The Stage 32 Videos: Cinematography

"Thongo Lam" by Lolo Vandal featuring Celtic is a spiritually resonant and culturally expressive music video that bridges traditional chant with contemporary rhythm. The title, which refers to one's ancestral calling or spiritual guide, sets the tone for a deeply introspective piece rooted in African spirituality.

"Konke" by Lolo Vandal is a bold, emotionally charged anthem of resilience and self-worth raw, rhythmic, and unapologetically alive. This is not just a song; it's a statement. "Konke," meaning "everything" in isiXhosa, is Lolo Vandal's declaration of totality: his pain, his pride, his power.

The title Kwashuba, loosely translated from isiXhosa as "things went wrong" or "it got tough," immediately sets a tone of emotional gravity and introspection. It signals a narrative that is not only personal in its vulnerability but also socially reflective in its scope.

In African traditions, dance is a language of the soul, a ritual of remembrance, and a communal act of healing. This song taps into that lineage, offering a rhythmic space where identity and freedom converge. While the tone is celebratory, there's an undercurrent of resistance; an insistence that joy itself can be a revolutionary act in a world that often seeks to suppress Black expression.

Isizukulwana (meaning Generation) is a powerful music video by Lolo Vandal, where poetic isiXhosa verses meet raw visual storytelling to explore the emotional and cultural inheritance passed down through generations. The track is a lyrical meditation on what it means to carry the dreams, traumas, and wisdom of those who came before. Lolo Vandal speaks to the soul of a people shaped by history, urging his audience to honour their roots while forging new paths.

“Mamela,” meaning Listen, is a commanding artistic statement by Lolo Vandal that fuses poetic isiXhosa lyricism with raw visual storytelling to demand attention, provoke introspection, and elevate African emotional truth. As part of his Afro-Poetic Hip-Hop movement, the track positions rhythm as a global language of healing, resistance, and cultural memory. Mamela is a lyrical plea for attention-not just to the artist’s words, but to the emotional and cultural truths they carry. Lolo Vandal uses this session to speak openly about pain, identity, and the need for presence in a distracted world.

BELIEVER is a compelling music video by Lolo Vandal, presented in collaboration with Pilot Films, that merges poetic isiXhosa verses with a cinematic visual narrative. The track is a declaration of inner strength and conviction, where belief becomes both a weapon and a shield against adversity. Lolo Vandal uses his verses to reflect on personal trials, spiritual endurance, and the power of belief to overcome doubt and fear.

“One Day” by Lolo Vandal is a soul-healing Afro-Poetic Hip-Hop track that inspires hope, ambition, and generational legacy, delivered in isiXhosa with heartfelt sincerity. One Day is a motivational and emotionally rich music video by Lolo Vandal, blending poetic isiXhosa lyricism with Afro-Poetic Hip-Hop to reflect on dreams, fatherhood, and the pursuit of a better future. The track is taken from his album Umthonyama and was inspired by his daughter, making it a deeply personal anthem of hope and resilience. One Day is a lyrical affirmation of possibility. Lolo Vandal envisions a future where dreams come true; not just for himself, but for his family and community.

Umnqwazi Wemfene (Session) is a dynamic and provocative music video by Lolo Vandal, featuring Ms Cosmo, that blends isiXhosa lyricism with trap-inspired beats and poetic storytelling. The title, which loosely translates to The Baboon’s Crown, is metaphorical; inviting reflection on identity, power, and the absurdities of status in modern society. The collaboration with Ms Cosmo adds a sharp, contemporary edge, bridging poetic depth with urban swagger.

INGQAWA is a visually grounded and sonically rich music video by Lolo Vandal, blending poetic isiXhosa lyricism with a minimalist township aesthetic. Rooted in Afro-Poetic Hip-Hop, the track honors cultural memory, resilience, and the rhythm of Africa. The word Ingqawa carries layered cultural meaning, symbolising resilience and ancestral continuity. Through meditative verses and deliberate cadence, Lolo Vandal reflects on identity, legacy, and emotional endurance. This is more than music it’s a cultural song that praises the rhythm in Africa, celebrating sound as the heartbeat of the continent.

“uZuka” by Lolo Vandal featuring Mpumie is a visually raw and emotionally charged music video that blends poetic defiance with soulful vocals, delivering a powerful anthem of cultural pride and resistance. uZuka is a declaration of strength and survival. The title evokes a sense of eruption or awakening; fitting for a track that speaks to the emergence of identity from struggle. Lolo Vandal’s verses are fierce and reflective, while Mpumie’s vocals add a layer of emotional depth and spiritual resonance. Together, they craft a narrative that honours the pain, pride, and perseverance of township life.

“Sho” is a bold sonic snapshot of township life, where Lolo Vandal channels charisma, cadence, and cultural fire into a track that moves with swagger and speaks with conviction. The video pulses with street energy, pairing sharp visuals with a beat that’s both infectious and grounded in local rhythm. Lolo’s delivery is effortless yet commanding, weaving isiXhosa lyrics into a flow that feels both celebratory and defiant. Rather than relying on flashy effects, the video leans into authenticity; showcasing real spaces, real faces, and the raw confidence of an artist who knows exactly who he is. Sho isn’t just a song; it’s a vibe, a statement, and a rhythmic salute to self-assurance and everyday hustle.