Funky Qla storytelling EP review

Dark or Durban 3: The Last Chapter is not just an EP — it is a carefully written story, told through rhythm, emotion, and lived experience. On this final installment of the Dark or Durban series, Funky Qla fully steps into his role as a master storyteller, guiding the listener through love, heartbreak, temptation, joy, and the pulse of Durban’s nightlife.

The journey opens with “Isono” featuring Zeh McGeba — a raw, emotional confession. Here, the protagonist mourns a love that was never returned, crying out that his only sin was loving someone who did not care. It sets the tone for the narrative: honest, vulnerable, and deeply human.

That pain spills directly into “Mamezala,” a continuation of the story where the man turns his plea to his mother-in-law, lamenting the carefree, party-driven life of her daughter. Featuring Zeh McGeba and Zee Nxumalo, the track balances sorrow with melody, making heartbreak danceable without diluting its meaning.

The mood shifts on “Unyaka”, featuring Dlala Thukzin, where the darkness briefly lifts. This is a moment of celebration — a reflection on a joyful year filled with friendship, movement, and nights spent dancing with chommies. It’s a reminder that even in chaos, there are pockets of light.

That light dims again on “Phone,” a heavy-drummed, tension-filled track featuring Sino Msolo and Nobantu Vilakazi. Over pounding rhythms, Sino Msolo sings about a phone that won’t stop ringing — a lover believing he’s at home, while he’s out chasing the night. It’s a song about deception, desire, and the double lives people lead after dark.

Energy takes over on “Bang Bang,” an explosive collaboration with internationally renowned South African producer Argento Dust. This track is pure motion — built for movement, dance floors, and late nights where the city feels unstoppable.

The EP closes with “Point Road,” named after Durban’s most infamous stretch — a place known for its nonstop traffic, neon lights, and seedy underworld. It is the perfect ending: gritty, honest, and symbolic. Point Road becomes a metaphor for Durban itself — beautiful, dangerous, alive, and always moving.

Subtitled “The Last Chapter,” this EP marks the official close of the Dark or Durban series. It is both a conclusion and a bridge — paving the way for Funky Qla’s highly anticipated debut album in 2026. With this release, he doesn’t just end a chapter — he proves that his stories, like Durban, are far from finished.