Oluthando Keteyi|Published
Thabo Smol is telling his own story through music, and his latest album, "Di Thupa Tsa Smol", is now up for Grammy consideration.
Known for his work as one half of the internationally acclaimed electronic music duo Black Motion, Smol is exploring a more introspective side of his artistry with his project, which blends Afro-house, jazz, bossa nova, alternative electronic music, and world music.
For the producer and percussionist, real name Thabo Mabogwane, the album represents more than a new chapter in his career. It is an opportunity to reconnect with his roots and introduce listeners to the person behind the drums.
“For years people knew me as the guy behind the drums in Black Motion, but they didn’t know the boy raised in Soshanguve by a father who collected vinyls and a mother who sang in church. This album is that boy,” he said.
He describes "Di Thupa Tsa Smol" as his most personal musical expression, shaped by his pain, purpose and spirituality.
“I wanted listeners to discover that Smol is not just energy and drums, but also softness, jazz, soul, vulnerability,” he said.
Songs such as "Beautiful Mistake (Ikhaya)" and "Wela" reflect this more personal approach, allowing him to explore sounds and emotions beyond what audiences may traditionally associate with his work.
From Black Motion to finding his own sound
Black Motion played a significant role in establishing ThaboSmol's musical identity, with the duo helping to bring a distinctive fusion of tribal house and live percussion to dance floors around the world.
However, stepping into his solo journey has given him the freedom to explore different sounds and tell stories from his own perspective.
“Black Motion taught me brotherhood, stage discipline, how to carry culture globally,” he said.
“Black Motion was we. This is I.”
While percussion remains central to his sound, the solo project allows him to experiment with gospel-inspired music, jazz and more intimate arrangements.
The album also features the Tshwane Gospel Choir, while "Set Me Free" explores bossa nova influences.
For Thabo Smol, the shift has been about permitting himself to evolve without abandoning the musical foundation that brought him here.
An album rooted in Tshwane jazz and heritage
The title "Di Thupa Tsa Smol", which translates to “The Drumsticks of Smol”, is a reminder of where his musical journey began.
Before synthesizers and laptops became part of his creative process, there were two drumsticks in his hands.
The album draws on the sounds that shaped him, reimagining them through contemporary production and a range of musical influences.
One of the defining moments in making the project came while recording "Jazz Modiba".
“I heard that live bass, that airy synth, my thupa riding gently, and I sat back and said, ‘We’ve returned home’,” he recalled.
“That was the moment I stopped trying to make a hit and started making heritage. I knew this was the album my father would have played in the house on a Sunday.”
It is this connection between personal history and musical experimentation that gives the project its identity, with Thabo Smol seeking to honour the sounds he grew up with while continuing to push his artistry forward.
Taking the music beyond streaming
Thabo Smol has also been bringing the album to audiences through live performances, where he believes the songs take on another dimension.
He recalled becoming emotional when performing "Ebhofolo Avenue" and "Papa Oteng" with a choir live for the first time.
“In studio, I’m talking to God. It’s quiet, it’s intimate,” he said.
“On stage, I’m talking to the people. The drum speaks back.”
For him, the live experience is about more than recreating the recorded music. It is an opportunity to share the stories behind the songs and create a connection with audiences.
He also hopes the project will inspire other artists to embrace change, particularly those who have found success as part of a group but are looking to establish their own identities.
“I hope people take away permission. Permission to start again. To be in a successful group and still find yourself. To honour your roots while evolving,” he said.
As "Di Thupa Tsa Smol" enters Grammy consideration, the project represents a significant statement of intent from an artist willing to look inward while drawing from the sounds and experiences that shaped him.
Grammy consideration is not the same as a Grammy nomination. The album's consideration marks a step in the awards process, while nominations and eventual winners are determined separately.