“Tadow” by FKJ & Masego
The word tadow is a term that can perhaps best be described as an onomatopoeia, and according to the Urban Dictionary, what it alludes to is a major success. Masego remembers exactly where he got the term from, which is an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Though the way it is used in this song is more along the lines of a standard onomatopoeia, i.e. as an expression of excitement. And similar to how utilized on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Masego makes usage of “tadow” more specifically in a romantic context.
In the first verse, it encapsulates how he felt upon beholding the addressee – the apple of his eye – for the first time. And later, as in the chorus, it is symbolic of his enduring love for her.
Outside of that, what the other two verses center on mostly is the vocalist’s admiration of her beauty. Indeed, it would appear that one of the things he fancies the most about the addressee is the fact that other guys find her extremely-attractive. The ending of the third verse also seems to serve as Masego recognizing, relatedly, that she is akin to a skilled female playa. Furthermore, the vocalist also appears to recognize that he too, basically, has fallen under the spell.
Masego and FKJ
Masego is a singer who apparently did a lot of traveling with his family in his youth but ultimately attended from both high school and college and Virginia. He is an artist who actually forsook the latter in the name of pursuing a music career, with his discography dating back to 2015, when Masego would have been in his early 20s.
“Tadow”, the first official single in his catalog, also stands as the singer’s biggest commercial hit to date, with the song achieving RIAA platinum status in 2021.
Meanwhile FKJ, who has his background in sound engineering, is a musician from France. Apparently he hasn’t had massive industry success as of yet but does appear to be akin to a very-prominent underground artist. That said, FKJ recently dropped a collaboration with (Carlos) Santana called “Greener”.
Noteworthy Things about “Tadow”
It’s Masego and FKJ who wrote and produced “Tadow”. And even though EQT Records released this track on 5 October 2017, it wasn’t until a couple of years later that the music video came out, as helmed by director Joe Weil.
Then, in commemoration of the fifth anniversary of this track, FKJ and Masego made for sale an NFT collection based on it.
For the record, the aforementioned Fresh Prince of Bel-Air episode would be the 22nd of Season 4, which is titled “M is for the Many Things She Gave Me”.
Remembering the first time watching the video thinking wtf where did these unbelievable most gifted talented musician that wow and amaze me. I feel as though a dream of mine came true how to make all of the instruments sing is the best way I can describe it. Thinking I could actually play it If was around all the instruments sounding like a dumb a** the “studio” be real Kool too chill and hang out with those dudes no pun but I’m probably Masego number 1 fan no doubt can’t name a favorite hold up in order Tadow, Lavish Lullaby both ver,king rant, silver tongue, Navajo I’m done. Yo holla at ya boy bro. Could that dream come true lol. Tadow forever on my playlist
I agree, different musical dimension!
Making all the musical instruments sing… yup sounds about right. Tadow is one of the best songs I’ve ever heard. But the music is magical! The “definition” he put in the beginning of the official music video is unbelievably amazing… if you really think about what it says it’s like your mind has been expanded.. and now know what tadow should really mean!!!
I can’t get enough of this song Tadow. These young men are extraordinary musicians. I love their entire vibe. It’s a blend of R&B , jazz, hip hop, classical. I’m very impressed the sax and keyboard takes my breath away!