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{{Short description|2014 debut studio album by Cassper Nyovest}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2018}}
{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
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*[[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
*[[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
*[[Motswako]]
*[[Motswako]]
*[[House music|House]]
*[[House music|house]]
*[[Kwaito]]
*[[kwaito]]
*[[Afro pop music|Afro pop]]}}
*[[Afro pop music|Afro pop]]}}
| length = {{Duration|m=77|s=46}}
| length = {{Duration|m=77|s=46}}
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}}
}}


'''''Tsholofelo''''' is the debut studio album by [[South Africa]]n [[hip hop]] recording artist [[Cassper Nyovest]], released digitally via [[iTunes]] on 18 July 2014 and physically released on 31 July 2014 under a [[distribution deal]] with [http://amgworldmedia.blogspot.com/ AMG Worldmedia] owned by Lindsay Jerome Arends, a former & founding member of the [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] group [[Ghetto Ruff|Ashaan]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://m.zalebs.com/post/cassper-nyovest-announces-album-tsholofelo/ | title=Cassper Nyovest Announces Album, Tsholofelo | publisher=Zalebs.com | date=10 June 2014 }}</ref><ref name="YoMzansi.com">{{cite web | url=http://yomzansi.com/2014/06/10/cassper-nyovest-releases-album-artwork-announces-release-date/ | title=Cassper Nyovest releases album artwork & announces release date | publisher=YoMzansi.com | date=14 June 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/za/album/tsholofelo/id899957505|title=iTunes - Music - Tsholofelo by Cassper Nyovest|publisher=''iTunes''|date=18 July 2014|accessdate=3 September 2014}}</ref>
'''''Tsholofelo''''' is the debut studio album by [[South Africa]]n [[hip hop]] recording artist [[Cassper Nyovest]], released digitally via [[iTunes]] on 18 July 2014 and physically released on 31 July 2014 under a [[distribution deal]] with AMG Worldmedia owned by Lindsay Jerome Arends, a former & founding member of the [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] group [[Ghetto Ruff|Ashaan]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://m.zalebs.com/post/cassper-nyovest-announces-album-tsholofelo/ | title=Cassper Nyovest Announces Album, Tsholofelo | publisher=Zalebs.com | date=10 June 2014 }}</ref><ref name="YoMzansi.com">{{cite web | url=http://yomzansi.com/2014/06/10/cassper-nyovest-releases-album-artwork-announces-release-date/ | title=Cassper Nyovest releases album artwork & announces release date | publisher=YoMzansi.com | date=14 June 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/za/album/tsholofelo/id899957505|title=iTunes - Music - Tsholofelo by Cassper Nyovest|publisher=iTunes|date=18 July 2014|accessdate=3 September 2014}}</ref>


''Tsholofelo'', which means "hope", is named after his younger sister.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.ispeakhiphop.com/cassper-nyovest-reveal-album-cover-for-his-debut-album-tsholofelo/ | title=Cassper Nyovest Reveals His Debut Album Cover For Tsholofelo | publisher=ispeakhiphop.com | date=30 June 2014}}</ref> Work on the album began as early as 2011 and continued on through 2014. It features guest appearances from [[Hip Hop Pantsula|HHP]], [[Okmalumkoolkat]], [[Bucie]], [[iFANi]], [[Riky Rick]], Bass Mdlongwa, Ntukza, Kyle Deutschmann, Tshego, [[Anatii]], [[Skales]] (credited as Young Skalez), KayGizm from Morafe and Prokid. Prior to its release, the album was supported by three free singles: "[[Gusheshe]]", "[[Doc Shebeleza (song)|Doc Shebeleza]]" and "Phumakim", all of which achieved wide mainstream appeal.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dreamteamsa.co.za/talent/index.php/press-office/27-maftown-heights-2013 | title=Maftown Heights | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006074114/http://www.dreamteamsa.co.za/talent/index.php/press-office/27-maftown-heights-2013 | archivedate=6 October 2014 | df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://slikouronlife.co.za/news-cassper-nyovest-signs-with-african-star-communications/ | title=Cassper Nyovest Signs With African Star Communications}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://notjustok.com/2014/07/03/cassper-nyovest-phumakim/ | title=Cassper Nyovest – Phumakim | publisher=notJustok.com | accessdate=3 July 2014}}</ref>
''Tsholofelo'', which means "hope", is named after his younger sister.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.ispeakhiphop.com/cassper-nyovest-reveal-album-cover-for-his-debut-album-tsholofelo/ | title=Cassper Nyovest Reveals His Debut Album Cover For Tsholofelo | publisher=ispeakhiphop.com | date=30 June 2014}}</ref> Work on the album began as early as 2011 and continued on through 2014. It features guest appearances from [[Hip Hop Pantsula|HHP]], [[Okmalumkoolkat]], [[Bucie]], [[iFANi]], [[Riky Rick]], Bass Mdlongwa, Ntukza, Kyle Deutschmann, Tshego, [[Anatii]], [[Skales]] (credited as Young Skalez), KayGizm from Morafe and Prokid. Prior to its release, the album was supported by three free singles: "[[Gusheshe]]", "[[Doc Shebeleza (song)|Doc Shebeleza]]" and "Phumakim", all of which achieved wide mainstream appeal.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dreamteamsa.co.za/talent/index.php/press-office/27-maftown-heights-2013 | title=Maftown Heights | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006074114/http://www.dreamteamsa.co.za/talent/index.php/press-office/27-maftown-heights-2013 | archivedate=6 October 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://slikouronlife.co.za/news-cassper-nyovest-signs-with-african-star-communications/ | title=Cassper Nyovest Signs With African Star Communications}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://notjustok.com/2014/07/03/cassper-nyovest-phumakim/ | title=Cassper Nyovest – Phumakim | publisher=notJustok.com | accessdate=3 July 2014}}</ref>


