Online Reporter
South African artist MOREKI has officially released his latest football-inspired project, “Mzansi Gwijo, Vol. 2”, ahead of the upcoming Fifa World Cup.
The five-track EP celebrates Bafana Bafana following the team’s qualification for football’s biggest tournament.
Blending gwijo chants with local urban sounds, the project aims to capture the spirit of South African football culture while creating songs supporters can sing in stadiums, watch parties and gatherings across the country.
Before the full release, MOREKI dropped the lead single “Ngu Mzansi Lo” featuring Gwijo Avenue on May 15.
Speaking to “Independent Media Lifestyle”, the artist explained why he chose the title “Mzansi Gwijo, Vol. 2” instead of directly naming it after Bafana Bafana.
“I wanted to name it ‘Bafana Bafana World Cup EP’, but I felt like it was going to limit the project itself because these are South African songs,” he said.
“I did not want to box it as only a project for Bafana Bafana because it represents us as South Africans. That’s why I decided to call it ‘Mzansi Gwijo, Vol. 2’. It is more about our South African identity because of the songs, the chants and the sounds that South Africans sing at stadiums.”
MOREKI said that the project was inspired by the atmosphere that football supporters create during matches and celebrations.
“These are the songs that football fans listen to. I wanted the name to represent South Africans and the culture of going to stadiums,” he explained.
The artist revealed that the EP took about a month to complete after he started recording in April and wrapped up the final production on May 7.
According to MOREKI, one of the main goals behind the project was to motivate the national team as they prepare for the World Cup in Mexico.
“The creative process was mainly about making songs that would encourage the boys and give spirit to Bafana Bafana,” he said.
“I also wanted to make songs that fans would relate to. I wanted to give it that stadium feel because that has become my signature sound.”
He added that he intentionally focused on creating music that sounded authentic to local football culture instead of moving too far away from what supporters already connect with inside stadiums.
“I have heard a lot of football songs before, but I wanted to create a unique sound that soccer fans would relate to,” he said.
The EP features collaborations with several artists and vocalists, including Smanga, Deco, Soultaker Mthathi, Amogelang Moshweu and Gwijo Avenue. Producer Quinton Deep also assisted with recording vocals for the project.
Although MOREKI admitted that it was difficult to choose a favourite song from the EP, he said that every track carries the same spirit of unity and celebration around South Africa’s World Cup qualification.
“It is hard because I love all of them,” he said. “We are all in the spirit of the World Cup and supporting the team.” The musician also reflected on how football music has shaped his creative journey over the years. He said that his experience creating soundtracks connected to Orlando Pirates helped him understand how music can unite supporters.
“One thing that I realised is that music connects the fans and creates the atmosphere before going to the stadium,” he said.
“I wanted this EP to be something that connects all of us. Whether people are going to watch parties or driving home, I wanted these songs to keep that spirit alive.”
MOREKI said that he is grateful for the positive response the project has already received from football supporters and music lovers across the country.
“It is an amazing feeling because I feel like I am playing my part as a South African citizen,” he said.
“I am happy that football fans and South Africans as a whole are behind this project and appreciating it.” – IOL
Mathew Masinge