Blxckie Reveals The Tour Lesson Bas Taught Him

Blxckie said Bas taught him to treat the road as a studio, keeping his gear close so new experiences could become songs right away.

Speaking on Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio, the South African rapper recalled recording at venues while touring with Bas. He also learned how to stay in touch with fans while moving from place to place.

“There’s stuff that happens on tour that maybe you feel like you gotta get on record ASAP,” Blxckie said.

He also described a two-way exchange, with the chance to show Bas the scene back home in South Africa.

That U.S. run included a final stop at New York’s Irving Plaza on April 9, 2024. Blxckie opened the show alongside Reuben Vincent and Hoosh, with each getting roughly 20 minutes onstage.

Bas performed songs from We Only Talk About Real Shit When We’re Fucked Up, the album behind that tour, alongside older material. Bas also told the crowd about first hearing Blxckie’s music in South Africa.

Blxckie also pointed to A-Reece as someone he studied, especially his independence and connection with fans. He said he wanted to perform with a band, too.

Both rappers joined him on YENA, the 15-track album released October 30 through Somnyama Music Entertainment and EMPIRE. Bas appeared on “cover me,” while A-Reece joined “bonkerz.”

The tracklist also paired Blxckie with Nigerian singer L.A.X on “lonely,” KindlyNxsh on “let em have it” and Usimamane on “dradi.” It opened with “mama, it’s all good” and included “brady’s interlude.”

The production credits stretched from KindlyNxsh to American producer TM88. Blxckie had also released the 4LUV2 EP earlier this year before moving on to the full-length album.

Blxckie said younger artists inspired him by putting their cultures into their sound. He singled out KindlyNxsh’s Shona identity and K1llbrady’s approach as examples. For his own music, he said success now meant telling the stories he wanted to tell without outside influence.