==Background, recording and release==
==Background, recording and release==
The idea to name the album after Nyovest's younger sister came after she gave Cassper her allowance for him to relocate to [[Johannesburg]] with: "At the time, I had just quit everything and I didn’t have the money to travel and come to [[Johannesburg|Jo'burg]] to hustle. Ever since that day it has always been about making sure that her sacrifice was not in vain."<ref name="Tlhapane, Tsepang">{{cite web|url=http://livemag.co.za/cassper-nyovest-world-feet-theres-stopping/|title=Catch Cassper if you can!|publisher=LiveMag.co.za|accessdate=25 June 2014|author=Tlhapane, Tsepang|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704130907/http://livemag.co.za/cassper-nyovest-world-feet-theres-stopping/|archivedate=4 July 2014|df=}}</ref> In September 2013, Nyovest mentioned that the album was 90% percent done: "I’ve recorded a lot of music, now I just need to conceptualize the story of the album. There’s so much music because I’m currently sitting on like 300 songs, so I don’t even know what to do."<ref name="Tlhapane, Tsepang"/><ref name="miCoverStory: Cassper Nyovest">{{cite web|url=http://www.micampusmag.co.za/miBlog/micoverstory-cassper-nyovest/|title=miCoverStory: Cassper Nyovest|publisher=micampusmag.co.za|date=25 September 2013|accessdate=10 September 2014}}</ref> He also mentioned that guest appearances on the album would include [[Okmalumkoolkat]], Masterkraft, Kaygizm, Shag, PRO, Kyle Deutschmann, [[Skales]], Riky Rick, iFani and [[Hip Hop Pantsula|HHP]].<ref name="miCoverStory: Cassper Nyovest"/> In March 2014 a [[Track (CD)|track list]] of the album was leaked online.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://slikouronlife.co.za/news-cassper-nyovest-announces-an-album-on-the-way/ | title= Cassper Nyovest Announces An Allbum On The Way | publisher=slikouronlife.co.za | accessdate=3 March 2014}}</ref> Nyovest would later state that the album contained 19 songs and not 16 as shown by the track list. On 10 June 2014, he revealed the cover for the album, along with the release date.<ref name="YoMzansi.com"/> On [[Mandela Day]], Nyovest released the album exclusively on iTunes without prior announcement. Within an hour of its debut, ''Tsholofelo'' peaked at number 1 on the iTunes South Africa albums chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.africanhhb.com/2014/07/cassper-nyovest-surprises-fans-67-hours-mandela-day.html|title=Cassper Nyovest Surprises Fans with 67 Hours for Mandela Day|publisher=''African HHB''|author=Bakang Akoonyatse|date=19 July 2014|accessdate=20 July 2014}}</ref>
The idea to name the album after Nyovest's younger sister came after she gave Cassper her allowance for him to relocate to [[Johannesburg]] with: "At the time, I had just quit everything and I didn't have the money to travel and come to [[Johannesburg|Jo'burg]] to hustle. Ever since that day it has always been about making sure that her sacrifice was not in vain."<ref name="Tlhapane, Tsepang">{{cite web|url=http://livemag.co.za/cassper-nyovest-world-feet-theres-stopping/|title=Catch Cassper if you can!|publisher=LiveMag.co.za|accessdate=25 June 2014|author=Tlhapane, Tsepang|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704130907/http://livemag.co.za/cassper-nyovest-world-feet-theres-stopping/|archivedate=4 July 2014}}</ref> In September 2013, Nyovest mentioned that the album was 90% percent done: "I've recorded a lot of music, now I just need to conceptualize the story of the album. There's so much music because I'm currently sitting on like 300 songs, so I don't even know what to do."<ref name="Tlhapane, Tsepang"/><ref name="miCoverStory: Cassper Nyovest">{{cite web|url=http://www.micampusmag.co.za/miBlog/micoverstory-cassper-nyovest/|title=miCoverStory: Cassper Nyovest|publisher=micampusmag.co.za|date=25 September 2013|accessdate=10 September 2014}}</ref> He also mentioned that guest appearances on the album would include [[Okmalumkoolkat]], Masterkraft, Kaygizm, Shag, PRO, Kyle Deutschmann, [[Skales]], Riky Rick, iFani and [[Hip Hop Pantsula|HHP]].<ref name="miCoverStory: Cassper Nyovest"/> In March 2014 a [[Track (CD)|track list]] of the album was leaked online.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cassper Nyovest Announces An Album On The Way |url=http://slikouronlife.co.za/news-cassper-nyovest-announces-an-album-on-the-way/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714151533/http://slikouronlife.co.za/news-cassper-nyovest-announces-an-album-on-the-way/ |archive-date=2014-07-14 |accessdate=3 March 2014 |publisher=slikouronlife.co.za}}</ref> Nyovest would later state that the album contained 19 songs and not 16 as shown by the track list. On 10 June 2014, he revealed the cover for the album, along with the release date.<ref name="YoMzansi.com"/> On [[Mandela Day]], Nyovest released the album exclusively on iTunes without prior announcement. Within an hour of its debut, ''Tsholofelo'' peaked at number 1 on the iTunes South Africa albums chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.africanhhb.com/2014/07/cassper-nyovest-surprises-fans-67-hours-mandela-day.html|title=Cassper Nyovest Surprises Fans with 67 Hours for Mandela Day|publisher=African HHB|author=Bakang Akoonyatse|date=19 July 2014|accessdate=20 July 2014}}</ref>


