X, formerly known as Twitter, is my favorite social media platform —and for good reason. This platform has introduced me to some of South Africa’s finest hip hop talents, with one standout being Novl, a sharp lyricist and rapper from Polokwane, South Africa, the same town that produced the legendary Tuks Senganga. My first encounter with Novl was two or three years ago during a #Rap4Eatzz space, where his impressive freestyle immediately caught my attention. Fast forward to today, and I’m proud to call myself a loyal member of The Book Club, the community Novl fondly named his supporters.
Fresh off delivering a captivating performance, showcasing his lyrical adroitness on Oriiginelle’s “16s & Some,” Novl is back with his new single, “Skoloto,” which honors his hometown of Polokwane in Limpopo. Produced by TriggaNasty and mastered by Nacos Official, “Skoloto” builds on the momentum Novl has been creating since October 2023, when he began hinting at his forthcoming project, “Clichés and Realities.”The project has already been teased through two preludes, “Costly Sacrifices” and “Borrowed Time.” Novl’s contributions to the South African hip hop scene are becoming increasingly significant, with standout moments like his electrifying appearance on StayLow’s “No Paperwork Freestyle” in August 2023. He has also collaborated with several South African hip hop heavyweights, including Tyson Sybateli, Wordz, Trophy, and Venomraps, to name a few.
“Skoloto” deeply resonates with South African listeners, particularly for its use of the phrase “Sam Sokolo,” a nod to the beloved South African TV show about four township taxi business owners struggling to survive. The phrase “Sam Sokolo” holds even more profound cultural weight—featured in the song’s hook, it symbolizes the tenacity and determination that define South African life. Echoing the sentiments of Tuks Senganga’s track “Bona Fela,” “Sam Sokolo” reflects the fight to push forward and persevere despite challenges. This rich cultural reference adds depth to Novl’s music, turning “Skoloto” into a powerful piece that speaks directly to the lived experiences of his community.
“Skoloto,” meaning “debt” in English, encapsulates Novl’s connection to his roots through its use of local slang, evocative writing, and impactful messaging. The song provides insight into his current reality as an artist juggling life’s challenges while staying committed to his craft. What sets Novl apart from his peers is his dedication to creating music that encourages listeners to confront their own truths- as seen on his debut album HMB,LMR– an acronym for “Hold My Beer , Let Me Rap.”
This release sets the stage for Novl’s upcoming album, “Clichés & Realities”, anticipated to drop in the fourth quarter of the year. The title of the project reflects Novl’s philosophy: while he acknowledges the allure of fantasies, he believes that true growth arises from facing life directly, without the comfort of illusion. This ethos runs through all his music, particularly “Skoloto,” where he urges his audience to take control of their reality rather than escape it. Knowing how enigmatic and deliberate Novl’s creative process is, I can only wonder how his upcoming album will unfold. But one thing is certain—every move he makes is meticulously planned.
