MOROHA go on indefinite hiatus following final Tokyo show

Acoustic rap duo MOROHA have announced an indefinite hiatus, closing the chapter on a 16-year career. The news came on December 21st, 2024, during the final performance of their MOROHA Solo Tour 2024 at The Garden Hall in Ebisu, Tokyo.

The night ended with a performance of their latest track, ‘YAMERUNARA IMADA’ (‘Now Is the Time to Quit’), released the same day. After the song, guitarist UK addressed the audience, citing creative exhaustion as a key reason for the hiatus:

“The reason is simple, but precisely because it’s simple, it’s hard to fully explain. We want to meet you again at the right time with pride. Is this the end, or is it not? Even we don’t know. Thank you so much.”

MC AFRO echoed UK’s sentiments, explaining how the decision evolved and expressing gratitude for their journey together:

“When I said, ‘Maybe I’ll continue solo while you’re on break’, he (UK) told me, ‘I wouldn’t like that’. That made me so happy. I thought, ‘You’re right’. So, I decided I’d stop too.”

AFRO concluded the show with a heartfelt message to the audience, saying:

“Every performance we’ve given was worthy of being our last. The show you saw was fitting to be the final one. Truly, thank you. Goodbye!”

Formed in 2008, MOROHA became known around Japan for their minimalist yet emotionally raw sound—UK’s acoustic guitar and AFRO’s spoken-word intensity delivered hard-hitting and universally relatable stories of struggle, ambition, and resilience. The decision to step away underscored the duo’s commitment to authenticity, as they grappled with the weight of maintaining their creative drive.

AFRO addressed fans on social media following the performance, writing:

“Thank you so much. I’m unemployed now. Please give me work. I’m good at putting my all into everything I do.”

Fans responded with overwhelming support, many sharing how MOROHA’s music had helped them through tough times.

About MOROHA

Over their 16-year career, MOROHA released five albums. Among their most recognized tracks are ‘Kakumei’ (‘Revolution’, 2013) and ‘Tomorrow’ (2016).

‘Kakumei’ specifically, a timeless anthem for the duo, is a rallying cry for those facing challenges on the road to their dreams. The song gained renewed attention in 2021 when MOROHA performed it on the popular YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE. The stripped-back performance has since amassed over 9 million views, paving the way to their 2022 headline show at the Nippon Budokan.

Their final track, ‘YAMERUNARA IMADA’, encapsulates the struggle of balancing passion and purpose, offering a fitting close to their journey.

While both members remain uncertain about what the future holds, AFRO suggested that any potential return would take on a new form:

“If we were to meet again, it wouldn’t be about going back; it would be about crossing paths further along in the future.”

Their closing comments following the final set were streamed online, giving fans unable to attend the chance to hear the announcement firsthand. Watch the duo’s farewell below.

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