Nota: “Anatii’s album is garbage.” In the vibrant world of South African music, where genres like Amapiano have exploded into global recognition, artists continually seek to push boundaries and reinvent themselves. However, this reinvention isn’t always met with applause.
Music commentator and cultural provocateur Nota Baloyi, never one to mince his words, has stirred the pot once again with his scathing critique of Anatii’s latest album “BOOM SZN.” Taking to social media, Nota responded to a tweet from media personality Sizwe Dhlomo, expressing disappointment in Anatii’s venture into the Amapiano genre.
In his post, Nota accused the multi-talented musician of prioritizing trends over artistry. “Anatii’s album is garbage by his own high standards, bro,” Nota wrote, setting the tone for his sharp critique. “We can’t be so excited he jumped on the Amapiano bandwagon that we forget to ask what else he has to contribute other than his relationships with American rap legends. It’s spiritually bankrupt and off-brand for him!”
Anatii’s album is garbage by his own high standards bro… @SizweDhlomo we can’t be so excited he jumped on the Amapiano bandwagon we forget to ask what else he has to contribute other than his relationships with American rap legends. It’s spiritually bankrupt & off brand for him!
— MORAL Authority (@lavidaNOTA) December 13, 2024
Anatii, often celebrated for his genre-blurring productions and international collaborations with heavyweights such as Busta Rhymes and Chris Brown, has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most versatile and forward-thinking artists. From his early days producing chart-toppers to his introspective 2018 album It’s medicineAnatii’s music has often been lauded for its depth and authenticity.
Yet, Nota’s critique suggests that his latest project may lack the artistic substance fans have come to expect. The accusation of “spiritual bankruptcy” seems to reflect Nota’s concern that the album sacrifices purpose and originality in favour of commercial appeal—a criticism that echoes broader debates within the music industry about the tension between innovation and trend-chasing.
Amapiano, with its hypnotic beats and uniquely South African roots, has become a global phenomenon in recent years, attracting artists from all walks of life. While some fans celebrate Anatii’s embrace of the genre as a natural evolution of his sound, others, like Nota, question whether the move aligns with his artistic ethos.