Roho's Ephemeral (EP) Lasts Longer Than Implied

In the past few years, the South African R&B scene has been on the rise. Sure, there has always been a solid community of RnB listeners, however that hasn’t always translated to the visibility of local artists, much less the ability for new artists to break into the market. South African RnB artists haven’t always gotten the same recognition or praise in comparison to their international counterparts or musicians of other genres.

Since 2019, however, we’ve witnessed an expansion of the genre, increased momentum, and greater visibility afforded to more of its participants. We’re hearing and seeing new artists, with new soundscapes or derived sounds, especially in an age of music where experimenting is more accepted. An example of this is Roho’s 8-track EP, Ephemeral.

Ephemeral, in my opinion, is the best descriptor love, both the best and worst of it. Roho's smooth, soft, melodic voice over downtempo, mellow, RnB trap-esque instrumentals, creates an intoxicating musical experience. Definitively, “ephemeral” means “lasting for a very short time.” The romance that Roho describes is young love at its best and worst. Weaving themes of drug indulgence, toxic relationships, aversion to loneliness, but not believing oneself worthy of love, the EP touches on the side of love we experience in the absence of confidence and self-love.

A lasting element of Roho’s lyricism is the interrogation of sex, particularly sex as a form of escapism. However, Ephemeral takes a deeper look into the times where sex unlocks personal truths, instead of providing the desired escape. Not only is the music moving, it’s relatable; it’s the love we all know in one way or another.

Conceptually, this EP plays the way drugs and/or sex feel; euphoria that ends too soon. While you’re listening, every feeling is heightened, it’s consuming. Then, in what feels like the time between your eyes opening and closing, the 8-track, 24-minute EP ends. True to its title, Roho’s Ephemeral is a short experience, but unlike its definition, it will last you forever.