H’ & Them: The Experimental Tshivenḓa Musician Redefining Genre Boundaries

Aluwani Silas Thovhakale, known by his stage name H’ & Them (Hermit & Them), hails from Thohoyandou, Limpopo. As a solo artist, he embodies an experimental approach to music, constantly pushing the boundaries and defying categorization in both his mother tongueTshivenḓa and English. The Hermit’s ever-evolving sound is “a captivating chimaera” that keeps his listeners intrigued and never quite knowing what to expect.

His latest album, titled “Home In A Bit,” was released on May 10, 2023. It presents a mesmerising fusion of genres, skillfully blending elements from Alternative-Urban/Indie, Hip-Hop/Rap, Melancholic Indie-Folk, Alternative R&B, and Lofi. Within this sonic tapestry, H’ & Them delves into poignant themes of grief, homesickness, longing, and nostalgia.

The album’s inventive and offbeat soundscapes, along with its thematic coherence across eight tracks, propelled it to success. The track ‘Home In A Bit’ climbed the ranks and secured a place in the Top 10 of the Apple Music Alternative Music Charts, reaching an impressive peak at number 7. Let’s take a closer look at each of the eight songs on the album.

Opening with “vhuthungu”, the album sets the stage for its introspective journey. This track captures the essence of life’s bittersweetness within its melodies. 

“out no more” serves as the core vibe, it has the characteristics of a catchy interlude, drenched in regret and loneliness. 

“unk’l“ provides a moment of dark comic relief, injecting playful energy into the mix, the song strikes moods, melodies and cords reminiscent of  Frank Ocean in his early days.

“ps4po v12” shines as a standout track, offering a moment of glory and radiance through a fat “Peace out” to what we assume to be a lost love.

“numb” reawakens deep emotions initially expressed in “vhuthungu”, tugging at the heartstrings as he convinces himself that he’s indeed numb from the heartbreak.

“Home In A Bit”, the album’s title track, speaks directly to the longing of the soul, conveying the universal need to move forward and find a sense of belonging. 

“System’s offline” serves as the closing remark, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of introspection and contemplation as the Hermit seeks closure before he disconnects from the painful past. 

Finally, “mathomoni” represents the beginning, symbolizing the cyclical nature of grief and the process of healing.

Personally, this album feels and sounds like a heart breaking in the city, bleeding all the way home to heal—a story that some of us are privileged enough to relate to.

Follow the H’ and Them and listen to the album below: