisdom strength and understanding of what or that bothers humanity or us in our independent spheres the answers lies in the elders of our community. The importance of elders in any community especially in African culture resonates with the existence of time, appreciates the importance of time. In the journey of self-discovery or reeducation elders are there to provide wisdom and suggestions which can be used to solve contemporary issues so as to preserve the humanity and sanity of society. The importance of elders in any community is a cultural trait that maintains balance in society. It reminds us all that for a community to survive and avoid chaos the older generation and younger generation need each other. In the name Ubuntu or Unhu in African culture, one cannot conquer a task alone, one cannot achieve or overcome a problem one needs the counsel of others and the wisdom of elders "makomo anponana mhute" the song further expounds on the need of the younger generation to respect elders as it is indefinite that paths of destiny or life are not governed by the mortal man they are governed by the bearers of the odds of fate, therefore, it is important to keep the goodwill of energy in one's conduct, "chisinga sangane makomo, nzizi ne nzira zvinosangana".
In much none-African literature or folktale, they are composed around a central figure that is molded to have achieved feats alone one such example the mythology tales of Hercules, the prowess of Ghenghis Khan, Alexander of Macedonia, they are romanticised to have achieved great feats alone whereas in actuality they achieved the feats from the help of others. Whereas in African culture and folklore each triumphant feat is structured around the community. The contribution to the quest of preserving humanity and being all resonates and rests before the community working together. Thus it is everybody's effort to contribute to the greater cause of existence through the cross-pollination of ideas to find sustainable concepts into preserving and furthering humanity.
Osama is an electrifying song that will be relatable and relevant for the foreseeable future, due to the intense commercialisation of art. The essence of many tracks has lost its value because of the view of trying to be hip and trendy. The dangers of it all are that the tracks might be a hit for at least a month than in the coming months or years to come it will have faced its demise a sword of Damocles which is upon many tracks. However, in my regard Osama, I foresee this track as a timeless classic that will be played Until the end of time and the end of humanity. It is a dark horse of a track that snuck up on the audience without setting off the alarm. The aim of this song in my regard is longevity, given time the track will mature like wine and be served with class and pristine. The track is a masterpiece that deserves recognition like any other body of work granted the track's potential it has the potentiality of getting people dancing in the summertime. In the northern hemisphere of the globe as they will be partying Osama will be their summer track. On the international scene of Ibiza, Paris, London, MiamiManila the track can reach that type of audience and even get them dancing to their feet. Osama is a track that deserves a nomination from the AFRIMA, to the SAMA's cascading to the MAMA's, though these are my sentiments and my opinion it is up to the gatekeepers to do what is right. We all know that the award ceremonies are political and they are rigged and political as cooperations and music labels are all baying for the attention of the masses and they are driven to incorporate hooks and crooks. They forsake the sentiments of appreciating art in its purity In my universe this track has won my award.
Osama birthed that is birthed from joy and pain, the pain of being a negro is like being in a never-ending trial. A battle of one firstly, a battle with itself, then its family from the family squared circle smack bang into the squared circle of the community then the whole country it is whole tribal warfare that is afoot. This song is the birth of ajar worlds that complement each other, what is pain without joy, what is life without void, what is existence without all the misery and triumph. This stream of thought was evoked by Mrs. Madida nee Mngoma from an interview she said, "...the song is a reflection of where everyone should be...". Comprehending the quote it can be suggested that what is being communicated by the couple is that everyone is in a moment and that moment is that is meant to inspire the best out of one in as much as reality and the hands of fate deliver what they believe are the challenges of life whether good or bad it is up to the recipient of the challenges to decide what is needed to be done in order to preserve themselves from the tides to come that may wipe off many from the face of existence.
Glossolalia: "the phenomenon of (apparently) speaking in an unknown language (tongue) especially in religious worship. It is practiced especially Pentecostal and Charismatic churches."
