

On September 20, 2025, Pounds’ message framed the album as more than just a collection of songs—it reflects his affection for Pretoria—“the streets that raised me,” acknowledging those who supported him and the city that influenced his journey. In the past year, this sentiment has resonated widely, establishing the album as a township anthem and a national conversation piece.
The statistics highlight the album’s reach. As per the data shared by Pounds, Pray 4 Pitori has attracted over 21 million combined streams and views on various platforms, comprising 11 million on Spotify, 6 million on YouTube, and 4 million on Apple Music.
These numbers demonstrate a year filled with consistent growth, spurred by catchy singles, impactful social interactions, and live performances that transformed listeners into devoted fans. In his message, Pounds acknowledges the community’s support, heartfelt messages from fans, the lively atmosphere at shows, and the simple act of playing the tracks, all of which fueled the album’s transition from personal prayer to a collective movement.
A key aspect of the project’s longevity is its thoughtful curation. The detailed credits outline a collaborative landscape of modern South African hip-hop and related genres. The 14-track album begins with “Pray 4 Pitori (Intro)” and progresses through vibrant street narratives and personal reflections: “Church on Sundayz” (featuring additional vocals from Candice Nzama, Vuyi Meko, and Thokozani Masike), “Mamazala,” and “Banyana Bako North,” the latter being co-produced with Saint Cielo, who also played a significant role in engineering and production. Diverse moments, such as the gentle tone of “Table For Two” and the relaxed vibe of “20 Tao,” coexist alongside dynamic rap displays.
The collaborations are both deliberate and natural. 25K features on “Mamazala,” connecting Pitori stories; The Big Hash appears on “Spend Da Night,” blending melody with rap; Blxckie adds to the moody atmosphere of “4AM”; Una Rams infuses soul into “Pray 4 Me”; and Unclepartytime & The Qwellers elevate the energy on “Eish.”
In the production realm, Loatinover Pounds maintains a strong creative control while integrating elements from producers like Saint Cielo, Mashbeatz, Novexbeats, SorryZeke, Michael Tuohy, Mélange, and more. This collective effort contributes to the album’s rich, authentic sound without compromising its strength.
Lyrically, Pray 4 Pitori navigates the crossroads of aspiration and personal narrative. Pounds writes from the viewpoint of a city youth who has learned to dream amidst the everyday noise, tallying rands, healing from heartbreaks, reconciling with life’s tempo, and discovering beauty in the small things. This balance strikes a chord—earnest yet not didactic, ambitious but still grounded—making the project relatable for many.
Pounds’ anniversary note reveals a sense of humility and amazement at the album’s journey, coupled with a determination to continue creating. He expresses gratitude to everyone involved—musicians, writers, engineers, and behind-the-scenes teams—making it clear that the album’s success is a communal achievement.
He views the past year not merely as a celebration of success but as a stepping stone, vowing to keep producing music that comes “from a real place.” From an artist who took charge of his debut project and was heavily involved in the production, such a commitment serves as both a creative vision and a promise of quality.