South African hip-hop artist Wordsmith says his latest single, Turn Me Up, is more than just a track; it’s a heartfelt plea for recognition, born from years of feeling stuck in one place.

Wordsmith shared how his life experiences have shaped both the music and the man. “Life journey played a huge role in who I am today. I don’t think a song can fully explain a being, but Turn Me Up is a request for being listened to, or given a chance, like Ricky said (listen to the kids).”

Wordsmith described the mental state that inspired the song, “Turn Me Up was inspired by being in the same place. Not being heard or given sufficient chances to prove myself… but merely its the mental position of stagnation I was in at the time.” He also drew influence from tracks by Ab-Soul and Kendrick Lamar.

Read more: Jay Wrighteous turns up the heat on South Africa’s hip-hop landscape

“The beat was made by a brother named Jhy Mafia Prince Sambo, from Vosloorus. He produced the beat and sent it with a few others and I picked this one. The idea wasn’t even tough, because I used archived lyrics for the verse, but the chorus was naturally freestyled until it sat properly.

“I then sent it to friend named Treasure, and he immediately pulled it from the pack of songs and said I should put more focus on it as its a jam.”

Confident in the song, Wordsmith took it to the Who Got the Aux competition fully prepared. “I didn’t hesitate when the Who Got the Aux competition came. I went prepared with the joint and the rest is history.”

A teaser for the official music video dropped on April 15, offering a taste of what’s to come. “The teaser is part of the music video. Its part of the best moments captured from the actual video and the idea is to draw people towards it and prepare them for the actual drop, which is on May 1 at 10:00.”

Fans can look forward to a vibe and a moment of excitement and unity of the culture. Wordsmith brought together close artists who inspire him and whom he inspires in return. “Most of the people I summoned to be on there were close artists that somehow inspire, and I also inspire, to a point of them being family, so they part of all I do.”

Also read: Rapper chronicles faith and street reality with A Day in the Life EP

He was deeply involved in the creative process. “I was very involved. I was listened to and given a chance to lead and direct there and there, but initially Mr Magosa and DJ Switch played a huge [role] to make the visual a success. Much love and respect to them.”

The video, shot in locations featuring graffiti and streets, captures an old-school feel. “The video gives life to the concept, as it has that old school feel. We used places with graffiti and also used the streets, so watching it gives the idea to life as everyone on it was enjoying the moment.”

Wordsmith views the project as preparation for more personal work. “Its a preparation for my coming projects, as I’m planning on dropping something personal in May, but Turn Me Up will be in another project as the coming one is a introduction of myself and where I come from.”

He remains grounded about expectations. “I really don’t have a lot of expectations. What I do know is that the right people will find it and love it.”

Already, the response has been positive. “I think its a success already, as people gravitate to it and grow fond of it.”

Turn Me Up is available on all major streaming platforms, with the full music video set to premiere on May 1 at 10:00 on Youtube. The project highlights the unity and energy within the local hip-hop scene, where artists support one another like family.

Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!