The song is the first track from You Still Don’t Know Me, the South African artist’s latest project.
One of two children raised by a single mother, Marcus discovered his passion for music at a young age. His mother owned a Jukebox at her shebeen (informal bar) and while he helped her sell beers, customers would play their favourite songs from Brenda Fassie, Michael Jackson, Fela Kuti and more. The young boy then embarked on his music career as a teenager under the stage name Hipnautik. He garnered local attention in the township with his fusion of rap and RnB, and released I Am Marcus Harvey in 2020. Following the success of this debut project, the artist returns with You Still Don’t Know Me, of which “You Wouldn’t Understand” is the first track.
The song describes Marcus’ feelings for his lover. Trying to quiet down his insecurities and attempting to delve into her thought process, he lets her know he would risk it all for her. The rest of the EP explores other aspects of romance (“Reflection”), evokes the harsh environment of the Alexandra township (“Chilling in Alex”) and advocates for rest and relaxation (“‘Don’t Think About Too Much”).
“This EP is the embodiment of so many things that I live up to and also of how I touch on social issues that I face on a daily basis,” Marcus explains. “I took my experience from growing up and residing in Alexandra and turned those into music, pouring out my frustrations about the pandemic we’re in, expressing my respect towards all the artists trying to push their work through these trying times. This is a chance of a lifetime and I know music is all there is for me. I will pursue it until I’m too old to hold a note. But until then, I’ll continue making music that everyone can relate to and appreciate.”
Listen to “You Wouldn’t Understand” in our Songs of the Week playlist on Spotify and Deezer.
You Still Don’t Know Me by Marcus Harvey, out on all platforms.