==Promotion==
==Promotion==
In support of the album, many promotional singles were released including "#BMK" and "Wahala" featuring Young Slugz. Both songs were produced by Ganja Beatz and accompanied by music videos.<ref name="africanhhb">{{cite web|url=http://www.africanhhb.com/2012/06/cassper-nyovest-wahala-ft-young-slugz-video.html|title=Cassper Nyovest - Wahala ft Young Slugz &#91;VIDEO&#93; - The African Hip Hop Blog|publisher=africanhhb.com|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="thestreetwordiz">{{cite web|url=http://thestreetwordiz.co.za/2012/11/17/local-official-video-cassper-nyovest-bmk/|title=TheStreetWordIz &raquo; Local Official Video: Cassper Nyovest – #BMK|publisher=thestreetwordiz.co.za|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref> On [[Valentine's day]], 2013, Nyovest released a track titled "Girlfriend" as part of the "TruSSt Thursdays" series. The song features and is produced by Riky Rick.<ref name="hypemagazine">{{cite web|url=http://www.hypemagazine.co.za/2013/02/15/ricky-rick-and-cassper-nyovest-bring-back-the-90s/|title=Ricky Rick and Cassper Nyovest Bring Back the 90s &#124; HYPE MagazineHYPE Magazine|publisher=hypemagazine.co.za|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref> Nyovest also did a string of radio interviews and performances to promote the album. On 2 July 2014, he performed an unreleased song on [[Metro FM]] titled, "Alive" which features [[Durban]] based vocalist and [[Idols South Africa (season 10)|Idols SA season 10]] top 11 finalist Kyle Deutschmann.
In support of the album, many promotional singles were released including "#BMK" and "Wahala" featuring Young Slugz. Both songs were produced by Ganja Beatz and accompanied by music videos.<ref name="africanhhb">{{cite web|url=http://www.africanhhb.com/2012/06/cassper-nyovest-wahala-ft-young-slugz-video.html|title=Cassper Nyovest - Wahala ft Young Slugz [VIDEO] - The African Hip Hop Blog|publisher=africanhhb.com|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="thestreetwordiz">{{cite web|url=http://thestreetwordiz.co.za/2012/11/17/local-official-video-cassper-nyovest-bmk/|title=TheStreetWordIz » Local Official Video: Cassper Nyovest – #BMK|publisher=thestreetwordiz.co.za|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref> On [[Valentine's Day]], 2013, Nyovest released a track titled "Girlfriend" as part of the "TruSSt Thursdays" series. The song features and is produced by Riky Rick.<ref name="hypemagazine">{{cite web|url=http://www.hypemagazine.co.za/2013/02/15/ricky-rick-and-cassper-nyovest-bring-back-the-90s/|title=Ricky Rick and Cassper Nyovest Bring Back the 90s {{pipe}} HYPE MagazineHYPE Magazine|publisher=hypemagazine.co.za|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref> Nyovest also did a string of radio interviews and performances to promote the album. On 2 July 2014, he performed an unreleased song on [[Metro FM]] titled, "Alive" which features [[Durban]] based vocalist and [[Idols South Africa (season 10)|Idols SA season 10]] top 11 finalist Kyle Deutschmann.


