South African artists K.Keed and Orish release their highly anticipated collaborative album Umgaranto (UMG) II, the official sequel to their 2023 project Umgaranto. Rooted in friendship, shared experiences and an unshakable creative bond, the project captures the duo’s evolution both personally and artistically while staying true to the essence that first connected listeners to their world.
The album’s first single, Abenam, painted a playful yet vivid picture of two friends being chased by a guy from the hood after entertaining his lady. The title, which translates to “May the higher spirit be with me,” captured the humour, chaos and tension of the unfolding drama, brought to life through sharp storytelling, infectious energy and vibrant production.
A fully immersed vernacular project driven predominantly by isiXhosa storytelling, Umgaranto draws inspiration from South African advertisements, nostalgic cultural moments and kasi experiences that shaped the duo’s upbringing. While the first installment introduced listeners to their chemistry, UMG II expands the vision into something more cinematic, intentional and sonically refined.
“UMG II is definitely the sequel to the first one, but this one is more cinematic, intentional and sonically satisfying,” says K.Keed. “The growth is evident in the production and subject matter. Orish and I have evolved into artists that are students of the game and challenge each other to be the best at what we do.”
For both artists, Umgaranto has always represented more than music. It is a creative space where they reconnect, strengthen their bond and reflect the realities of their journeys through authentic storytelling and shared experiences.
“uMgaranto is basically a break from whatever we have going on and going back to strengthening the bond through music,” explains Orish. “It has always been like that.”
The project’s sound is driven by the pair’s natural synchronicity, a chemistry they say has developed over years of creating together, often in the comfort of home rather than traditional studio environments. Their collaborative process is rooted in honesty, trust and mutual understanding, allowing the music to evolve organically without forcing creativity.
“We don’t really see ourselves as Orish and K.Keed when we create,” says K.Keed. “We’re just normal people obsessed with perfecting the craft.”
Orish adds, “We both have our own individualistic approach to music but it gels together perfectly because we have the same taste in the type of music we listen to.”
Outside of music, their friendship remains the heartbeat of the project. Whether spending time watching anime, bowling, going to parks or simply navigating life together, their off-stage connection directly informs the warmth and authenticity present throughout the album.
“We really bros,” says K.Keed. “The energy we have is authentic in who we are.”
At its core, UMG II is a celebration of collaboration, culture, selflessness and growth. Through deeply personal narratives delivered in their home language, K.Keed and Orish hope listeners walk away understanding the beauty of creating alongside people you genuinely love and trust.
“Always have fun and cherish those you love the most,” says Orish. “The whole process is about selflessness, unlearning and growth.”
