After building anticipation for his debut single under a new name, with a short video teaser of his 10-year industry journey as Lil Trix and an 80’s Rock ‘n Roll inspired artwork – ZULO makes a return to contemporary hip hop with Portals and an accompanying music video directed by Ntando Butho.
Portals, written and produced by ZULO, is the lead single for his upcoming third EP titled Talk to Me Naace. It readopts ZULO’s signature electro-influenced sound, sampling “Cameroon” by the legendary Miriam Makeba, with background vocals by frequent collaborator ByLwansta, as well as an outro performed by PATFROMTHESLUMS. The song is an exciting crossover that fuses elements of the past and the present. It also captures ZULO’s pride as a Southside born star.
Watch Portals music video here
“I needed to make a song that really spoke to my history as Lil Trix and also welcomed me as ZULO at the same time. I wanted to make sure people who weren’t familiar with me, or my music could go into this with fresh ears, and people who knew Lil Trix can appreciate the rebrand after more than 10 years. One thing I really wanted to expand on was my south side roots. I want people to chant the hell out of this chorus everywhere they go. The song pretty much keeps you on your feet; you need to keep up with it, just as the lyric states.” – ZULO.
ZULO’s authentic and raw approach to music makes him the dynamic artist that he is today. It all makes sense that all of the top local artists such as Slikour, Rouge, Priddy Ugly, Gigi LaMayne, Solo Ntsizwa Ka Mthimkhulu and Jamali’s Mariechan collaborated with ZULO over the years.
In addition to the artwork, song, and music video, an Instagram filter allows users to wear a 3D model of ZULO’s cartoon bunny mascot Tricky, the Bunny with blinking mechanics.
