Focalistic Reacts To Claims That His Intro Sounds Like A Coal Train ‘Chu Chu Chu’. Spitting over simmering amapiano tracks since 2017, South African rapper Focalistic real name Lethabo Sebetso has taken rap music into brand new terrain with anthems like 2020’s “Ke Star.” The phrase “Ase trap ke pina tsa ko kasi” sounds mad cool when Focalistic says it in his songs but it’s more than just a cool phrase for the rapper, who has revealed that the mantra changed his life.
His songs are known to have an ‘Chu Chu Chu’ introduction and a fan took to social media to share a meme of a coal train jokingly claiming that it is Focalistic. And of course Focalistic found humour in the tweet as he went on to retweet it and have a good laugh. “Chu chu chu! 😂Most powerful intro 🤞🏾🔥,” he wrote. Check it out:
Before jumping into amapiano, there has been debate about the kind of artist Focalistic is on the SA streets, however his international audience has been dishing nothing but love for the Ke Star hitmaker and he’s credited it to being able to package something unique and authentic to his identity. “One of my most important decisions was when I said Ase trap ke pina tsa ko kasi, which was about three years ago and I think that was a decision I was taking that I’m going to make music that represents me. Music I am comfortable with, where I don’t feel like I’m trying too hard … I think that’s one of the decisions that changed my life. In the world that’s the only thing that stands out — being yourself — the power of being you … but the craziest part is it’s hard to be yourself. It’s also crazy that saying Ase trap ke pina tsa ko Kasi … one can end up in Times Square, I think for me that’s crazy!” Foca said.
In 2019, South African twin-DJ duo Major League DJz unleashed a six-track EP alongside Focalistic titled Ase Trap Ke Pina Tsa Ko Kasi. The title loosely translates to “It’s not trap, it’s songs from the hood.” Trap isn’t necessarily associated with the hood in South Africa. But amapiano, the incumbent house subgenre in South Africa, which dominates the EP, was started in the townships of Pretoria. And that’s where the movement started.
