Spoek Mathambo

Nthato Mogkgata was leading the electro-rap outfits Sweat.X and Playdoe while also appearing with the Afro-beat ensemble Mshini Wam at the moment his solo identity as Spoek Mathambo began drawing attention. The South African artist’s 2010 project Mshini Wam paired verses addressing the political climate in his native country with rhythms that ventured into dubstep and African house. Diplo reached out and secured him a guest appearance on Robyn’s track “Dancehall Queen.” Shortly afterward, Sub Pop—which had recently begun broadening its roster through rap releases by Shabazz Palaces—commissioned an EP from Spoek Mathambo that surfaced in 2011. Father Creeper arrived the following year, bringing guitars and additional organic instrumentation into his sonic palette.