MarazA Turns Pain Into Power on Deeply Personal Double Album UNO
South African hip hop artist MarazA has opened his heart on his latest double-disc album UNO, describing the project as his most personal and emotionally transformative work to date.
The 30-track album, nearly four years in the making, was born from profound grief following the loss of his five-year-old daughter, whose initials inspired the album title. For MarazA, UNO is more than music — it is a journey through heartbreak, healing and survival. “I began making this album when I was pretty broken,” the rapper revealed. “I had just lost my daughter, whom this album is named after. Her passing fractured me greatly.”
Named after his late daughter, Uminathi Nandi Onothando, UNO carries a dual meaning.
Beyond honouring her memory, the title also references the Spanish word for “one” — symbolising both personal rebirth and MarazA’s belief that he deserves recognition among hip hop’s elite.
The album is divided into two distinct parts. Side A, consisting of 14 songs, explores grief, loss and mourning. Side B, with 16 tracks, shifts toward hope and resilience, celebrating survival and renewed purpose. “Disc one is a diary of loss and tragedy,” MarazA explained. “Disc two is a celebration of life. It’s firmly in the land of the living.”
Raised in rural KwaZulu-Natal without electricity, running water or paved roads, MarazA says his upbringing continues to shape both his artistry and worldview. “Being a village boy kept me grounded in the big city,” he said. “Coming from nothing makes you appreciate the opportunities this industry presents without getting lost in the flashiness.”
Hip hop, he says, found him through the power of storytelling. Influenced by legends such as Eminem, Skwatta Kamp, Pro Kid and 50 Cent, MarazA developed a deep appreciation for words and their ability to connect lives.
“The power of words attracted me,” he said. “To weave stories that become the soundtrack to people’s lives.”
He also credits South African icons such as Zola, ProVerb and Pro Kid for teaching him lessons beyond music.
“I didn’t have a father growing up,” MarazA shared. “The music was a constant. I learned strength, resilience and perseverance from them.”
Among the album’s standout tracks is Kuningi, which MarazA describes as the most difficult song he has ever recorded. Written only weeks after burying his daughter, the song forced him to confront unimaginable grief. “I ripped off bandages that had barely set,” he said. “I emerged a changed man.”
Despite its painful origins, Kuningi has become one of his most treasured songs after resonating with listeners who found healing through its message. “It became more than my struggle,” he said. “It’s a victory cry for anyone who has faced adversity and come out whole.”
While Kuningi remains deeply meaningful, MarazA says he is currently enjoying Thando Unjani, featuring Skye Wanda, the most. He recommends it as the perfect entry point for first-time listeners.
The album boasts collaborations with some of South Africa’s biggest names, including Kwesta, Big Zulu, Skye Wanda, Aubrey Qwana, Priddy Ugly and YoungstaCPT, alongside producers X-Wise, Young2unn Beats, Naxion Cross and TM Songs.
MarazA believes the result is a rich and layered soundscape rooted in local identity while carrying global appeal. “This is an album you must listen to over a long period of time,” he said. “It returns to you as each season of your life changes.”
Already backed by three music videos, UNO is set to receive further promotion through the planned MarazA Xperience Tour 2026. Tracks such as SPILLI, Numero, Thando Unjani and Akabuyanga are among the songs he is most excited to perform live.
For now, however, MarazA says the focus remains firmly on allowing UNO to breathe and reach audiences.
“I think UNO needs time to be digested,” he said. “It is a 30-song double disc after all.”
Describing the album in just three words, MarazA chose: “Loss. Love. Life.”
Beyond accolades and commercial success, the rapper says his ultimate legacy is simple. “I want to be remembered as a real human who had love for real humans and showed that love through real music,” he said. “I survived reality.