South African producer Cooper SA partners up with Tyler ICU, Dr Peppa, Optimist Music ZA and Colkaze for “Phata Phata”, ending another chapter of “One Day in Tembisa”.
The title itself weighs heavily in South African music culture. The “Phata Phata” is a reference to a phrase that has a long history in the country’s music, and the choice to use it for an Amapiano record ties the current wave of the genre to something older and more culturally meaningful. It’s a little thing but it says a lot about how intentional Cooper SA is with naming throughout this EP.
The partnership itself has a nice combination of familiar and somewhat distinct energy. Dr Peppa and Optimist Music ZA craft production layers that go beyond the log drum-heavy sound that pervades much of One Day in Tembisa, with Colkaze providing further vocal support to join Tyler ICU’s now signature touch. It makes “Phata Phata” feel more full-bodied, textured than other of the more stripped back tunes on the project.
Also, being one of the final tracks on the EP, “Phata Phata” is serving a special purpose. It demonstrates Cooper SA is not just sticking to the same formula from start to finish — he’s open to the addition of new titles and slightly different textures to keep the project moving rather than sinking into one sound.
Have a listen to “Phata Phata” and tell us in the comments – does this one add something distinct for you to “One Day in Tembisa”?
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