Off Center Department has announced 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, continuing to cement his reputation as a boundary-pusher in the Zimbabwean “Alter-Native” scene. While Wordz, a staple in South African hip-hop royalty, delivers the sharp, calculated lyricism and “Pretoria-centric” energy that has made him a household name. Wordz and Suhn met during Nasty C’s Ivyson tour in Zimbabwe and started working after maintaining a friendship.
Released under the 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.
Cece Smith 