==Album artwork==
==Album artwork==
The artwork was revealed via [[Twitter]] and [[Facebook]] by Nyovest on 10 June 2014.<ref name="zalebs">{{cite web|url=http://m.zalebs.com/post/cassper-nyovest-announces-album-tsholofelo/|title=Zalebs Mobi - Cassper Nyovest announces album, Tsholofelo|publisher=m.zalebs.com|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="slikouronlife">{{cite web|url=http://slikouronlife.co.za/news-cassper-nyovest-announces-tsholofelo-release-date-with-artwork/|title=News: Cassper Nyovest Announces Tsholofelo Release Date With Artwork &#124; slikour onlife|publisher=slikouronlife.co.za|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref> The cover, which was designed by Freshboi, is an illustration of Nyovest's portrait.<ref name="YomzansiCassper">{{cite web|url=http://www.yomzansi.com/2014/06/10/cassper-nyovest-releases-album-artwork-announces-release-date/?cbg_tz=-60|title=Cassper Nyovest releases album artwork & announces release date – YoMzansi™ BLOG :: HIGHEST GRADE SOURCE of SA Entertainment|publisher=yomzansi.com|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref>
The artwork was revealed via [[Twitter]] and [[Facebook]] by Nyovest on 10 June 2014.<ref name="zalebs">{{cite web|url=http://m.zalebs.com/post/cassper-nyovest-announces-album-tsholofelo/|title=Zalebs Mobi - Cassper Nyovest announces album, Tsholofelo|publisher=m.zalebs.com|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="slikouronlife">{{cite web|url=http://slikouronlife.co.za/news-cassper-nyovest-announces-tsholofelo-release-date-with-artwork/|title=News: Cassper Nyovest Announces Tsholofelo Release Date With Artwork {{pipe}} slikour onlife|publisher=slikouronlife.co.za|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref> The cover, which was designed by Freshboi, is an illustration of Nyovest's portrait.<ref name="YomzansiCassper">{{cite web|url=http://www.yomzansi.com/2014/06/10/cassper-nyovest-releases-album-artwork-announces-release-date/?cbg_tz=-60|title=Cassper Nyovest releases album artwork & announces release date – YoMzansi BLOG :: HIGHEST GRADE SOURCE of SA Entertainment|publisher=yomzansi.com|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref>


==Singles==
==Singles==
In April 2013, the album's lead single "[[Gusheshe]]" was released. It features Dirty Paraffin's [[Okmalumkoolkat]].<ref name="okayafrica">{{cite web|url=http://www.okayafrica.com/2013/05/02/south-africa-music-gusheshe-cassper-nyovest-okmalumkoolkat/|title=Cassper Nyovest &#039;Gusheshe&#039; ft. Okmalumkoolkat Okayafrica.|publisher=okayafrica.com|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref>
In April 2013, the album's lead single "[[Gusheshe]]" was released. It features Dirty Paraffin's [[Okmalumkoolkat]].<ref name="okayafrica">{{cite web|url=http://www.okayafrica.com/2013/05/02/south-africa-music-gusheshe-cassper-nyovest-okmalumkoolkat/|title=Cassper Nyovest 'Gusheshe' ft. Okmalumkoolkat Okayafrica.|publisher=okayafrica.com|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref>


The second single, "[[Doc Shebeleza (song)|Doc Shebeleza]]", produced by Sean Craig Beats, was released on 17 January 2014 for free [[Music download|digital downloads]]. Its music video was directed by Nicky Campos and Nyovest. It has a total runtime of 4 minutes and 2 seconds.<ref name="youtube">{{cite web|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=ui3q2g55z3A|title=Cassper Nyovest &quot;Doc Shebeleza&quot; - YouTube|publisher=youtube.com|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref> The song debuted at number 4 on South Africa's [[Entertainment Monitoring Africa|official music chart]].<ref>{{cite web|title=AIRPLAY CHART|url=http://www.sa-ema.com/index.php/charts-board/?week=2014-05-27|publisher=EMA|accessdate=3 August 2014|date=27 May 2014|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6PuLLzVtw?url=http://www.sa-ema.com/index.php/charts-board/?week=2014-05-27|archivedate=28 May 2014|df=}}</ref>
The second single, "[[Doc Shebeleza (song)|Doc Shebeleza]]", produced by Sean Craig Beats, was released on 17 January 2014 for free [[Music download|digital downloads]]. Its music video was directed by Nicky Campos and Nyovest. It has a total runtime of 4 minutes and 2 seconds.<ref name="youtube">{{cite web|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=ui3q2g55z3A|title=Cassper Nyovest "Doc Shebeleza" - YouTube|publisher=youtube.com|accessdate=12 July 2014}}</ref> The song debuted at number 4 on South Africa's [[Entertainment Monitoring Africa|official music chart]].<ref>{{cite web|title=AIRPLAY CHART|url=http://www.sa-ema.com/index.php/charts-board/?week=2014-05-27|publisher=EMA|accessdate=3 August 2014|date=27 May 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529052758/http://www.sa-ema.com/index.php/charts-board/?week=2014-05-27|archivedate=29 May 2014}}</ref>


