Sahasrara is named after the crown chakra, a Sanskrit word symbolising a gateway to higher consciousness. Staff Writer GOSEGO MOTSUMI reports on Dato’s deeply personal and therapeutic project
With her latest release, “Sahasrara,” Katlego Ntirang offers listeners a soul-stirring journey of healing and spiritual awakening.
Released with Warner Music Africa, Sahasrara is a deeply personal single named after the crown chakra, a Sanskrit word symbolising a gateway to higher consciousness.
For Dato – who is better known as Dato Seiko – this song is an emotional testament to rising above pain without letting it turn to bitterness, showcasing her unique blend of vulnerability and strength.
“A soft diss track”
Dato Seiko describes Sahasrara as a “soft diss track,” an expression of pain laced with compassion and grace. She told Time Out: “Even in my hurt, I remain gracious. I don’t wish ill on anyone regardless of how much they’ve hurt me because I truly believe in karma and all her shapes and forms.”
Through her lyrics, she navigates heartbreak without anger, turning her pain into a poignant reflection on forgiveness and self-respect.
In Sahasrara, Dato confronts the myth that time alone can heal all wounds. She digs deep, questioning her own emotions and insecurities.
Unpacking the truth
She sings: “Was I catastrophising the situation or just gaslighting myself into letting unsettling feelings slide for the sake of love?”
Her introspective lyricism highlights the challenges of unaddressed emotions as each line reveals her vulnerability and allows listeners to reflect on their own experiences with unresolved feelings.
The track’s hauntingly beautiful melody is complemented by backing vocals from Sandi Ncube, whose harmonies add depth and emotion to Dato’s already powerful vocals.
“It feels and sounds like healing”
Together they create an immersive, textured sound that “feels and sounds like healing”. The music itself mirrors the emotional journey that Dato undergoes, building from raw introspection to a place of cathartic release. It is a sonic embodiment of her journey from pain to peace.
Writing Sahasrara was both challenging and cathartic for Dato. She reflects: “Writing Sahasrara was painful but necessary. I relived memories I’d buried, wondering about all the ‘what-ifs’ and questioning if I was too soft for this world.”
By the end of the process, she felt a sense of closure and peace, calling it her favourite song – a journey she feels fortunate to have gone through and which she hopes will resonate with others seeking healing.
Defined by her evolution
Sahasrara is more than just a song but a milestone in Dato Seiko’s growth as both an artist and a person. Known for her genre-fluid approach, Dato’s music has consistently broken boundaries, blending visual artistry and a unique vocal presence.
Her previous EP, “Grace Effect,” topped Apple Music’s Alternative charts and garnered local and international acclaim, with features in Tha Native and collaborations with major artists like Mpho Sebina and Thato Jessica.