Alloe the Rapper Reflects on Incwadi Yothando, the EP That Redefined His Sound
By Buhlebenkosi Nkomo
For years, love was not a subject Alloe the Rapper felt drawn to explore in his music. Today, it sits at the centre of one of the most personal projects of his career.
Born Allois Ncube, the artist represents a growing generation of Zimbabwean musicians whose identities are shaped by both their roots and artistic evolution.
Originally from Matopo and raised in Mandihongola village in Gwanda, Alloe’s musical journey began far from mainstream attention. After relocating to Bulawayo in 2018, he refined his craft through a community choir, an experience that would later shape the melodic and emotionally driven style now associated with his music.
By 2020, he had transitioned into a solo career, steadily building his profile through experimentation and artistic growth.
That evolution took a deeply personal turn with Incwadi Yothando, a six-track EP released on February 10. Translating to “The Love Letter,” the project draws heavily from lived experience and emotional honesty.
“The name was chosen because it conveys a message of love dedicated to the woman who inspired its creation — my wife-to-be,” Alloe said.
Unlike his earlier releases, Incwadi Yothando embraces a softer and more introspective sound, pushing the artist beyond his usual creative boundaries.
“It’s a completely different piece. I had to shift from the type of music I used to make and really push my creativity,” he said.
The influence of his choral background is evident throughout the EP, with layered melodies and emotive delivery shaping songs that rely as much on feeling as lyricism.
The project also features collaborations with Mthunzi da Poet, Cula Nyon, Bhila, JCB and Adoe, artists whom Alloe credits with adding depth and variety to the record.
“The collaborations were like a spice to the recipe,” he said. “I realised having only my voice throughout could get repetitive, so I brought in different voices and creative energies.”
He added that working with collaborators who connected with the project’s message helped create music that feels authentic and relatable.
Across its six tracks, Incwadi Yothando explores themes of love, commitment and emotional vulnerability. Songs such as Sondela, Woza My Love and Ngimtholile reflect the project’s central focus on love experienced at a deeply personal level.
“My soft spot is exposed in this EP,” Alloe said. “In my whole career, I’ve never really had the motivation to do a love song. No relationship had inspired me enough before.”
Although the EP is no longer a new release, its emotional honesty continues to resonate with listeners drawn to its sincerity and storytelling. In a music landscape often dominated by bravado and image, Alloe’s willingness to embrace vulnerability marks a notable shift in both his artistry and personal expression.
From Mandihongola village in Gwanda to the studios of Bulawayo, Incwadi Yothando stands as more than just a musical project. It reflects an artist willing to evolve, confront vulnerability and transform personal experience into music that connects beyond himself.
