South Africa meets Zimbabwe as Suhn and Wordz unite on bold new Afro-trap anthem “The Truth”
Off Center Department is proud to announce the release of “The Truth,” a groundbreaking collaboration between Zimbabwean alternative hip-hop sensation Suhn and South African lyricist Wordz.
The single represents a sonic bridge across the Limpopo, merging the grit of modern trap with the ancestral echoes of Zimbabwe’s heritage. It is a fusion of Heritage and modern Trap. At the heart of “The Truth” lies a production that dares to be different. The track features a trap foundation, heavy 808s and crisp percussion – seamlessly interwoven with the hypnotic, melodic plucking of the Mbira. This fusion creates a soundscape that is simultaneously futuristic and deeply rooted, providing a cinematic backdrop for two of Southern Africa’s most distinct voices to trade verses.
Suhn real name Tafaro Dondo (28) brings his signature melodic flair and versatile flow, and continues to cement his reputation as a boundary-pusher in the Zimbabwean “Alter-Native” scene. While Wordz, a staple in South African hip-hop royalty, Wordz delivers the sharp, calculated lyricism and “Pretoria-centric” energy that has made him a household name. Wordz and Suhn met during Nasty C’s was Ivyson tour in Zimbabwe and started working after maintaining a friendship.
Released under Off Center Department, the track embodies the label’s mission to champion unconventional sounds and cross-border creative movements.
More than just a club banger, “The Truth” serves as a manifesto for authenticity. The artists navigate themes of transparency, the realities of the music industry, and the personal convictions required to stay “Off Center”.
“We wanted to create something that felt like home but sounded like the future. Bringing the Mbira into a trap space wasn’t just a stylistic choice; it was about bringing our truth to the global stage,” Shun says.
“The Truth” is available now on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
QUESTION & ANSWERS WITH SUHN
What inspired the track and what is the overall message?
The songs we made in that period were very much a ‘spur of the moment’ projects , so going into it ,we had no idea what would come out. Mashbeatz was there and he started working on some production .Wordz hit the mic and immediately got into “it’s me the truth, load up the loot” and from there it was a wrap. Ideas just flowed effortlessly pretty much until the song was done , but the message was subconsciously connected , when it comes to the music ,“we are the truth” We’re not here to tell you that , we’re here to show you.
With political tensions happening in South Africa , how do you hope this song unifies SA and Zim?
I believe music, well … all forms of art are meant to unify , cultures, perspectives, people. Art should bring people together to be enjoyed together. It’s that bridge that should connect people from different walks of life.With everything going on I’d want art and the exchange of it between Us to be what brings us together .
What about this track resonates with you?
Wanting to give people my truth ,show them who I am through my craft . Hearing that from another artist just showed me that we’re in the same head-space so to speak , that’s what connected me with song more.
What messaging does your music generally convey?
My music is generally about tell the story of my life ,the story of ambition ,using what have to reach your goal
What inspires your sound and what made you to start making music?
My sound is heavily inspired by who I listened to growing up, the artists who I looked at and felt a connection to, Hip-Hop production and rapping by artists like Kanye West ,Travis Scott ,Asap Rocky and electronic music by artists like Daft Punk ,Skrillex ,Flume
