South Africa, 19th April 2024 – amaPiano sensation Focalistic, in collaboration with adidas, has released a groundbreaking new single inspired by the pressure that artists and athletes face to perform. To support this launch, he has produced a captivating, first of its kind music video entitled “Pressure”, featuring a staggering array of well-known SA celebrities across the adidas sporting and lifestyle portfolio. With some of the scenes featuring Orlando Pirates iconic Orlando stadium, the video also features cameo appearances from the likes of Football legend, Lucas Radebe, Captain of the South African football team Ronwen Williams, Orlando Pirates attacker, Relebohile Mofokeng and many more.
Inspired by the attitude to dismantle pressure, Foca has crafted a unique anthem blending elements of football heritage with the vibrant flair of amapiano music—a genre that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, merging both cultural and sporting icons to create a distinctly South African music video to celebrate sport and the culture born from it. “Pressure” is not just a song; it’s an anthem that encapsulates the essence of overcoming fear, inspired by Foca’s own life experiences, starting as a talented age group footballer, and then rising to the top of the local music industry. It also echoes adidas’ brand narrative which seeks to remove pressure. adidas encourages athletes and partners to remember to express themselves by channeling the joy that inspired the emergence of their talents.
“Growing up in the dusty streets of Garankuwa, Pretoria all I did was play soccer and score goals, I was Messi, I showed no mercy. Fast forward to today and I am not the best football player, but I have used the same disciplines I learned from the game to score more hits and build a record label whose name was inspired by soccer “18 Area”. I am also blessed that my love for music has granted me the opportunity to work with brands such adidas, so when the opportunity to fuse sports and fashion through music came about, we created “Pressure” a celebration of sports and culture. I hope this song will inspire and bring hope to those who are under pressure” adds Focalistic.
Relebohile Mofokeng (Ratomo)- heralded as one of the most exciting talents in the PSL, is a leading protagonist in the video- featuring in the stadium he knows very well. His love for music and dance are clear on his social media and he looks very comfortable rubbing shoulders with Focalistic in the video. Ronwen Williams- national captain and goalkeeper also features in the video and his ability to manage sporting pressure was strongly evident at the recent Africa Cup of Nations tournament in February- he managed two penalty saves in the shootout to beat Congo 6-5 on penalties to secure a third-place finish. Lucas Radebe, who made 70 appearances for South Africa and is widely regarded as one the country’s greatest ever footballers feature in a hilarious cameo at the end with another (real life!) goat! Nelson Mandela famously said of Radebe; ‘This is my hero’.
The unveiling of this initiative coincides with the launch of adidas Originals’ latest campaign, which delves deep into the brand’s cultural heritage paying homage to the communities that have embraced classics like the Samba, Gazelle, and Handball Spezial silhouettes.
Be the first to watch music video here. Follow the conversation on Instagram for more content on the following IG pages: @Focalistic and @adidasZA.
The full cast of cameo appearances can be found here:
amaPiano Hitmaker Focalistic
South African Sporting Icon Lucas Radebe
South African Men’s Football
National Team Captain Ronwen Williams
Orlando Pirates footballer player Relebohile Ratomo
South African Cricketer Kagiso Rabada
Self-taught puppet entertainer Puppetsula
South African Olympic athlete Akani Simbine
Gqom producer and DJ QUE DJ
Two-time Rugby World Cup champion Damian Willemse
Award winning fashion designer Rich Mnisi
Singer and song writer Shekhinah
South African Olympic Skateboarder Boipelo Awuah
Soweto Riders Soweto Street Fighters
Creator and friend of the Brand Francesco Mbele
Creator and friend of the Brand Lenzo Mangonyane
Creator and friend of the Brand Tamara Moeng
Creator and friend of the Brand Nkuley Masemola
Creator and friend of the Brand Tinuke Eboka
amaPiano producer and DJ Dj Tshegu
amaPiano music artist Thamathole Noko
BET Nominee and music artist Pabi Cooper
amaPiano hitmaker Chicco