Mokakati Jack released his first ever Bacardi album titled Pitori ke Country as a solo artist on his birthday on the 23rd of February.
Bacardi music is an original sound that comes from Pretoria and Mokakati Jack has released an album representing just that. The album’s name is Pitori ke Country and reflects the ins and outs of the city.
The Mamelodi-born artist has been a vocalist for Bacardi music for over a decade. Real name Phillip Takalani, the Mamelodi East-based musician has been involved in the genre for quite some time.
Talking to Bacardi Online, Mokakati Jack says his album’s name is inspired by the capital city of South Africa, which is Pretoria. He also confirmed that he has been working on this project since February 2023, a full twelve-month work.
“It is a place where everything starts”, Mokakati told Bacardi Online. “Whether you are talking fashion, lifestyle, language, and our unique sound of music which is Bacardi music. We have always been the inventors of sound, lifestyle, and culture.”
Mokakati Jack has been in the music industry for years, working with different musicians and producers. This album is his first solo project but his seventh as a whole. The album was released under Deep Night Entertainment and Mokakati’s first project to be released on digital stores.
“I am grateful for Deep Night Entertainment for the opportunity,” Mokakati continued. “This means that more people can be able to listen to my music which means broader reach and more opportunities.”
Mokakati has worked with different producers on this album including Fusion Tone and Fearless Element. He also featured some of the most talented musicians like DJ Sasasa, King Pro, Slash, Lelo Mazwai, Lerato, and Timosouls.
Pitori ke Country album consists of ten songs that will take you on a trip to all dikasi tsa Pitori from Mamelodi to Soshanguve, Pheli, Mabopane, and Ashman.
RELATIONSHIP WITH FUSION TONE
Mokakati Jack has been working with gifted producers Fusion Tone (DJ Small X and DJ Mabulala) for years now. The crew has been releasing none-stop music for some time and Mokakati says he sees the duo as a family.
“They are not my friends but my family,” Mokakati added. “We have the same goals in terms of music. I find that it is easier to work in that space as it gives you a chance to be yourself.”
Mokakati added that his relationship with Deep Night Entertainment is a licensing deal that came through Fusion Tone.
When asked whether it is time for Bacardi music to take over the mainstream, Mokakati says that the genre deserves the recognition it has been getting, especially in Pretoria. He says that Amapiano comes from the Bacardi genre and has always been popular in Pretoria.
Mokakati said: “Bacardi has always been there, especially in Pretoria. We have been pumping and celebrating with the sound in the clubs, socials, and taverns. Besides that, the Amapiano sound comes from Bacardi music.”