Photography by Nina Val
Today, Zimbabwean-Irish rapper God Knows releases his eagerly anticipated EP We Move The Needle, out now via narolane Records. Formed in 2019 in Limerick, narolane was founded by God Knows with Denise Chaila (who features on the EP) and MuRli, who are pushing forward the boundaries of Afro-Irish music.
The EP is inspired by Southern Africa’s Amapiano house scene, marrying God Knows’ appreciation for youth culture with reflections, beliefs and his own unique rapping style.
“I have always been an ‘action that speaks louder than words’ type of person, and even more so when It comes to my career,” he reflects.
“I love art and artists that draw from real life. Every record that I put out reflects that reality. A bold statement like We Move The Needle is me stating what in my opinion is what we do here at narolane.”
We’re extremely pleased to host a selection of five tracks God Knows has chosen from the Amapiano scene to celebrate the release of the EP.
The We Move The Needle EP is available to stream and download now.
Samthing Soweto Feat Kabza De Small – Akulaleki
“Released in 2019 I remember long drives in the Irish countryside listening to this track trying to figure out why I couldn’t get enough of it. It was Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa’s production and Samthing Soweto’s ability to write songs.”
DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small Feat. Nokwazi, Vigro Deep – Vula Vala
“Crowned the Godfather of Amapiano, Kabza De Small’s production is world class but when he gets together with DJ Maphorisa it’s magical. The beats and production is so heavy the track makes me want to jam all day.”
Qtwins & Skye Wanda – Impilo
“This song gets me in the mood to dance, the vocals are beautiful and powerful! I dare you to listen to this and not be singing along.“
Mello & Sleazy, Daliwonga and M.J – Abo Mvelo
“I love the rhythm of this track, it tears up every dance floor I’ve been blessed to be in the room off. Seeing people’s reactions as they dance to the beat of the music makes me feel inspired and free.”
God Knows Feat. Senita – Glory
“This was the track that made me want to explore my roots more, everything I had rapped on prior had been mostly Hip Hop but I grew up on Kwaito, Afrohouse music and now I have been in love with Amapiano, so when Godwin. sent me the riddim It all came flooding in resulting in me and Senita going to war with imposter syndrome.”
