Black Man Running is the new single from InDuna. It is a personal illustration of InDuna's racial experiences both here in New Zealand and South Africa.
InDuna mentions in the accompanying press release that there is an artistic direction that pays tribute to what Kendrick Lamar was doing with To Pimp A Butterfly, which is one of my personal favourite albums of last decade. Effects like running, breathing, along with the general vibe definitely give respectful nods to Kendrick's style while still remaining original and fresh.
InDuna's cadence and delivery in the first verse sets up a strong set of images. By having a panting effect between couplets, this all helps to hear and see what is happening. Clear lyrical descriptions of being chased by the police all while having a sense of dread with the simplistic bell synth that stays haunting you in the background. At times, this sound is slowed right down and it becomes even more haunting.
I absolutely rate this song. It has a clear vision about what it wants to capture and present to the listen and it does it by keeping things simple, although there is enough to listen out for that should make anyone who appreciates the craft of songwriting nod their head in respect. The vocals have different timbres depending on the verse and chorus, the beat keeps things moving and overall, the vibe works well with the imagery of the song.
South African self-taught artist and producer InDuna (in-Doo-nah) takes flavours straight from his homeland and incorporates them into his Afropop infused soul sound. Inspired by the likes of Brenda Fassie and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, InDuna expresses himself and his experiences of growing up in a third world society through his music.
Born in South Africa, he had a rough childhood spending much of his early years growing up in the slums of Johannesburg and Limpopo. After moving into an orphanage at the age of eight, he was given the opportunity at fourteen to move to New Zealand.
InDuna started his music journey when he fell in love with music for the first time after hearing Brenda Fassie’s Nomakanjani. “It felt like love at first sight, but with music.” However, he only took an interest in producing his own music after high school. For the most part, music production has been an effective therapy for him to vent his emotions and to help cope with his past and present experiences. “The reason I started doing music was because I needed a way to handle my emotions and regular therapy wasn’t doing it for me.”