"Phumakim", the album's third single, was released on 3 July 2014 with production from [[Zimbabwe]]an producer, Brian Soko, who co-produced [[Drunk in Love]] by [[Beyoncé]]. "Phumakim" which is in [[Zulu language|Zulu]], loosely translates to "Leave me alone". In the song, Nyovest addresses the criticism that celebrities receive on social media and makes a reference to his highly publicized feud with rapper [[AKA (rapper)|AKA]]. He also raps about how he only dates women as famous as him. The beat for Phumakim was originally meant for American rapper, [[Future (rapper)|Future]], who declined it.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.africanhhb.com/2014/07/cassper-nyovest-phumakim.html | title= Cassper Nyovest - Phuma'kim | publisher=AfricanHHB.com | accessdate= 3 July 2014}}</ref>
"Phumakim", the album's third single, was released on 3 July 2014 with production from [[Zimbabwe]]an producer, Brian Soko, who co-produced [[Drunk in Love]] by [[Beyoncé]]. "Phumakim" which is in [[Zulu language|Zulu]], loosely translates to "Leave me alone". In the song, Nyovest addresses the criticism that celebrities receive on social media and makes a reference to his highly publicized feud with rapper [[AKA (rapper)|AKA]]. He also raps about how he only dates women as famous as him. The beat for Phumakim was originally meant for American rapper, [[Future (rapper)|Future]], who declined it.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.africanhhb.com/2014/07/cassper-nyovest-phumakim.html | title= Cassper Nyovest - Phuma'kim | publisher=AfricanHHB.com | accessdate= 3 July 2014}}</ref>
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==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
{{Album ratings
{{Music ratings
| rev1 = ''PLATFORM''
| rev1 = ''PLATFORM''
| rev1Score = 82/100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.platformonline.co.za/home/index.php/radius1/item/597-album-review-cassper-nyovest-tsholofelo|title=Album Review: Cassper Nyovest - Tsholofelo|publisher=''PLATFORM''|author=Petersen, Andy|accessdate=7 September 2014}}</ref>
| rev1Score = 82/100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.platformonline.co.za/home/index.php/radius1/item/597-album-review-cassper-nyovest-tsholofelo|title=Album Review: Cassper Nyovest - Tsholofelo|publisher=PLATFORM|author=Petersen, Andy|accessdate=7 September 2014}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''LiveMag''
| rev2 = ''LiveMag''
| rev2Score ={{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://livemag.co.za/tsholofelo-album-review/|title=Tsholofelo album review|publisher=''Live Mag''|date=19 August 2014|accessdate=7 September 2014}}</ref>}}
| rev2Score ={{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://livemag.co.za/tsholofelo-album-review/|title=Tsholofelo album review|publisher=Live Mag|date=19 August 2014|accessdate=7 September 2014}}</ref>}}


Upon its release, ''Tsholofelo'' received generally positive reviews. Tsepang Tlhapane of ''Live Mag'' felt the pitfall of the album was its lengthiness and its production. However, he praised the album's intro, calling it "heartfelt" and commended its drum arrangement. He also praised "Tsibip" for its witty punchlines and "Skeptedaba" for embodying elements of 90s [[Kwaito]] music.
Upon its release, ''Tsholofelo'' received generally positive reviews. Tsepang Tlhapane of ''Live Mag'' felt the pitfall of the album was its lengthiness and its production. However, he praised the album's intro, calling it "heartfelt" and commended its drum arrangement. He also praised "Tsibip" for its witty punchlines and "Skeptedaba" for embodying elements of 90s [[Kwaito]] music.
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==Track listing==
==Track listing==

=== Standard edition ===
=== Standard edition ===
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| collapsed =
| headline =
| headline =
| extra_column = Producer
| extra_column = Producer
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| lyrics11 =
| lyrics11 =
| music11 =
| music11 =
| extra11 = Sean Craig Beats
| extra11 = Fenesse (Sean Craig Beats)
| length11 = 3:51
| length11 = 3:51


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=== Tsholofelo (platinum edition) track list<ref>{{Cite web|title = Tsholofelo (Platinum Edition) by Cassper Nyovest on iTunes|url = https://itunes.apple.com/za/album/tsholofelo-platinum-edition/id985997868|website = iTunes|accessdate = 24 October 2015}}</ref> ===
=== Tsholofelo (platinum edition) track list<ref>{{Cite web|title = Tsholofelo (Platinum Edition) by Cassper Nyovest on iTunes|url = https://itunes.apple.com/za/album/tsholofelo-platinum-edition/id985997868|website = iTunes|accessdate = 24 October 2015}}</ref> ===
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| collapsed = yes
| headline =
| headline =
| extra_column = Producer
| extra_column = Producer
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==Personnel==
==Personnel==
Credits for ''Tsholofelo'' adapted from [[AllMusic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/tsholofelo-mw0002703617|title=Tsholofelo – Cassper Nyovest |publisher=''AllMusic''|accessdate=26 July 2014}}</ref>
Credits for ''Tsholofelo'' adapted from [[AllMusic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/tsholofelo-mw0002703617|title=Tsholofelo – Cassper Nyovest |website=AllMusic|accessdate=26 July 2014}}</ref>
{{div col}}
{{div col}}
*[[Anatii]] – primary artist
*[[Anatii]] – primary artist
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*Young Skalez – composer, primary artist
*Young Skalez – composer, primary artist
*Smiso Zwane – composer
*Smiso Zwane – composer
*Brian Essence - composer
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}

==Certification and sales==
{| class="wikitable"
!Region
!Certification
![[List of music recording certifications|Certified units]]/Sales
|-
|South Africa ([[Recording Industry of South Africa|RiSA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2016-07-21-casspers-debut-album-goes-multi-platinum/|work=TimesLIVE|title=Cassper's debut album goes multi-platinum|date=21 July 2016
|first=TMG|last= ENTERTAINMENT}}</ref>
|2× Platinum
|80,000+
|}


==Release history==
==Release history==
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| 18 July 2014
| 18 July 2014
| [[Music download|digital download]]
| [[Music download|digital download]]
| rowspan = "4" | Family Tree, [http://amgworldmedia.blogspot.com/ AMG Worldmedia]
| rowspan = "4" | Family Tree, AMG Worldmedia
|-
|-
| rowspan = "3" | 31 July 2014
| rowspan = "3" | 31 July 2014
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{{Cassper Nyovest}}
{{Cassper Nyovest}}

