The 2026 release of Rawkeysgroup’s EP, aptly titled Morupelo to the World, proves that the ensemble’s previous offering, Private School Morupelo, was no fluke.

Following their 2025 album, the group delivered hits such as “Why o loya o wotiye so?” (Why are you a witch when you are so skinny?), “Bothatha ke legeu lela” (Alcohol is the problem), and the crowd favourite “Ke moviye on” (I’m moving on), which has become something of a local anthem.

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While music lovers were still wondering who would dominate the Morupelo stage this year, Rawkeysgroup returned with a fresh wave of catchy tracks, including “Chela malome”, “Bakwana fela”, “Butsisa ngwanagu”, and “Mogae ba nhloiye”.

The new EP features five vibrant dikoma tracks that keep their roots firmly grounded in the genre.

Formed in 2019, Rawkeysgroup consists of Welcome Ngamone, Thabang Selowe, Joshua Lekgau, Rudolph Lekhuleni, and Lucky Mathebula.

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Explaining the origin of the group’s name, Lekhuleni said it came about during a studio session in FL Studio, when they struggled to find the traditional sounds they were looking for.

“We had to play everything raw, from the drums to the traditional horn used for initiation celebrations. That’s when we realised the name was right in front of us: Rawkeys,” he said.

The group aims to ensure their groovy tunes reflect the cultural diversity of their home region. By catering to the broader Bushbuckridge community, their sound blends elements of rap, amapiano and traditional dikoma, while also addressing social issues.

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Lekgau, also known as Mr Doo, said: “Bushbuckridge is a culturally diverse place, so we make sure our music appeals to everyone. Our sound is not just seasonal – it can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere.”

Mathebula, known as Kay Ledge, expressed pride in how far they have come.

“Being able to perform Morupelo music outside of Bushbuckridge and Mpumalanga, and still excite audiences, is beyond what we imagined. I always knew Morupelo had potential, but this is incredible,” he said.

Looking ahead, the group said their dream collaboration would be working on future projects with Limpopo’s Malebo.