Today we take you with us into the creative universe of the ZULO. Coming from the vibrant streets of Johannesburg, South Africa, ZULO has been making waves with his infectious tunes that seamlessly blend South African Hip-Hop, Pop, and Kwaito. This interview is not just any #LAChat interview —it’s an exclusive interview and we’ve got the inside scoop on his upcoming single, “JOL” dropping on the 26th of January. ZULO took us behind the scenes of his latest project, shared insights into his creative process, and spilled the beans on what makes “JOL” a must-listen.
This is your backstage pass to the mind and music of ZULO—let’s get into it!
Hey ZULO, welcome back to #LAChats! It’s awesome to have you here again. Let’s catch up on your latest project, “JOL.” How have things been since our last chat last year, especially with the success of “Adawise”?
[ZULO]: Great to be back! I think when you’re as prepared as I have been when you’ve learned as much as I have, these successes just feel like phases because you know it’s always going to be a step up every time. We’re growing a tree and “Adawise” was just the seed. I didn’t expect it to be the entire tree, you know? We’re about to water it, give it sunlight, all that. I’m glad people are paying attention because I’m doing what I set out to do since I was a lil — to be the best ever.
Let’s get into the exculsive! “JOL” talks about the challenges artists face with bookings and payments. What got you into exploring this theme in a pop-trap style, and what are you hoping listeners get from it?
[ZULO]: I think “JOL” prepares everybody for the new year ahead. We’re calling it 202JOL, not 2024, because it’s going to be… well… a JOL. We’re not settling this year, we’re not accepting anything less than what we’re rightfully owed — that goes for money, opportunities, respect, anything, we’re taking it if they won’t give it to us. I think that’s the message of the song, that’s what listeners should get from it.
Teaming up with Flow Jones Jr. and adding Msaki’s “Ulwandle Lutshile” to “JOL” sounds interesting. Can you spill the beans on how this collaboration happened and why you decided to mix in some of Msaki magic touch?
[ZULO]: I wanted Jones to be to “JOL” what Jamie Foxx is to “Gold Digger” with the Msaki interpolation. I don’t like just making songs with people and “having fun”, I want it to be special, to have the potential to be impactful, and I think Jones on this song is a little iconic, you know? It just felt right. I’ve known him for like 10 years now and seeing his career flourish in the way that it has been is so beautiful to witness.
The music video for “JOL” dropped alongside the single. How did you come up with the video concept, and how hands-on were you in making it? What were you trying to show visually with the music?
[ZULO]: I’d say as hands-on as I am with everything I do, so pretty = hands-on. We were really looking at making the opposite of “Adawise”, where that felt boujee and concept-heavy, but “JOL” needed to feel street. I wanted everything to be shot in the south of Johannesburg. I wanted to be at Mochachos Ridgeway, which is not only the best Mochachos in the country, but they assist their community in so many ways, so does Vish & Kay Salon. Plus, the studio shots took place at the same studio I shot my very first music video in 2015, when I was young, cocky, and ignorant with no music video experience, allowed the director to disrespect me on set, so, yeah, I just feel like nobody can tell me anything now. It feels full circle.
After the success of “Adawise,” did that influence how you approached making “JOL”? How do you deal with expectations while keeping true to your style?
[ZULO]: We actually had “JOL” before “Adawise” came out, as we have the next single ready before “JOL” drops. I know my sound, I know what I’m trying to portray in my music, and everything that’s coming out, and is going to come out, is very intentional. It’s been the plan from the jump.
Being the producer of you own work, can you describe how your creative process is like when you create for yourself versus for other artists?
[ZULO]: I’m not going to lie, I struggle producing for other artists because my process is so weird. I need people to trrrusst me, man. All my songs start out like rubbish. Sometimes we’d reach out for features with early versions and their reaction is always “ummm? Is this the song?” I’m working on that though, it’s easy to do things for myself because I already have the end goal set out in my head.
Your music usually dives into real-life experiences. Why is it important for you to bring these themes into your music, and what do you want your fans to take away from it?
[ZULO]: I’m really just telling my story. A South African story. I think there’s always something that people can take away from real-life stories for themselves, and art is meant to drive conversation. It has to sound like a coloured boy from the south of Johannesburg, it’s also stories that aren’t being told much. We need more of that.
With streaming being so big, do you believe that physical music formats like vinyls, CDs, etc. should be prioritized going forward considering how making money from sales can be a challenge for artists?
[ZULO]: I don’t know about making money, but I always see value beyond that. I love physicals, and pressing my own vinyls is a dream of mine. I actually thought about this the other day — I’ll never be able to walk into Musica and see my album on the shelves. That makes me sad. Honestly, I’m the last person to be asking “how do I make money as an artist?” because that’s never been my personal objective. I haven’t even bothered collecting my streaming money yet so maybe this is my sign to, haha.
For aspiring artists who look up to you, what advice would you give them as they navigate the music scene and try to find their own unique sound?
[ZULO]: STOP DOWNLOADING BEATS. Yassie, learn how to produce if you’re not trying to buy beats. That’s how you craft your own unique sound. Just learn as much as you can, man. Google EVERYTHING, study EVERYBODY. You’ll start seeing patterns and you can create your own path to what you want to achieve.
Looking forward to 2024, any exciting plans or projects on the horizon? Anything specific you’re pumped to try out in your upcoming work?
[ZULO]: Oh, God, what an exciting year. I have so much music. GREAT music. Of course, we’re building to my debut album but just look forward to amazing music. I’m going to be one of the greats.
Check out ZULO’s Adawise visuals here and don’t forget to listen to JOL when it drops!
Featured Image(s) Source: Supplied
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