Queer rapper S’BO GYRE releases sophomore album ‘Altar Call’ ahead of pride month
Following the underground success of their debut album, Queernomics, which is deeply rooted in his queer experience and came out of learning to be vocal and confident about his sexuality, S’BO GYRE latest offering Altar Call is now available on streaming platforms.
He had to learn earlier in his career to embody that bravado that hip-hop requires. “I had to believe I was the best, but in order to not justify that belief, I had to work hard to make sure that I was equally as good. I now know that I am good enough to exist amongst the best globally, regardless of my sexuality and that’s because I have worked at my craft which is what distinguishes me from anybody else, over and above my sexuality,” says the independent 29-year-old rapper.
Altar Call is about inspiring S’BO GYRE’s listeners to heed the call of courage, to speak and live one’s truth authentically. A testament to S’BO GYRE’s journey of self-discovery and the courage it has taken him to embrace his identity fully. For this project, S’BO GYRE drew inspiration from artists like AKA, Sankomota, and Kabelo, who blended hip-hop and kwaito elements seamlessly to create music that was both authentic and musically rich and narratively compelling. Their three reference projects that S’BO GYRE drew from for inspiration in creating Altar Call were AKA’s Touch My Blood and Mass Country, Sankomota’s Dreams Come True, and Kabelo’s The Bouga Luv album.
With foundational production from hip hop producers LTO and Trinity Beatz as well as soul-funk & lofi producer Yolophonik, the production and project is embellished and musically directed by Amapiano, Gqom and African electronic dance maestro, SiyaCee of Audio Addicts, S’BO GYRE has been able to push the boundaries of his artistry to new heights. Listeners can expect a more mature and holistic version of S’BO GYRE as a rapper, reflecting his growth and evolution as an artist, and offering his listeners a deeper and more nuanced experience. “I realised that I didn’t have to explicitly tell queer stories for my music to be queer; my innate queerness manifests itself through my vocal delivery and a certain moment of a song where other rappers would’ve kept it in line with masculine bravado, I can give it an effeminate sense of delivery, to distinguish it, and take it a bit further,” says the breakout star.
“Rap has been the greatest avenue and tool for me to use in actualising and expressing my bravado as a black queer man in South Africa. I have my queerness, which is innate in me, that will always shine through no matter what, and I think that’s where the liberty came in creating Altar Call. I didn’t feel the need to make a point, because I have made my point in Queernomics. I am just here to illustrate my craftsmanship as a musician,” they add.
In addition to S’BO GYRE’s witty bars and punchlines, listeners can expect featured artists such as Dali Danger, Brassy Sounds, Cheryl Zondi, Tim Welsh of Goodluck, LTO and Namakau Star.
Stream Altar Call here.
