Each Measure Review: Proklaim
FEATURE
Proklaim isn’t afraid to set ambitious goals for his music. Nor is he afraid to ask big questions. The multi-talented Namibian musician describes his artistic philosophy as a “commitment to creating progressive music that resonates with diverse audiences, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.” Having listened to his latest release, titled “Creepin/Further (2in1),” my first reaction is one of awe.
If Proklaim’s mission to create music that breaks boundaries and inspires audiences worldwide, then this single is a huge stride forward in his journey and must-listen for anyone in search of music that exemplifies powerful songwriting and immersive soundscapes. Released on July 17, 2025, “Creepin’/Further (2 in 1)” was recorded at Pen Pushaz Studios in Namibia and represents the culmination of the colorful and versatile career he’s had so far.
It’s difficult to pin down the genre of the song, and defying categorization seems to be one of Proklaim’s core philosophies. His vision was to “create a high-energy track that resonates with listeners across cultures and languages.” According to his Soundcloud, Proklaim was born to Ugandan parents in England and has lived in both Zambia and Namibia, so it’s no surprise that he’s interested in tapping into the potential universal appeal of his music.
In the case of “Creepin/Further (2 in 1)” this meant drawing inspiration from a variety of sources. His hip-hop background forms the rap-based foundation of the song, and he threw in shades of boom bap and South African club music to create a wealth of colors and flavors. Theend-result is a piece that’s meant to be shared – an act of sonic catharsis that says the kinds of things that only music can communicate.
Immaculate production was important to Proklaim, so he collaborated on the single with Wojtek Majewsi of Audio Art Namibia for the mixing and mastering. In my opinion, Majewski’s magic touches certainly do justice to Proklaim’s powerful songwriting, elegantly weaving together the diverse textures that make the piece so unexpected and yet so cohesive.
If I were to sum up the overarching theme of the song in a single word, it would be “growth.” Through his act of artistry, Proklaim manages to capture the ways in which deeply personal experiences can have a universal resonance. It’s about Proklaim’s spiritual growth as an individual, but it’s also about the trajectory of growth that we all share as members of the human race. What make it especially successful as a song is that in addition to its lofty insights and lyrical poetry, it’s also fun, accessible, and easy to dance to. Achieving that delicate balance of cerebral and sensual and crafting a song that’s as comfortable in the club as it is in the study is no easy feat even for master poets.
As its title suggests, “Creepin/Further (2 in 1)” is two separate but interrelated songs in one. The first of the pair is “Creepin,” a sly-sounding hip-hip piece that explores themes of purpose, ambition, and success. Tapping into his rap roots, Proklaim reflects upon his faith, dedication to his craft, and his desire to communicate the truth through is music.
Proklaim’s inventive rhymes and impassioned delivery bring fresh life to the song, but he isn’t afraid to get a little more metaphysical with his lyrics than your average club musician. The crux of the song is the repeated hook: “Creeping, creeping / Knowing how this life works / Seeking, seeing / Put together like work.” For me, this is the part of the four-minute track that lingers in my head the most, and it sums up the overall substance of the “Creepin” portion of the single, reflecting a gradual but constant quest to unravel life’s mysteries and uncover a true sense of purpose.
Like all great artists, Proklaim makes every decision with care, and I found his choice of the verb “creeping” particularly evocative: this is not a mad dash to the finish line. It’s a slow, deliberate march to a destination that’s ultimately less important than the journey. Musically, the electric guitar riff underpinning the rap reflects this more vividly. It almost reminds me of a James Bond theme, and I think that’s the perfect character to represent the song: subtle, sophisticated, and on a mission.
About a minute and a half into the single, Proklaim steps aside, making way for a powerful and compelling sample of dialogue taken from the 1986 South African miniseries, Shaka Zulu. The popular miniseries tells the story of the Zulu rise to power in the early nineteenth century, and of Shaka himself, the highly respected leader of the Zulu kingdom. In the sample chosen by Proklaim, Shaka forcefully instructs his men, “Our strategy will come later. Let’s start will speed. Take off your sandals. In return for your dedication, I promise you glory. If anyone here feels that bruised feet are too high a price to pay for glory, he must say so now!”
Proklaim’s music has always manifested a sense of pride his South African heritage, so it makes sense he would have selected this moment of national and historical significance to showcase in a single about purpose and identity. In the context of the song, the subtext is clear: negligible sacrifice in service of a greater good – the reality all artists live with.
The Shaka Zulu sample is one of the most powerful moments of the song, and it serves as the transition between “Creepin” and it’s more energetic companion, “Further.” At its heart, “Further” is a song about progress, full of enthusiastic rhythms and a melodic vocal line that allows Proklaim to showcase his talent as a singer. Through a series of emotionally-charged images, Proklaim reminds us that life is about moving forward and working towards becoming more than what we are.
On the surface, “Further” describes an individual journey that could apply to anyone, but Proklaim also shouts out “the SA fraternity” and “South African energy.” In a gesture that exemplifies mission-driven artistry, he might be calling on his fellow South Africans to seek progress as a group and rediscover pride in their identity.
If you haven’t gotten into Proklaim’s music already, “Creepin/Further (2 in 1)” is a great introduction to his exploratory approach to the world of hip-hop. Proklaim is an innovator. He doesn’t just sing about the importance of a forward-thinking attitude, but he also demonstrates them in his music, rejecting cliché in favor of creating from the heart. He’s making the kind of music that makes the rest of world melt away and drowns you in an unexpectedly vivid dreamscape.
It's hard to predict what hip-hop’s next big movement will look like, but I can imagine Proklaim at the forefront. One thing is for certain: he won’t be left behind.
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