MO MUSE ‘Frenemies’ ft. Sol

This week’s Local Eyes video is from Somali-Kiwi MC Mo Muse. ‘Frenemies’ featuring Dunedin rapper Sol, this is the rappers fifth single from his 2019 debut album, The First Generation LP. With an organic flow, Mo Muse recalls his observations of jealousy and insecurity projected from old friends, as his star continues to rise in Auckland’s hip hop scene. ‘Frenemies’ hits particularly hard for New Zealand creatives, with its frank scrutinization of the tall poppy syndrome in Aotearoa.

“This track is inspired by the most dangerous type of friendship,” Mo says. “Ambivalent friendships. The ones where you don’t really know where you stand with someone. The paranoia of thinking they might secretly dislike you, but you ignore all red-flags for the sake of the friendship. I find It becomes a lot more visible as your success grows.”

‘Frenemies’ is directed by Delicious Miss (Corinna Hunziker), and shot between Auckland hotspots including Karangahape Road’s Smoove, King Fadez Barbers, Mondays Wholefoods Cafe and The South African Shop. The introspective visual further reinforces the tracks paranoia, as Mo bounces between posses while keeping a watchful eye for snakes. Mo Muse’s message is simple – we may be a small country, but there’s enough room for all of us to win.