{{Authority control}}


[[Category:2014 debut albums]]
[[Category:2014 debut albums]]

Latest revision as of 08:48, 5 August 2024

Tsholofelo
Studio album by
Cassper Nyovest
Released18 July 2014 (2014-07-18)
Recorded2011–2014
Genre
Length77:46
Label
Producer
Cassper Nyovest chronology
Tsholofelo
(2014) 		Refiloe
(2015)
Singles from Tsholofelo
  1. "Gusheshe"
    Released: 19 April 2013
  2. "Doc Shebeleza"
    Released: 17 January 2014
  3. "Phumakim"
    Released: 3 July 2014

Tsholofelo is the debut studio album by South African hip hop recording artist Cassper Nyovest, released digitally via iTunes on 18 July 2014 and physically released on 31 July 2014 under a distribution deal with AMG Worldmedia owned by Lindsay Jerome Arends, a former & founding member of the R&B group Ashaan.[1][2][3]

Tsholofelo, which means "hope", is named after his younger sister.[4] Work on the album began as early as 2011 and continued on through 2014. It features guest appearances from HHP, Okmalumkoolkat, Bucie, iFANi, Riky Rick, Bass Mdlongwa, Ntukza, Kyle Deutschmann, Tshego, Anatii, Skales (credited as Young Skalez), KayGizm from Morafe and Prokid. Prior to its release, the album was supported by three free singles: "Gusheshe", "Doc Shebeleza" and "Phumakim", all of which achieved wide mainstream appeal.[5][6][7]

Background, recording and release

[edit]

The idea to name the album after Nyovest's younger sister came after she gave Cassper her allowance for him to relocate to Johannesburg with: "At the time, I had just quit everything and I didn't have the money to travel and come to Jo'burg to hustle. Ever since that day it has always been about making sure that her sacrifice was not in vain."[8] In September 2013, Nyovest mentioned that the album was 90% percent done: "I've recorded a lot of music, now I just need to conceptualize the story of the album. There's so much music because I'm currently sitting on like 300 songs, so I don't even know what to do."[8][9] He also mentioned that guest appearances on the album would include Okmalumkoolkat, Masterkraft, Kaygizm, Shag, PRO, Kyle Deutschmann, Skales, Riky Rick, iFani and HHP.[9] In March 2014 a track list of the album was leaked online.[10] Nyovest would later state that the album contained 19 songs and not 16 as shown by the track list. On 10 June 2014, he revealed the cover for the album, along with the release date.[2] On Mandela Day, Nyovest released the album exclusively on iTunes without prior announcement. Within an hour of its debut, Tsholofelo peaked at number 1 on the iTunes South Africa albums chart.[11]

Promotion

[edit]

In support of the album, many promotional singles were released including "#BMK" and "Wahala" featuring Young Slugz. Both songs were produced by Ganja Beatz and accompanied by music videos.[12][13] On Valentine's Day, 2013, Nyovest released a track titled "Girlfriend" as part of the "TruSSt Thursdays" series. The song features and is produced by Riky Rick.[14] Nyovest also did a string of radio interviews and performances to promote the album. On 2 July 2014, he performed an unreleased song on Metro FM titled, "Alive" which features Durban based vocalist and Idols SA season 10 top 11 finalist Kyle Deutschmann.

Album artwork

[edit]

The artwork was revealed via Twitter and Facebook by Nyovest on 10 June 2014.[15][16] The cover, which was designed by Freshboi, is an illustration of Nyovest's portrait.[17]

Singles

[edit]

In April 2013, the album's lead single "Gusheshe" was released. It features Dirty Paraffin's Okmalumkoolkat.[18]

The second single, "Doc Shebeleza", produced by Sean Craig Beats, was released on 17 January 2014 for free digital downloads. Its music video was directed by Nicky Campos and Nyovest. It has a total runtime of 4 minutes and 2 seconds.[19] The song debuted at number 4 on South Africa's official music chart.[20]

"Phumakim", the album's third single, was released on 3 July 2014 with production from Zimbabwean producer, Brian Soko, who co-produced Drunk in Love by Beyoncé. "Phumakim" which is in Zulu, loosely translates to "Leave me alone". In the song, Nyovest addresses the criticism that celebrities receive on social media and makes a reference to his highly publicized feud with rapper AKA. He also raps about how he only dates women as famous as him. The beat for Phumakim was originally meant for American rapper, Future, who declined it.[21] "Phumakim" garnered 15,000 downloads within its first minute of release and trended on Twitter in South Africa and in the UK.

"Tsibip", the album's promotional single, was released in August 2014. Two videos were shot for the song to showcase Cassper Nyovest's different alter-egos, "Cassper" and "Nyovest". Both of the videos were shot by Studio Space Pictures. The first video premiered on MTV Base's "Spanking New Premiere". It is a one-take video which shows Nyovest bare chest wearing a wrist watch, a ring and a gold chain around his neck. For the duration of the video, Nyovest tries on and exchanges different caps up until he puts on the cap he is depicted wearing on the Tsholofelo album cover. The second video premiered on Channel O's "Turn Up" on the same day.

