TAWANDA CHARI
Malcom Mufunde’s decision to retire from rap feels like the end of an era—an era that has been noticeably filled by raw emotion. He created a legacy through over 18 full-length projects and 11 albums since Trash in 2021. But as he bids farewell to the mic, it’s his final album, Ekasi 2, that feels like the perfect encapsulation of his journey—a masterstroke that holds a poignant reflection of his roots, his struggles, and everything that made him the artist we’ve come to love.
Ekasi 2: A Fitting Allegory of His Roots
Technically, ekasi is just the Zulu term for “township,” a segregated neighborhood or informal settlement where black people were forced to live under apartheid. Ekasi/Kasi: a Ndebele word for neighbourhood in a city or area around a city. It holds deep meaning for Malcom Mufunde.
Born and raised in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe’s bustling town rich in community, he used his music to bring those experiences to life.
Mufunde’s experience mirrors that of many who’ve had to fight for survival in harsh socioeconomic environments. On Ekasi 2, the second installation of his Ekasi series and ninth installation his E-series, Mufunde, alongside acclaimed producer The Curator, digs deep into the realities of life in an impoverished community where dreams are often limited by circumstance.
Ekasi 2 is an embodiment of everything Mufunde’s journey has stood for—his reflections on hardship, survival, and the harsh realities of life in a world where dreams often feel just out of reach. The album’s tone is both introspective and defiant, capturing the essence of life in a country where survival is the daily goal, and every step forward feels like a victory no matter how small.
The track Fazh (meaning School), in particular, examines the critical role education plays in society—not just as a tool for upward mobility, but as a system of prejudice that dictates how one is treated, seen, and respected. Malcom opens a raw conversation about how socio-economic status, so often beyond our control, shape our world—impacting everything from the jobs we get to the relationships we form.
In a world that’s quick to label, Fazh is a powerful reminder of how deeply entrenched societal structures impact the individual, often in ways that are invisible but ever-present.
From Youthful Fury to Heartfelt Wisdom
Malcom’s evolution as an artist was something truly special to witness. As his career progressed, his style grew more complex, shifting from the fiery, rebellious words of Mace/tha MIND, a teenager pouring his frustrations into every bar, to abstract lyricism on Existence and to the deeply personal storytelling heard on Ekhaya.
His last four albums, including Ekasi 2, showcase a more playful, relaxed approach to his craft, a sharp contrast to his earlier intensity, but still filled with the same biting commentary on life, love, and struggle. His growth was clear.
His music has always been a reflection of his personal journey—a path filled with pain, hope, and in large parts, resilience. But it’s the intimacy and vulnerability he brought to his work from 2021 that really struck a chord with his listeners.
Each album Mufunde created was like a piece of his soul laid bare. And as he leaves the music, Ekasi 2 feels like the perfect close to that chapter—a culmination of everything he’s seen, learned, and experienced.
The Quiet Genius: A Rapper Who Preferred the Studio Over the Stage
What made Malcom Mufunde so unique wasn’t just his ability to write beautiful, heart-wrenching lyrics—it was the way he lived. While many in hip-hop thrive on the stage, constantly seeking attention and performing for the crowd, Mufunde was always the quiet, introverted genius. He wasn’t interested in the fame nor the constant buzz of the industry; he was content in his own world.
It’s easy to admire a rapper who can command a stage, do interviews, and engage with the public.
But what set Mufunde apart was that he wasn’t trying to be anything he wasn’t. He wasn’t the loudest voice in the room, not always but when he stepped into the studio, his presence was undeniable. He poured his heart into every line, crafting his verses with a level of care and precision that few others can match. His introverted nature is his superpower—it allows him to be more authentic, more real, and more deeply connected to his craft than most.
Now, as Malcom Mufunde steps away from rap, it’s hard not to feel a sense of loss. But there’s also a deep sense of gratitude for everything he’s given us. His music wasn’t just entertainment; it was a lifeline for many. It spoke to those who felt overlooked, misunderstood, or simply lost in the chaos of the world. It was also fun to witness that ability to translate deep, personal experiences into vivid, poetic lines that sets him apart from many of his contemporaries.
He is the scrivener who opted to put words into being. Personally, l am the fan his music spoke to the soul and uplifted the spirit. Thank You and Happy Retirement.
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