The Stage 32 Videos: Mma

The title, Amandla; meaning "power" in isiXhosa and isiZulu immediately situates the piece within the historical and political lexicon of Southern African resistance. By adding "Deluxe," Lolo Vandal signals an elevated, enriched version of this concept; one that is not only political but also deeply personal and spiritual.

The title, Thatha AmaChance; meaning "Take the Chances" in isiXhosa; is both a call to action and a philosophical stance. Lolo Vandal uses this track to inspire listeners to embrace opportunity, even in the face of uncertainty or adversity. The tone is diplomatic yet empowering, offering encouragement without judgment.

The performance captures Lolo Vandal in his most vulnerable and authentic form. The absence of elaborate production allows his voice, lyrics, and presence to take the lead. Musically, the live rendition is intimate and raw. The instrumentation is minimal, often relying on rhythmic vocal phrasing and ambient textures that evoke traditional praise poetry and oral storytelling.

"Thanda Umntu" by Lolo Vandal is a live rehearsal performance that offers a heartfelt and culturally grounded reflection on love, humanity, and emotional integrity. Performed in an intimate setting, Thanda Umntu (translated as "Love a Person") is a lyrical and spiritual meditation on the essence of genuine connection.

"EKANA" by Lolo Vandal is a contemplative and culturally resonant music video that explores themes of identity, resilience, and spiritual grounding through a distinctly African lens. EKANA unfolds as a lyrical meditation on the complexities of selfhood in a post-colonial society. Lolo Vandal's delivery is both poetic and deliberate, weaving isiXhosa phrases with introspective commentary.

"Umnqwazi Wemfene" is a lyrical cleansing. It mocks, it mourns, it teaches. It's a mirror held up to society, asking: Are you wearing the hat, or are you living the truth? Lolo Vandal delivers his verses with sharp wit and rhythmic cadence, weaving in ancestral references and indigenous idioms. The song challenges listeners to reflect on authenticity, cultural appropriation, and the commodification of African spirituality.

Qhwabani Izandla” by Lolo Vandal is a rhythmic call to unity, celebration, and cultural pride-delivered through Afro-Poetic Hip-Hop and expressive isiXhosa lyricism. The track is a musical invitation to participate; to clap, to feel, and to connect with the heartbeat of African expression. Lolo Vandal uses rhythm and poetry to encourage emotional release, cultural pride, and spiritual connection.

Isizukulwana (meaning Generation) is a powerful music video by Lolo Vandal, where poetic isiXhosa verses meet raw visual storytelling to explore the emotional and cultural inheritance passed down through generations. The track is a lyrical meditation on what it means to carry the dreams, traumas, and wisdom of those who came before. Lolo Vandal speaks to the soul of a people shaped by history, urging his audience to honour their roots while forging new paths.

“Mamela,” meaning Listen, is a commanding artistic statement by Lolo Vandal that fuses poetic isiXhosa lyricism with raw visual storytelling to demand attention, provoke introspection, and elevate African emotional truth. As part of his Afro-Poetic Hip-Hop movement, the track positions rhythm as a global language of healing, resistance, and cultural memory. Mamela is a lyrical plea for attention-not just to the artist’s words, but to the emotional and cultural truths they carry. Lolo Vandal uses this session to speak openly about pain, identity, and the need for presence in a distracted world.

BELIEVER is a compelling music video by Lolo Vandal, presented in collaboration with Pilot Films, that merges poetic isiXhosa verses with a cinematic visual narrative. The track is a declaration of inner strength and conviction, where belief becomes both a weapon and a shield against adversity. Lolo Vandal uses his verses to reflect on personal trials, spiritual endurance, and the power of belief to overcome doubt and fear.

This track is a lyrical celebration of love’s tenderness and emotional truth. Lolo Vandal uses Nca Ngomntu to reflect on the vulnerability that comes with loving deeply and the joy found in genuine connection. “Nca Ngomntu” is a poignant music video by Lolo Vandal that artfully combines expressive isiXhosa lyricism with Afro-Poetic Hip-Hop to reflect on the nuances of romantic affection and emotional depth.

“Madlanduna” by Lolo Vandal is a bold Afro-Poetic Hip-Hop anthem that confronts betrayal, loyalty, and emotional survival through sharp isiXhosa lyricism and raw visual storytelling. Madlanduna is a powerful music video by Lolo Vandal, blending poetic isiXhosa lyricism with raw urban visuals to explore themes of betrayal, loyalty, and emotional survival.