Commercial performance

[edit]

In April 2015, the album was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa, selling over 40,000 copies.[22][23] To celebrate this, Nyovest released a platinum edition of the album which features new material and old songs which never made the final track list of Tsholofelo.

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
PLATFORM82/100[24]
LiveMag[25]

Upon its release, Tsholofelo received generally positive reviews. Tsepang Tlhapane of Live Mag felt the pitfall of the album was its lengthiness and its production. However, he praised the album's intro, calling it "heartfelt" and commended its drum arrangement. He also praised "Tsibip" for its witty punchlines and "Skeptedaba" for embodying elements of 90s Kwaito music.

Andy Petersen of PLATFORM gave the album a score of 82/100 adding: "This is an artist in motion - one unafraid to exhibit his growth. Tsholofelo is certainly not a perfect album, but it is a very good one. And it hints strongly of someone who is only going to get better."

Track listing

[edit]

Standard edition

[edit]
No.TitleWriter(s)ProducerLength
1."I Hope You Bought It"Refiloe Maele Phoolo 4:54
2."Style Se Legit"Refiloe Maele PhooloBeatJunky4:04
3."Cold Hearted" (featuring Tshego)
  • Refiloe Maele Phoolo
  • Khumoetsile Tshegofatso Koobetseng
  • Brian Essence
  • Cassper Nyovest[a]
5:30
4."Tsholofelo (Skit)"  0:31
5."Welcome to My Life" (featuring Ntukza)
  • Refiloe Maele Phoolo
  • Bantu Hanabe
 4:29
6."Alive" (featuring Kyle Deutschmann)
  • Refiloe Maele Phoolo
  • Kyle Deutschmann
Aux Cable5:04
7."Phumakim"Refiloe Maele PhooloBrian Soko3:42
8."Skeptedaba"Refiloe Maele Phoolo 3:50
9."Ghetto Olympics" (featuring iFani & Uhuru)
  • Refiloe Maele Phoolo
  • Mzondeleli Boltina
  • Themba Sekowe
  • Sihle Dlalisa
  • Xelimpilo Simelane
  • Nqobile Mahlangu
  • Uhuru
  • DJ Buckz[a]
4:29
10."Tsibip"Refiloe Maele PhooloGanja Beatz3:46
11."Doc Shebeleza"Refiloe Maele PhooloFenesse (Sean Craig Beats)3:51
12."Shake'a Letheka" (featuring HHP & Pro)
  • Refiloe Maele Phoolo
  • Jabulani Tsambo
  • Linda Mkhize
Ganja Beatz3:37
13."Gusheshe" (featuring Okmalumkoolkat)
  • Refiloe Maele Phoolo
  • Smiso Zwane
  • Ganja Beatz
  • Cassper Nyovest[b]
4:23
14."Bad One" (featuring Anatii)
  • Refiloe Maele Phoolo
  • Anathi Mnyango
Anatii3:21
15."Girlfriend" (featuring Riky Rick)
  • Refiloe Maele Phoolo
  • Rikhado Makhado
Riky Rick3:24
16."She Loves Me" (featuring Bucie)
  • Refiloe Maele Phoolo
  • Busisiwe Nolubabalo Nqwiliso
Ganja Beatz5:28
17."Love Is Fucking Blind" (featuring KayGizm)
  • Refiloe Maele Phoolo
  • Kgaugelo Choabi
Ganja Beatz4:44
18."Travel the World" (featuring Uhuru & Bass)
  • Refiloe Maele Phoolo
  • Bass Q Mdlongwa
  • Themba Sekowe
  • Sihle Dlalisa
  • Xelimpilo Simelane
  • Nqobile Mahlangu
Uhuru4:00
19."Lerato" (featuring Skales & Masterkraft)
  • Refiloe Maele Phoolo
  • Raoul John Njeng-Njeng
  • Sunday Nweke
Masterkraft4:29
Total length:77:46

Tsholofelo (platinum edition) track list[26]

[edit]
No.TitleWriter(s)ProducerLength
1."Above The Water" (featuring Ckenz Voucal)  06:13
2."Bmk"  04:19
3."Cold Hearted" (featuring Tshego)  05:30
4."Ghetto" (featuring DJ Drama and Anatii)
  • Refiloe Phoolo
  • Anathi Mnyango
Anatii03:33
5."428 to LA" (featuring Casey Veggies) Anatii04:09
6."Doc Shebeleza [West Africa Remix]" (featuring Burna Boy and Mi)  04:34
7."Single For The Night" (featuring WizKid) Anatii03:56
8."Travel the World" (featuring Uhuru & Base)  04:00
9."Tsholofelo" (Skit)  00:31
10."Alive" (featuring Kyle Deutsh)  03:59
11."Phumakim"  03:42
12."Style Se Legit"  04:04
13."Skeptadaba"  03:52
14."Bad One" (featuring Anatii)
  • Refiloe Maele Phoolo
  • Anathi Mnyango
Anatii03:21
15."Girlfriend" (featuring Riky Rick)
  • Refiloe Maele Phoolo
  • Rikhado Makhado
Riky Rick03:24
16."Tsibip"  03:46
17."Doc Shebeleza"  03:51
18."Gusheshe" (featuring Okmalumkoolkat)  04:23
19."I Hope You Bought It"  04:54
Total length:76:01
Notes
  • ^[a] signifies a co-producer
  • ^[b] signifies an additional producer

