Zadok Reflects on Collaborating with AKA and His Pride in Representing SA

Zadok is looking to cement his name in the music scene, and his efforts spanning more than two decades are testament to that.

Born and raised in Durban, the singer played musical instruments recreationally from the age of five and professionally from 19. He tapped into creating remixes of popular music and capturing these as videos.

He’s worked with renowned stars including JR, Riky Rick, Sjava, Musa Keys, Major League DJz, AKA and more and is best-known for putting together AKA’s last album.

With the release of Perspective: BLACK, TshisaLIVE spoke to the rising star about his music and future ventures.

Your album delves into themes of identity, love and resilience. Can you elaborate on how the themes are explored throughout the album? Are there specific songs that represent the themes?

Perspective: Black is a deeply personal exploration of who I am as an artist and individual. The themes of identity, love and resilience are woven into the fabric of each track.

For instance, Sangena came from a moment of frustration when I chose to keep pushing forward and choose joy. The song featuring Khuli Chana speaks to the collective identity and experiences we share within our communities. Wonder, with Shekhinah, captures the essence of love, specifically young love. I feel Heaven Knows is my most honest moment. It embodies resilience and reflecting on the struggles and triumphs I’ve faced throughout my journey.

Each song has a story attached to it and serves as a chapter in my life. I hope people feel that and connect with it.

You collaborated talented artists on the album, including Khuli Chana, Shekhinah and Robot Boii. How did these collaborations influence the creative direction of Perspective: BLACK ?

The best part of the collaborations was watching how the artists interpreted my ideas in their own unique ways. Collaborating with Khuli, Shekhinah and Majeeed from Nigeria brought a fresh perspective to my work. The collaborations were not only about featuring artists, they were about creating a dialogue through music, enhancing the album’s overall narrative and sound. It was definitely exhausting, but overall an enjoyable and rewarding process.

Your musical journey started at a young age in Durban. How have your South African roots shaped your sound and artistic identity?

No DNA, just RSA. My South African roots are at the core of my sound. Anyone who knows me knows repping South Africa is a big deal to me. When I was doing shows with AKA, he would steal my flag when he couldn’t find his.

Growing up in Durban, I was surrounded by diverse musical influences, from hip-hop to traditional Zulu sounds, American gospel-pop of the 1990s/early 2000s. This rich musical journey has instilled in me a deep appreciation for storytelling and groove. It’s what drives my desire to fuse different genres and create a sound that’s authentically mine while honouring my roots. The vibrancy and heat of the South African music culture continually inspires me and informs my artistic identity.

You’ve played a significant role in the South African music scene, collaborating with AKA, Sjava and Riky Rick. Are there key takeaways from the experiences you applied to Perspective: BLACK ?

Absolutely. There’s a lot I got from the gents but the biggest points are backing your artistic instincts and authenticity. My journeys with the guys has taught me invaluable lessons about creativity, professionalism and the importance of culture in music.

Working with someone like AKA on Mass Country and Sjava on Umqhele has reinforced the power of collaboration and the impact of sharing diverse perspectives. I’ve learnt to embrace vulnerability in my music, which is crucial for authentic storytelling. The experiences shaped my approach to Perspective: BLACK, reminding me that growth often comes from individual exploration and collective collaboration.

Perspective: BLACK is described as an artistic representation of your growth. Can you share an example of how the album reflects a personal experience or turning point in your artistic development?

A pivotal moment was during the writing of Heaven Knows. This track kind of reflects my journey through challenges and setbacks, specially with the loss of loved ones over the past few years. It encapsulates the idea of waiting for your moment and the resilience it takes to pursue your dreams no matter what. This song is a turning point, not only in the album but in my personal journey as it represents my commitment to growth and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Perspective: BLACK seems to suggest a deeper meaning. Can you explain the significance of the colour black in the context of this album?

The colour black holds profound meaning for me in this album. It symbolises strength, depth and the complexity of identity. In many cultures, black is associated with resilience and the richness of experience. Through Perspective: BLACK I wanted to convey that embracing all aspects of oneself, light and dark, is essential for personal growth.

The album serves as a canvas for exploring the nuances, celebrating the multifaceted nature of who we are as individuals and as a community. It invites listeners to find beauty in their own journeys, no matter how complex they may be.