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A Doe Boy, a Mixtape & a Whole lot of Maglera: An ONDELIVE Entry

Jan 22

5 min read

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What is truth, if not the art of remaining? Who better to embody the synecdoche of a dystopian city than Maglera himself? And what better way to tell your story than by sharing the vantage point of your environment? Ladies and gentlemen, these 19 tracks are more than just a semi-self-titled tape—they represent a township renaissance experiencing itself through the lens of a doe boy.

Let us first acknowledge the use of Afro-surrealism to juxtapose the subject matter at play. As a writer, this personal style and signature, woven seamlessly across the tape and communicated through the Maglera lexicon (strata), is a remarkable feat. It is tastefully executed in the way he adds color to the darkness through 90s pop culture references and anime tropes.


With lines like “Brody like Zangief with a Zangetsu,” he references the Street Fighter arcade game and Ichigo’s Shinigami blade from Bleach. This nuance and complexity make Maglera a character of interest, as he understands the power of artistic exploration and is unafraid to venture into territories where most musicians hesitate to go.

 

Sonic Texture

Thoughtful in its narrative. Meaningful in its expedition. Responsible in its delivery. It holds a lot of knowing in its sense of understanding. Maglera's voice resonates from a place of self-awareness, as beautifully reflected in his debut album, Diaspora.


Track 2: Envy (ft Lia Butler & Thato Saul)

The soundscape finds balance and identity in a diverse array of influences. From its thrilling, antic-filled intro and ominous opera tones to the electronic and experimental funk bops, it features contributions from WNDRSZN, Nasty C, and Jodecifeenin. The classic “ke hip hop” bars with Blxckie cater to staple fans, while an alt-soul contemporary resolve is brought to life through melodic features from Lia Butler, Burningforestboy and Marcus Harvey, to name a few.


The project occupies a tier of its own, seamlessly blending sounds for a global appeal while still feeling like home. This is exemplified by “Dark Knight,” arguably the standout feature on the tape, with A$AP Twelvyy from the A$AP Mob making this release from ONDELIVE and Epic Records a moment in time. Not to mention the singles “God is Power” and “International Charmer Boys,” both serving as monumental milestones, alongside The Maglera ‘ON THE RADAR’ Freestyle, which garnered international traction and widespread acclaim.

It’s a Maglera Bioscope—an auditory experience so vivid that its visual prowess can be heard. And what better way to close the curtain than with Scarface Exit, a credit roll to one of the most impactful offerings of 2024.


Cosplay Connoisseur

The Italian influence runs deep in the city. Growing up in Maglera, your attire becomes an extension of your rank, echoing a far greater knowing than what the environment can provide. From the classic five-step Carvela moccasin to the Fabiani fits and the grootman's Rossimoda, these brands are synonymous not only with the sub-skhotane aesthetic but also with a broader symbol of stature for the overarching community.

  • see sonic reference:

    • track 3. Italy

    • track 5. New Milano FT Okmalumkoolkat & Cassper Nyovest as reference.


In its entirety, The Maglera Tapes is an exemplary display of the storyteller and his craft.

His voice serves as a martyr for the people, complemented by a cadence that enhances its eerie visuals. Maglera Doe Boy masterfully constructs a world that sets him apart from his peers.

 
a visual take by Phenyo “iindman” Kgaffe

The Message:

HOME. We explored the textures of growing up in Maglera and the life of ONDE, which stands for One Nine Double X (19XX) — Maglera’s crew and label with TEE TEE. The story revolves around the kids having to choose their path: either GOD or STREET CULTURE.

These textures include violence, drugs, crime, church, family, ghetto love, street language, and the hustle. A juxtaposition is drawn with Maglera portrayed as the WARLORD of Maglera, while everyone else takes on roles as characters within a Roman empire/world.


Monochrome:

Monochrome was used to capture the emotion and darkness surrounding the city and the art Maglera and I have been creating since our high school days with the MARS aesthetic. We’ve always loved black and white because it allows us to express ourselves without the distractions of filters that might steer emotions in a specific direction.

Black and white, when done right with a touch of color and texture, is the ultimate way to evoke nostalgia, contrast, and intense emotion.


The Creative Direction & Design:

The creative direction was inspired by the Roman Empire, placing the young kids of Klerksdorp into a world of stillness amidst chaos. The idea behind the masks was to give characters to the story—characters that will be revealed further in the rollout. Being faceless allowed us to avoid attaching the narrative to any specific child, instead symbolizing that they represent the next generation of kids.


MAGLERA TAPES TRACKLIST
MAGLERA TAPES TRACKLIST

We wanted people to understand that Maglera is not just a person but a place rich with stories—especially from the hood. Small details, such as the sand on the floor, symbolized the dustiness of the hood and where we come from. The house in the background set the scene for where this story is being told, featuring a house number on the wall that reads "1.9.X.X." to honor all the homies we’ve lost and those still carrying the MAGLERA story to the WORLD.


The picture was taken by DROCAPTURES during our visit to Maglera for a camp to finish the album. The two weeks we spent there truly reflected how I envisioned this cover during the design phase—dark, cloudy, yet filled with love, bonding, family, and homies. It felt as if the Gods and ancestors opened up that week for us, allowing us to experience Maglera’s stories of crime, love, family, gang members, kids, and community from its unique perspective.

 
An outtake from a different outpost

Perhaps my appreciation and reflection on this tape are biased, as I too hail from Maglera (Klerksdorp) and was fortunate enough to grow up within the same radius of influence and pocket of time.


As a township, we had the privilege of witnessing Tokelo’s dream come to fruition against all odds. It’s a beautiful testament to truth and talent being rewarded.

This, however, is only the beginning of a masterful artisan reflecting on his story and lived experiences as a "doe boy" in a dystopian township, while still holding on to his childhood ability to dream and imagine life beyond the streets.


In a nutshell, it’s the best of everything you loved but never knew you needed. So, insert the coin and press play. It’s like the Adventure Time soundtrack—but for the Maglera Township.

IG: @magleradoeboy - Art Direction & Photography: @iindman for @earthsunmoon.club
IG: @magleradoeboy - Art Direction & Photography: @iindman for @earthsunmoon.club


Jan 22

5 min read

4

68

0

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