Personnel

[edit]

Credits for Tsholofelo adapted from AllMusic.[27]

  • Anatii – primary artist
  • Base – primary artist
  • Mzondeleli Boltina – composer
  • Bucie – primary artist
  • Kgaugelo Goodchild Choabi – composer
  • Kyle Deutschmann – composer, primary artist
  • Aashish Gangaram – composer
  • HHP – primary artist
  • iFani – primary artist
  • Kaygizm – primary artist
  • Khumoetsile Tshegofatso Koobetseng – composer
  • Rikhado Makhado – composer
  • MasterKraft – composer, primary artist
  • Bass Q Mdlongwa – composer
  • Linda Mkhize – composer
  • Anathi Mnyango – composer
  • Busisiwe Nolubabalo – composer
  • Ntukza – primary artist
  • Cassper Nyovest – primary artist
  • Okmalumkoolkat – primary artist
  • R.M. Phoolo – composer
  • Tsholofelo Phoolo – composer
  • Pro – primary artist
  • Obakeng Ramahali – composer
  • Riky Rick – primary artist
  • Jabulani Tsambo – composer
  • Tshego – primary artist
  • Uhuru – primary artist
  • Young Skalez – composer, primary artist
  • Smiso Zwane – composer
  • Brian Essence - composer

Certification and sales

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/Sales
South Africa (RiSA)[28] 2× Platinum 80,000+

Release history

[edit]
Country Date Format Label
South Africa 18 July 2014 digital download Family Tree, AMG Worldmedia
31 July 2014 CD

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Cassper Nyovest Announces Album, Tsholofelo". Zalebs.com. 10 June 2014.
  2. ^ a b "Cassper Nyovest releases album artwork & announces release date". YoMzansi.com. 14 June 2014.
  3. ^ "iTunes - Music - Tsholofelo by Cassper Nyovest". iTunes. 18 July 2014. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
  4. ^ "Cassper Nyovest Reveals His Debut Album Cover For Tsholofelo". ispeakhiphop.com. 30 June 2014.
  5. ^ "Maftown Heights". Archived from the original on 6 October 2014.
  6. ^ "Cassper Nyovest Signs With African Star Communications".
  7. ^ "Cassper Nyovest – Phumakim". notJustok.com. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
  8. ^ a b Tlhapane, Tsepang. "Catch Cassper if you can!". LiveMag.co.za. Archived from the original on 4 July 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  9. ^ a b "miCoverStory: Cassper Nyovest". micampusmag.co.za. 25 September 2013. Retrieved 10 September 2014.
  10. ^ "Cassper Nyovest Announces An Album On The Way". slikouronlife.co.za. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 3 March 2014.
  11. ^ Bakang Akoonyatse (19 July 2014). "Cassper Nyovest Surprises Fans with 67 Hours for Mandela Day". African HHB. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
  12. ^ "Cassper Nyovest - Wahala ft Young Slugz [VIDEO] - The African Hip Hop Blog". africanhhb.com. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  13. ^ "TheStreetWordIz » Local Official Video: Cassper Nyovest – #BMK". thestreetwordiz.co.za. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  14. ^ "Ricky Rick and Cassper Nyovest Bring Back the 90s | HYPE MagazineHYPE Magazine". hypemagazine.co.za. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  15. ^ "Zalebs Mobi - Cassper Nyovest announces album, Tsholofelo". m.zalebs.com. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  16. ^ "News: Cassper Nyovest Announces Tsholofelo Release Date With Artwork | slikour onlife". slikouronlife.co.za. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  17. ^ "Cassper Nyovest releases album artwork & announces release date – YoMzansi BLOG :: HIGHEST GRADE SOURCE of SA Entertainment". yomzansi.com. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  18. ^ "Cassper Nyovest 'Gusheshe' ft. Okmalumkoolkat Okayafrica". okayafrica.com. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  19. ^ "Cassper Nyovest "Doc Shebeleza" - YouTube". youtube.com. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  20. ^ "AIRPLAY CHART". EMA. 27 May 2014. Archived from the original on 29 May 2014. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
  21. ^ "Cassper Nyovest - Phuma'kim". AfricanHHB.com. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
  22. ^ "Cassper's album goes platinum". Channel 24. Retrieved 1 May 2015.
  23. ^ Ngwane, Kwanele. "Tsholofelo album certified". MTV Base. Retrieved 1 May 2015.
  24. ^ Petersen, Andy. "Album Review: Cassper Nyovest - Tsholofelo". PLATFORM. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  25. ^ "Tsholofelo album review". Live Mag. 19 August 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  26. ^ "Tsholofelo (Platinum Edition) by Cassper Nyovest on iTunes". iTunes. Retrieved 24 October 2015.
  27. ^ "Tsholofelo – Cassper Nyovest". AllMusic. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
  28. ^ ENTERTAINMENT, TMG (21 July 2016). "Cassper's debut album goes multi-platinum". TimesLIVE.
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