Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena
IRELAND-based rapper Blaq Apollo is set to make a thunderous return to the music scene with a deeply personal full-length album titled Pride Is the Devil, which drops at the end of May.
The Nkulumane-bred artiste, who once traded as MAC, said the project was crafted over a year, with the rapper trimming down an initial pool of 21 songs to 17 tracks that fully tell the story he wanted to share.
The album dives into the destructive power of pride in relationships, tackling issues such as ego, toxic arguments, vulnerability, paranoia and the dangerous mindset of choosing pride over love.
Speaking about the project, Blaq Apollo said the album takes listeners on an emotional rollercoaster, following the rise and fall of a relationship.
He added that the project is meant to help listeners reflect on their own lives while still enjoying the music.
“Pride Is the Devil explores how pride quietly destroys relationships. It starts with the first single Patron, a club moment where two people meet and a relationship begins. From there, every song becomes another chapter, showing how pride slowly eats away at love.
“My hope is that people feel seen through these stories, heal through the music and realise that admitting weakness is actually strength,” said Blaq Apollo.
The project was produced and executive produced by Blaq Apollo himself using FL Studio and Logic Pro, creating what he describes as a cinematic Afro Pop and Trap Soul sound.
To add depth to the album, he brought in live instrumentation from Dave Keys on keyboards and Pete Walsh on saxophone, while Sergio Santos and Saint Beats handled the final mixing and mastering.
Blaq Apollo also revealed that the project became bigger than just his personal journey after collaborating with artistes from Dublin, London, Malawi and the United States through mentorship programmes facilitated by the Galway Arts Council.
“The collaborations were very intentional because each artiste matched the emotional energy needed for every stage of the relationship story. Some sessions happened physically and others remotely, but the chemistry was natural from the start,” he said.
The rapper, who relocated to Ireland from Bulawayo, said adapting to the Irish Hip Hop market has been both challenging and rewarding.
“I started off deeply rooted in Hip Hop in Bulawayo, but moving to Galway pushed me to grow while remaining true to my roots.
“This album is mostly in English so it can connect with international audiences, but I’m also working on a vernacular project that speaks directly to home, as well as a Deep House project,” he said.
Blaq Apollo credited the Galway Arts Council for supporting his growth and helping him expand his music career internationally.
“All of this has shown me that consistency, honesty and the right support can really take you far,” he said.
