South Africa’s Th&o. redefines the boundaries of contemporary R&B, Dream-Pop and Electro-Funk with his emotionally-charged second album
‘Emlotheni‘ (meaning ‘In The Ashes’), sees Th&o.—through nine tracks—explore the, at times, “sweet” and, at others, “bitter” aspects of love and relationships. So far, we’ve heard the album’s dreamy single ‘Lonely? (Come Along)’, which received 200 radio plays, and the rousing, funk-flecked ‘Night Till Dawn’.
A previously unheard highlight from the album is ‘Ice On Fire’. This distinct electro-funk track is laden with squelching synth keys and a trip-hop style beat, a unique addition showcasing Th&o.’s ability to push the boundaries of contemporary R&B and electro-funk.
“This album to me is a series of tales from my heart to yours,” explains Th&o.. “Tales ofunrequited love and burned hearts. In the game of hearts, someone always gets burned.The game is sometimes dark and bitter, and sometimes it’s beautiful and as sweet as molasses. In the game of hearts, don’t get caught in the ashes.”
“This album is a personal challenge for me, a testament to my belief that I can achieve anything without seeking validation from anyone else. It’s a personal journey of self-discovery and self-improvement, a testament to my dedication to my craft and my desire to push my limits.”
Proving to be a career defining project, with this album Th&o. continues to challenge perceptions of South African artists, showcasing his dedicated artistry in a genre left of the country’s recent genre explosions in Amapiano and Afro House.
About Th&o.:
Thando, known as Th&o., is a Johannesburg-based producer, singer, and songwriter blending synthpop, electro-funk, and R&B. His genre-defying sound draws from icons like Mark Ronson, Jamiroquai, and Fela Kuti, fusing Western beats with African soul. Recognized for his emotional depth and visual artistry, Th&o.’s short film Ebusuku won acclaim for its rich, cinematic storytelling. His singles ‘Lonely’ and ‘Come Along’ showcase themes of solitude and community, teasing his upcoming project, Emlotheni. With support from Spotify’s Africa Rising and industry veterans like Jermaine Dupri, Th&o. is positioned as a leader in the global African music scene.
‘Emlotheni’ Tracklist:
1. Blood
2. Ice On Fire
3. Til Yours Is Mine
4. Defeated
5. Lonely?
6. How You’re Mine
7. Night Til Dawn
8. The Water, The WindShinju
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