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. The music video showcases cameo appearances by Olympians including Akani Simbine and Boipelo Awuah, who are set to represent South Africa at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, alongside other remarkable athletes.
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.
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 @adidasZA.
The full cast of cameo appearances can be found here:
| amaPiano Hitmaker | Focalistic |
| South African Olympic athlete | Akani Simbine |
| Orlando Pirates footballer player | Relebohile Ratomo |
| South African Cricketer | Kagiso Rabada |
| Self-taught puppet entertainer | Puppetsula |
| South African Sporting Icon | Lucas Radebe |
| South African Men’s FootballNational Team Captain | Ronwen Williams |
| 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 |
