Viral hitmaker and youth culture figure, Robot Boii joined forces with fast-rising producer and musician, Nhlonipho to create a new wave of Amapiano with their latest project, ‘Yithi Sonke’.
The project brings together established and emerging producers, artists, and creatives in a writing and production camp. The project collaborators include the likes of Mandz Not Hot, ilovelethu, PD Jokes, S.O.N, The Alpha Boyz, Titow and more fresh talent.
Last night, Robot Boii hosted a screening of the ‘Yithi Sonke’ documentary where he, Nhlonipho and the project collaborators gave insights into the creative process behind ‘Yithi Sonke’. They also shared stories of how the collaborations came about.
“We needed to create a name that is inclusive of everybody. It’s not a Robot Boii thing, it’s not a Nhlonipho thing, mara yithi sonke. As much as there’ll always be a face of, or the head boy of, or the lead role of…, but at the end of the day that project is not gonna work with that one person. It’s the group effort that makes it work, so that’s why it was called Yithi Sonke”, explained Robot Boii in a clip from the documentary.
The first part of the ‘Yithi Sonke’ documentary is available to watch on YouTube.
Robot Boii also used the special moment to premiere the music video for the first single off of the project, ‘Lotto’ featuring ilovelethu, PD Jokes and The Alpha Boyz which dropped today.
The music video director for ‘Lotto’ explained that the visuals draw inspiration from national TV show ‘I Blew It’ because they wanted something interesting and relatable. They conceptualised a game show that helps millionaires find love.
“We wanted to come up with a concept that’s relatable, that says what the music is saying. We also wanted to add some elements that have to do with Robot Boii, like the comedic aspect of it and show that love is a chance. Take a chance to fall in love with someone.”
The visuals showcase Nhlonipho and ilovelethu as the millionaires looking for love in a game show hosted by Robot Boii and PD Jokes titled ‘I Knew It’. The vibrant music video includes appearances from all the project collaborators on ‘Yithi Sonke’.
Robot Boii describes himself as a “cool creative kid from Soweto who uses God’s given power to teach, inspire and entertain.”
In an interview with the ‘Salary Salary’ hitmaker last night, he shed some light on the importance of uplifting the youth, his motive behind the project as well as the new music video for ‘Lotto’.
Below is a summary of the discussion:
We have some iconic musicians such as the late Riky Rick who are well-known and respected for putting the youth on. In your documentary, you’ve emphasised the importance of doing exactly that because the youth are the future. Why is it so important for you to give young talents this platform?
I draw inspiration from a lot of things and people, it’s never from one place. And of course, people like Riky, R.I.P, he was one of the people who were known for that. I think it’s not even an action thing it’s a heart thing. So, I draw closer to people who have the same heart and that have the same character. And yes, the youth are the future that’s why for me, if I can do anything for someone, that’s the aim because I don’t think we have all these things for ourselves.
Additionally, what inspired you to pursue an initiative like this?
Just being able to make a difference in someone else’s life, whether big or small, but just making sure that there is a change.
Out of all seven songs in the EP, what stood out in ‘Lotto’ that became the deciding factor for you and the team to shoot a music video for it?
‘Lotto’ was vibey and hip, and it’s the most exciting song so that’s how we’re starting it. We’re starting with the big bang and from there on, we’re gonna keep it moving. I mean, i-log drum, ipiano, liya kokota! Lotto is a dope song and I think it’s very catchy too.
How’s the rest of 2023 looking for Robot Boii?
2023’s looking great, man. The boy just returned from Dubai, we’re hosting awards, we’re dropping a lot of singles and features. It’s just shooting after shooting, TV after TV, music video after music video; productivity man, I believe in working. Productivity is key, if you don’t do anything, no one’s gonna do it for you.
Watch the official music video for ‘Lotto’ and stream 'Yithi Sonke' below:
Robot Boii x Nhlonipho - Lotto (feat. ilovelethu, Pd Jokes & The Alpha boyz) [Official Music Video]
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