Osama expands on the tangent of:
Xenolalia: "the ability to speak in a language which the individual has not learned"
Furthermore,
Akolalia: "A speaker, speaks in one language and the hearer hears in her/his own language (or one s/he) understands"
Osama is an embodiment of the above three pillars as is it a commune of the three coming together all blended into making the song and telling the African identity as it is designed and respected and observed as part and parcel of the human circle. In the intelligible one's stance, purpose and origin are inspired by moments of not making sense but there is sense. Involving Akolalia into the fray the song is written in a language that is not understood or known but it is woven to give the listener or recipient of the music a comprehensive appreciation of finding the truth that lies within themselves as mentioned above. In listening to the track one may suggest that the idea woven in the song was to be in commune with everyone and be able to connect with the soul. Zakes and Kasango avoid using a particular known tongue or language according to Zakes they did not want to be confined by the views of people. Furthermore suggesting that the writing style and composition of the song is to nudge to find a gem of truth within. Zakes and Kasango intention was to connect with everyone that gets the chance to listen to the song. The medium of using music which is a universal language, good music has no bounds, cannot be boxed, and may not be categorised. Good music is transcendent, good music is consumed by the people and is designed for the people. As they listen to themselves they find themselves being universally connected by a single track.
Examining the lyrics the writers mention a number of key influential people and places. In the song, they mention Angola according to a News24 article Zakes says that he loves Angola. In one view the mentioning of Angola in this song one might suggest that Zakes is paying an homage to Angola and extending his appreciation to the country as it played a pivotal role in assisting South Africa in finding her independence away from the apartheid regime. MK fighters would get their military training in countries such as Tanzania, Zambia, and most of all Angola. Another angle that can be involved in this thread of thought would be that Zakes mentions Angola he is expressing his appreciation of the country and he is saying Angola is his home too. A way that can be seen to be used to bring the people together East, West, North, and South Africa is our home and it belongs to every African that hails and has belief in the continent. Furthermore, Zakes mentions titans such as Miriam Makeba, a titan that fought for the independence of Africa with her voice and she was a leading thought leader on the continent to today her thoughts are appreciated and consulted all the time in search of the truth that creatives seek to embrace in order to understand the value of the work that they produce. Elders play a role in the cultural preservation project, in the identity preservation project, in the conviction expressing project. The name dropping of Fela Kuti in the song, a maverick of African beats i.e. Afro Beats, that held governments to accounts through tracks such as Zombie, Lady, yellow Fever, Teacher don't teach me nonsense, Water among other songs. Fela was and is a cultural icon that serves the same talents on the liberation of Africa as Miriam Makeba. Therefore the newer generation of creatives and everyone that is inclining their ears to this magnum opus, in one's suggestion would be that the answers that Africa seeks lie in the elders of yesterday. Finally, Zakes mentions Lilongwe in the song, a city that he appreciates as it is meant to guide the people into appreciating the beauty of African names, the beauty of the African language.
"It (Osama)is a prayer to someone, it is a spiritual thing to someone, to someone (else) it might be a love a song it's whatever you interpret it to be", Zakes Bantwini
Osama is a song that can be sung in haste or a song that can be sung when one is at ease. A body of art that has stretched the chord of artistic genius, honesty, vulnerability, and intention. A chronicle into the life of a human being; artist's creatives are receptors, gateways, intermediaries, go-between the invisible world and the visible world. Therefore this body of literary genius is a representation of the purity, honesty of music from Africa. It is neither commercial nor indie it is just a body of work meant to celebrate art, immortalise Africa and celebrate humanity.
Osama is a subjective song a song that is not a generic song that is basically saying power to the people. The people are the ones that decide what is an art not cooperations. Anybody of artwork is meant to be consumed by the people and not a pod of people that have to determine the value of a body of work Zakes is essentially giving power to the listener "raging against the machine".
The song sows the seed of hope, aspirations, and the thought of believing that everything is going to be alright.
As we part ways for now in one's view Osama is a good, no scratch that it is a great song and I am looking forward to more tracks that are tailored in the idea of serving the people and giving them what they deserve. Maybe Mr. Zakes will read this blog today, tomorrow, or never from one blogger that appreciates efforts kudos, sir.
To the audience and listeners thank you for your time.
Here is a poem for you inspired by listening to Osama
I'm taken aback, as i...
Bang my chest with pride
Wearing my leopard skin shoal
I stand before the banks
Of the mighty blood river
I listen carefully to the wails,
Of my fallen ancestors
I gaze to the summit
Of the Drakensburg
I behold unkosi yamankosi
uShaka serenaded by the
Ululations of Nandi
My hope rises like the sun
Shines bright in the dark like the moon
I walk in the valley
Of shadows of uncertainty
May I live to tell the tale
That many have failed to tell...
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