Fresh from a prolific feature run in 2024, which cemented him as Eswatini Hip Hop’s MVP, Amarii has launched the 2025 hip hop season with a bang. Last Friday (10 January 2025), the Manzini native unveiled his drill-inspired two-pack single, Pride & False Claims. Two words: dynamic and nuanced just like the emotions it explores.
Amarii doesn’t deviate from the topic of love once again. This is a release coming from an artist who understands his superpower. Dead pool has his immortality, The Flash has his super speed, Spider Man has his spider sense. What does Amarii have? The ability to map the contours of love with utmost precision. That is his superpower.
With Pride & False Claims, Amarii follows the thematic path set by his previous works such as Oxytocin and State of the Heart, blending the hard-hitting cadence of drill with the fluid melodies of trap and plug to weave narratives that seep deep into to the heart. He continues to craft a sonic tapestry of admiration, heartbreak and the endless search for meaning in relationships.
The single opens with Pride, a heady, up-tempo anthem to the thrill of pursuit. A song that pulses with the optimism of new beginnings, where every beat feels like a step closer to something or someone,just out of reach. Here, Amarii’s lyrics strut with confidence, his delivery buoyed by a rhythm that captures the electric energy of admiration.
But no love story is without its shadows. Enter False Claims, the second half of this two-pack: a slower, introspective track that lays bare the dissonance of a relationship frayed by selfishness. The tempo drops, the melodies soften, and the words cut deeper. It is in this contrast that Amarii shines, balancing hope with heartbreak and creating a space where listeners can reflect on their own experiences.
We caught up with Amarii for a quick chat about his latest release:
Q: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Pride & False Claims and how the theme of love influenced both tracks?
A: From a production standpoint, I wanted to make two beats from the same sample. This was sometime in the middle of 2024, after I hadn’t made a drill beat in a while. I thought, why not? So, I turned the second part into a drill beat. Later, I came across this idea called “sexy drill” (some call it “sensual drill,” but really, there’s no such thing—just call it slizzy!). I decided to add that touch, which I thought was a cool contrast instead of letting the whole song lean in that direction.
The context is just what feels natural to me. Love and relationships are such a big part of everyone’s life, and for me, they’re always somewhere in my subconscious. I don’t even need to think too hard about it—they just spill out. For these tracks, I think it came from experiencing the good and the bad parts of relationships pretty close together. Of course, I had to make it more colorful!
Q: Your music often blends genres, from drill and trap to trapsoul, as seen in Oxytocin and From Bremersdorp With Love. How did experimenting with rap and drill sounds impact the creative process for this two-pack?
A: It gave me room to explore different moods. Drill and plug (the other influence here) are so distinct. Plug focuses more on flow and feel, while drill leans on lyricism. That contrast allowed me to explore both the melodic and lyrical sides of the record. The balance gave me more tools to shape the story and bring it to life in different ways.
Q: Your music frequently explores themes of love and relationships. Do you think this focus is influenced by your name “Thando” meaning love and your stage name, ‘Amarii,’ derived from the Latin word for love?
A: Absolutely. Like I said, love songs just pour out of me. I think it’s always there. Love is such a universal thing, and there’s always something new to say about it.
Q: Pride and False Claims have contrasting tones and messages. How did you approach balancing these emotions while keeping the theme cohesive?
A: Honestly, the tempo was the key. The faster beat in Pride gives it rhythm and an upbeat energy, while slowing things down for False Claims makes it feel more emotional and reflective. Following the vibe of the beat created a natural canvas for the lyrics, which tied everything together.
Q: With this release arriving just in time for the month of love, how do you hope listeners will connect with the stories and emotions in these tracks?
A: I want everyone to find their moment in these songs. Whether you’re in love, fresh from a breakup, or somewhere in between, there’s something here for you. This is just one of many tracks I’m putting out to make sure everyone feels seen and heard.
Q: What makes Pride & False Claims stand out from your previous work, and how does it reflect your growth as an artist?
A: I’m really coming into my own. I’ve been experimenting with finding a natural flow and understanding my voice. If you listen to some of my recent work, you’ll hear the cadence and flows I’ve been honing. I’m staying away from overthinking or writing too much, which has helped me sound more authentic. With Pride & False Claims, I think I’ve reached a point where I love what I’m creating. I’m also exploring mixing and melodies more, really building a unique sound for myself.
What makes this release even more special? The timing. Oh my goodness, The timing. This release, arriving as the world tilts towards the month of love, offers solace, catharsis, and connection. Whether you are in the throes of a new romance or navigating the rubble of a breakup, Amarii’s latest work is there to meet you where you are.
Stream Pride & False Claims here:
