Overtone Band & Artist Directory RSS

MAKHASI

marcuis.m — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:57:12 +0200

Marcuis Matthews Formerly Known As 2-Short and CREAM member,was featured,composerand performer on SABC`1 Hit series YIZO-YIZO 1 soundtrack for the song Mamgobhozi -along with KYLLEX and the notorious kwaito star MANDOZA.
MAKHASI is also a former presenter of SABC 1 variety program Selimathunzi. After a long break from music,MAKHASI returns with a new mindset into the music business.His new album titled BAYETHE NKOSI is something fresh, unique and is hitting the streets hard.

Bonang

Overtone Admin — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:30:16 +0100

Bonang means “to look at” in Tswana, a name given to her by her father because he believed that she was “too beautiful to ignore!” You just need to glance through her resume to see that most people in South Africa agree with the wisdom of those words. Everyone has their eyes on Bonang at the moment!

She was born on 25 June 1987, in Mafikeng and later moved to Johannesburg where she discovered her passion for performing and entertaining while attending school at Leondale Primary on the East Rand, followed by Dominican Convent for girls, and Fourways High School.

She has been as hard working and determined ever since. This young rising star is completing her final year of a BA in Marketing and Communications at University of Johannesburg and has simultaneously been working her way to the top of the television industry. She started presenting at the tender age of 15 on a show called Manhattan’s Fantasy Challenge which was then followed by the Reggies Rush, Fast Facts and Illovo Sweet Surprise on SABC 2, catering mainly to young children and teenagers. She has also appeared in a Discovery Channel Documentary called Scout’s Safari and several television commercials,including one for Always Ultra,Intec College and Citroen C2 which have aired across the African continent.

She says she loves working on TV, but doesn’t get much time to watch it, as she rushes from one job booking to another, including recent recordings for Coca Cola Mega Millions Game Show and SABC 1’s top rated music show, Live(with an average of 7 million viewers each week), as well as voice over bookings for SABC Sports, Metro FM, YFM ,YogiSip, Juice.co.za,Motsweding Fm, WWP Thunderstrike and Lillizela Mlillizeli. She was also named as Sunday Times’ Breakout Personality of 2007 and 2008 and has appeared on the covers of the country’s top magazines including Drum, Bona and YMAG, Sallywood Magazine and Move and was also featured in the FHM VIP List for 2009 as one of South Africa’s hottest TV personalities.She has appeared in a number of other magazines namely Soul, Real, Destiny, Seventeen, True Love and is a regular in Mzansi’s social and fashion pages.

Besides TV presenting, she is now serving as the Managing Director for Ventilation Vixens.A Promotions Agency in Rosebank. She has provided promoters, ushers and waitresses for clients such as Disney Channel, Spiced Gold, Edgar’s Music Series, Radisson Hotel and MTV to name but a few. Her flexibility and charisma has seen her m’cing various events including the National Twist lemon, Mango and Granadilla promotion, The Toyota Yaris Street Glam Expo, The Student Village Website Launch Promotion, Standard Bank Campus Promotion, The University of Johannesburg’s Annual Fresher’s Bash,Mr and Miss TUT, The ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Campus Tour and the Annual Miss UJ Beauty Pageant. She also mC’d The Annual Kaizer Chiefs Awards with Sizwe Dhlomo of MTV Base in August 2008.

2008 also saw her MC’ing the 50 Cent and G-Unit Concert at the North Dome in Johannesburg, sharing the stage with the likes of Jozi,HHP and ProKid.

Bonang has become a household brand after hosting the 9th Annual Metro Fm Music Awards, on November 29 2008 together with her co-host T’bo Touch. Broadcasted to over 4 million viewers, she was the youngest person ever to host an awards ceremony of this magnitude.

In early 2008,she worked together with Ogilvy PR International as one of two African Celebrity Brand Ambassadors for the new Motorola RazR2 Luxury Edition Cell phone and was also selected as the first ever Entertainment Correspondent for Motsweding FM.All this at the tender age of 21.

Two days after her 21st birthday,she was selected as a VIP ambassador for Revlon Cosmetics SA.This invlolves attending events to promote the brand.Her duties began in mid-September 2008.

The highlight of her life however, has to be the launch of her very own clothing range called Just B. She has collaborated with Legit to design a line of fabulous tops,pants, dresses and jeans for young woman in South Africa. It was launched on the 11th of September 2008 and merchandise is available in all 136 Legit stores nationwide. For more info log onto www.legit.co.za

2009 has begun very well for this young powerhouse with all the Just B merchandise being sold out in all 136 stores nationwide over the festive season. A first for Legit stores EVER!!

It is amazing to see what Bonang has achieved at such a young age. She is truly an inspiration to all young South Africans and a well deserving “youth incon”.

Jackie Kwenda

Jackie Kwenda — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:41:43 +0200

Jackie Kwenda is a soul singer/songwriter/covers singer who is as fervent about music as she is about
life. Her style infuses funky jazz and neo-soul influences absorbed from
worldly experience, with classic Motown and superfly soul.

To date her year and a half stay in Cape Town has seen her
perform covers at a Golden Oldies Tribute and various charity events.

She is dynamite in a small, easygoing and witty package. At only 5ft 2" the Zimbabwean born entertainer has a voice that is both smooth and powerful. On stage she is as fervent as she is serene and as charming as she is exuberant. The stage is her playground and
the audience; her best friends. Her extensive repertoire of disco, soul
and jazz hits will have you shaking your body down to the ground or cozying up
to the one you love. A chameleon, she changes from genre to genre singing
remarkable renditions from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin,
Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and more.

Whether the event is big or small, Jackie Kwenda has the heart and soul to light up any stage with passion and joy.

CeeKay

akriek — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:42:26 +0200

I was born with a mic in my hand. Growing up in a family with great singing voices and playing almost every musical instrument ever made, I developed my singing to the stage where I want to share it with the rest of the world.

I never really had the opportunity to follow my dream.......

Country and Afrikaans music is my passion, but I sing anything, except Opera and Jazz, offcourse.

Being a singer and song writer is what I was born to do. People say I have an exceptional voice, maybe because I have a deep...strong... voice, I don't know.

I have been on stage with great artists who just inspired me......

Avatar

durbanmusic — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:20:15 +0200

Avatar touch on Jazz, Rock, hiphop and soul, releasing moments of accapella and moments of soaring guitar immersed in beatbox solos.

Avatar are a Durban Based band, the oldest and youngest members (dad and daughter) are 66yrs and 12 yrs respectively. The band comprise of family members Camilla (vocals and backing vocals) , Lyla (keyboards), Dain (beatbox), Tara (vocals and keyboard) and Steve Fataar (guitar and vocals) together with good friend, Mthunzi Mchunu (bass guitar). They have just returned from Splashy Fen, where they performed the closing ceremony of the festival, where the crowd wouldnt let them leave the stage.

"One of Durban's leading music acts" - Highway Entertainment

"the ownership of the stage and the ability to drag the most jaded audience into their tangents and diversions is what truly sets Avatar apart." - Levi's Original Music Magazine

Wafa! Wafa! Sound System

wafawafa — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:33:17 +0100

The name, Wafa Wafa Sound System, is derived from the Zulu saying that means “Now or Never”. The band was formed 2 years ago by musicians who had met at music school 5 years earlier. Wafa Wafa plays a sound which uniquely blends African and Caribbean rhythms and grooves with Jazz improvisations.

Members of the band have worked with great musicians; the likes of Victor Ntoni, McCoy Mrubata, Musa Manzini, John Mekoa and Mbongeni Ngema. Some members have had the privilege of being invited to play with the Gauteng Youth Jazz Orchestra.

This very young band continues to take un-expectant crowds by storm with their ability to indulge them by taking them on a joyous musical journey. The guys have background and they are very much inspired.

The band members are:

· Kwazi Gazu (Keyboards/Piano)

· Lwezi Hlatshwayo (Bass)

· Joel Lembo (Guitar)

· Kegorogile Magatle (Drums/Trombone)

· Gift Mlambo (Percussions)

· Lawrence October (Tenor Saxophone)

· Joseph Shumane (Alto Saxophone)

· Xolani Dhlamini (Trumpet)

BONSAI

Blue Division — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:46:18 +0200

Bonsai is `n dinamiese Afrikaanse groep van Johannesburg, Suid Afrika.

Hul glo in harde werk en neem die gawe om vir hulleself te dink ter hart in alles wat hul aanpak. Fran is geen onbekende vir Afrikaanse gehore nie en het verhoë in 2000 reeds betree onder verskeie groep- en skuilname. Bonsai het so ook as `n solo projek begin nadat Fran die spreekwoordelike Goue Meerkat in die Kango Grotte gaan soek het.

Adriaan Jonker is `n naam om te onthou en vul die skoene van kitaarspeler in Bonsai. Hy en Fran het in 2006 begin saamspeel na `n verwysing van goeie vriend en vervaardiger Dewald Pretorius. Bonsai het ook uit eindelik na `n paar skuiwe in die ritme afdeling op twee monsters afgekom nl. Kyle davies op baskitaar en Sam Febi op dromme.

Hul werk tans aan material vir Bonsai se volgende album en verfyn ook hul verhoogoptredes in die proses.

Hou jou oog op die ouens, hulle sal jou nie teleurstel nie.

***

Bonsai is a dynamic group from Johannesburg, South Africa.

They believe in hard word and try to use the gift of thinking for oneself in everything they do. Fran is no new name to Afrikaans crowds and has been playing South Afican stages since 2000 under numerous groups and pseudonyms. Bonsai thus started as another solo project after Fran went searching for the Goue Meerkat in the Cango Caves.

Adriaan Jonker occupies the all important task of lead guitarplayer in Bonsai and the two have been playing together since 2006 after a suggested meeting by friend and producer Dewald Pretorius. Bonsai have also finally settled on a monster rhythm section and formally welcomed Kyle Davies and Sam Febi on bass guitar and drums respectively in 2008.

They are currently hard at work on material for their next album as wel as refining their stage performances in the process.

Keep your eye on these guys, they will not disappoint.

saintfearless

saintfearless — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:28:19 +0200

During the Summer of 2008, the music world saw the release of a fresh new indie rock band smashing onto the Cape Town music scene.

With their dynamic, rich sound and equally watchable stage performance, they entertained audiences around the Mother City with shows with Stealing Love Jones, Cassette, 12th Avenue, The One Night Stands & many more. With shows 3 performances upstairs at Mercury Live in only their first 3 months, this band is on the rise.

Signing with MOB Entertainment in March 09, and a change of name to 'Saintfearless', the 4 members (Kieron Brown, Paul Fairbrother, Jethro Jeneker & Cody Meyer) and their manager and producer Moon Abrahms are set out to conquer not only Cape Town and South Africa, but also have the rest of the world in their sights.

With the release of a demo CD containing 2 incredible singles off their upcoming EP, they are already making waves around the country as well as within the music industry.

With a frontman to rival any other, alongside talented musicians to back him up, Saintfearless bring fresh catchy Indie Rock songs to the music world.
With upcoming shows which include headlining spots at Mercury Live as well as spots on the major local festivals, this band is not one to be missed

Neil Thurston

neilthurston — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:55:41 +0200

Neil Thurston

Thinking back

Cape town based Rn b artist’s love for music started at the tender age of 12.Neil was taught three basic cords on guitar by his late father, which paved the way for his journey into exploring musical instrumentation. By God’s grace this man can play several instruments & he’s a talented music producer. He had the privilege to work with so many bands in the church arena.

Jazz & R N B remain the focal influence of his Album. Neil has just released a single with three songs taken from album titled “Thinking back” due for release early next year. He’s songs are being sampled to radio stations across the world.

This radio sample is a small reflection of greater things to come. Neil has worked with Richard Caesar a phenomenal guitarist & producer on the masterpiece. Thinking back , Masterpiece & This love are the three songs being sampled to radio stations.

Neil is signed to a Cape Town based Record label called Afri Kalcha Entertainment.

In his own words

“Music is a place I go to , to relax my mind & pour out my feelimgs.God bless & always remember that we live in his grace & without him we are nothing”

Kwesta

Overtone Admin — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:57:02 +0100

Senzo ‘KWESTA’ Vilakazi was born 11 August 1988 to school teacher Thabsile Vilakazi, on the East Rand of Johannesburg. It was during his high school days at J.G. Strydom where the dream of becoming a rap superstar began, he was a constant irritation to his teachers for writing verses and poems during lessons but as time went on, the very same teachers started asking KWESTA to give examples of his writing by reciting whatever “student friendly” verse or poem he had for the class.

It was at that time that his first rap group ‘Ghetto Fellaz’ was formed and with the addition of another member it was changed to ‘The Juvenylz’ and two years after the group came to an end his dream elevated to the next level… to finally begin recording songs, this happened after a group of youngsters moved into the neighborhood and were trying to establish they’re own recording company, AMS.

While a relationship had began with AMS other great moments and opportunities were also unfolding, KWESTA went on to win the MC of the month competition on Yfm’s Rap Activity Jam and also took first place on The Freestyle Kings special on ETV’s Shiz Niz. He was also actively getting his name on peoples tongues by performing at the Miss Confidence Show, The Rand Show and The Durban Beach Festival just to name a few.

With dozens of songs recorded and on stage experience under his belt, KWESTA’s demo made its way to the Buttabing Entertainment offices in April 2007 and was received with pure enthusiasm to further the relationship and add KWESTA to the label’s roster.

Since embarking on his journey with Buttabing Entertainment, KWESTA has been introduced to the life of no sleep, no rest and the complex workings of the music business. He has since traveled across the country as part of the entertainment line up and judging panel on the Sprite Hip Hoop Tour and was also featured on The Ventilation Street Tape in Association with the Sprite Hip Hoop Tour 2007, he has also taken part in the Nokia Defend Your Street campaign which saw him collaborating with Slikour & Shugasmakx (Skwatta Kamp), T’do (Zulu Mobb), Nothende and Piet Potent on the campaign’s theme song.

KWESTA has been places, is in places and is most definitely still going places. His album is a work in progress and will be part of your music collection in the near future.

Look out for KWESTA …………… All over the place!

Point Blank

stuartv — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:48:35 +0200

Point Blank is a five-piece punk outfit based in Cape Town, Found on the banks of the black river and brought to life by a midget, 3 prostitutes and something weird to do with gorillas.They have made their powerful presence known through their energetic live performances (Drinking) and intelligent, unique interpretation of drinking as a whole, Drawing inspiration from sound and talent as diverse as Ike Turner, and The Bee Gees... " With stirring leads and dark vocals Point Blank is a world-class underground act in the making."

A B TURBO

Matthew James — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:33:28 +0100

Hailing from the sprawling suburbs surrounding the mountain proud metropolis of Cape Town, South African band A B Turbo are here to provide a refreshing and unique approach to the often standardised genres of punk rock and post hardcore.

With fierce passion and intensity, A B Turbo are stirring interest in the live music scene, and within a month of their first show at Mercury Lounge, they were booked and performed at the Pro-X Extreme Games at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront along with bands like Taxi Violence and the Plastics, an event attended by thousands of music fans, skate boarders, wake boarders, BMXers and FMX riders. One month had passed, and the band were asked to open for New Altum at their music video launch with Yes Sir! Mister Machine at Mercury Live, a big step up from their first performance down stairs.

A B TURBO have most recently opened for US Metalcore giants Haste The Day during their South African Tour.

Currently the band are writing new material and recording at their home studio, planning for a 2009 release.

CouchPotatoes

theskizm — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:04:27 +0100

Band Members

* Tim - Vocals
* Nadya - Vocals
* Wilkie - Guitars
* Jako - Drums
* Chris - Bass
* Heine - Keys
* JP - Percussion
* Africa - Alto Saxophone
* Malusi - Tenor Saxophone
* Lebo - Trumpet

CouchPotatoes began their existence 3 years ago in various bedrooms around Gauteng.

Armed with a mobile recording studio they began writing songs reflecting their location, who they were hanging with, or simply just the vibe they were feeling.

The result is the album MonoTonic, a decidedly skunked-out mix of anything from roots reggae and dub, to glitchy electro, to dirty blues rock and loungey jazz.

Once the songs had been written, performed, and recorded by masterminds Tim Bland and Chris Bubenzer, they formed the CouchPotatoes Live Experience - a multi-cultural, all-star group comprising members of Scarlet Box, RHÜTZ, F*ck, Gordon's Suitcase and Menage a Trois - to enable them to take their songs to a live audience.

The latest additions are the BrotherHood Horns, who bring a sophisticated afro-jazz-based sound - and these guys know how to cut loose!

Started in 2007, The CouchPotatoes Live Experience played their debut gig at the Subterranean Rhythm and Blues Festival (STRAB) in Ponta Malongane, Mozambique, in May of that year, to great response. Their unique brand of self-termed LoungeHop was unlike anything the crowd had witnessed before, and, to be honest, afterwards too!

Recently a show at Wolmer Rock 11 proved just how much skill these guys possess.

Playing to a packed crowd, they managed to win over fans from all musical backgrounds, from the reggae loving fans of Tidal Waves, to the math-metal fans of RhutZ.

Their debut album MonoTonic has finally been completed, and is currently being mastered at Wolmer Studios, by Lanie van der Walt of Not My Dog fame.

A live album (featuring the full 10-piece band) is also currently in production, and is due for release soon.

Most recent gigs (December 2008)

* Wolmer Rock 11 (Wolmer Events Arena, Pretoria North) – Headline Slot
* Cool Runnings Hatfield PTA (with Tidal Waves and Calling Kingston)
* 7Sundays (Auckland Park, JHB)

Upcoming gigs

CouchPotatoes have been invited to play in the Sultan State of Brunei at the Empire Hotel, on a specially constructed stage on the beach of the South China Sea, in February 2009, in conjunction with FM101 Brunei - Asia's Largest Radio Station, due to the great success of their songs on the station (Baby Please peaked at #3 on their top 40, heard by 60million people each week).

Look at for the monthly “CouchPotatoes’ Sunday School Sessions” at 7Sundays Auckland Park as well as the upcoming CouchFest II with some of the biggest bands in SA.

Currently in negotiation are shows with Afro-pop band Malaika, at the Morula Sun.

You can also expect to see CouchPotatoes at this year’s biggest festivals.

Flexibility

Besides the unique line-up of incredibly varied musicians, and their genre-stretching abilities (from math-metal to jazz, from breakbeat to blues), CouchPotatoes have the unique ability to custom fit their sound to any scenario - if a harder, more rock-oriented sound is required, they will turn up the crunch and dial up the heaviness - with members like these you must know how heavy it can go!

On the flip-side, if a more sedate setting requires a softer, jazzier approach - down come the amps, up goes the groove and BAM! they fit the venue like a OJ Simpson's white glove.

Press

“Pretoria’s Downtempo heroes” – Richard Rumney (Editor: Music Industry Online)

“You may never have heard of the CouchPotatoes. But you should have. The SA music scene is growing by the minute, but don’t be sucked in by the riff-raff. We know who’s gonna be hot. And these guys definitely are” – Levi’s Loop Tabloid III

Websites

The entire (pre-mastered) MonoTonic album can be streamed from their FaceBook FanPage, located at http://www.facebook.com/pages/CouchPotatoes/21824874832

Tracks can also be found at www.myspace.com/couchpotatoestheband

Tracks to look out for

* Crazy (an upbeat ska-hiphop crossover)
* Baby Please (a slinky duet)
* Plastic Wrapper (a dark tale of lust, stalking and kidnapping)
* In a Can, Man (a thumping, guitar heavy banger)

- CouchPotatoes –

A band unlike anything you've seen, or heard, EVER before!

DeJavu

Blue Division — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:34:06 +0200

Sabretooth

fourie451 — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:56:26 +0100

Progressive/80's inspired/Neo-classical/Metal band from South Africa.
SABRETOOTH are easily cast into the generic genre of everyday no frills
metal that runs rampant in our everyday lives. If you said to yourself
"I agree with this statement" then kick yourself in the face!

We
exist because we want to hear the music that no other band can give us.
So we go to arms (be it guitar or drums or whatever) to fill the void
that music creates for us! Our Mission statement would be that we want
to rock, want to rock harder and want to rock with class and style that
will shine the light on those in the dark!

Steadyrock!

joseafrica — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:13:22 +0200

BACKGROUND

Born Durrell Ivandro Jadir Jacinto in Mozambique in ’78 from an all-too-common dysfunctional African family, driving him to spend most of his life in the street. This forged the fiercely independent and self-reliant personality of a survivor.

He started writing songs in his early days of high school, inspired by seeing his uncles performing during the 80’s in Maputo. He subsequently studied music to gain solid fundamentals for his passion.

Composer, songwriter, guitarist and singer, not necessarily in that order, he has worked with many best-selling artists, but his natural intelligence led him to distrust the workings of the industry as he chose to keep his musical integrity. “This puppet couldn’t play to anybody else’s strings” he reflects. He nevertheless managed to release his first Solo project\EP, named Steadyrock! and perform regularly in the Johannesburg circuit, with memorable gigs at Bassline, Horror Café and others.

THE STYLE

Atypically in the kwaito-dominated Soweto scene of the 90s, Steadyrock!’s music is melody driven rock, with undeniable African influences and a dash of reggae and hip-hop. His singing reveals his strong musical intuition and unique personality: this is definitely no TV-contest formula!

He combines a typical African good-natured spirit with the most un-African self-confidence and drive. Among his peers he commands a growing respect and a bit of a “musical prophet” status.

THE PLANS

Independently, Soweto's premier rock musician recently performed at the oppikopp “wild card” held at Notham in Limpompo earlier this month. He’s shared the stage with South Africa’s award nominees including Cassette, the Privates, Marike Jager, Trompies, Swatta Kamp, Lira, HHP, Kwani Experienceand Gang of instrumentals to mention a few.

Steadyrock! successfully completed a South African tour with Dutch singer songwriter Marike Jager in December 2007. The two artists played at a variety of venues across the country, including the Woodstock 9 , Melville's famous venue Roxy's and the Backroom in Pimville,
amongst others.

Aside from his performances promoting his soon to be released album, Steadyrock has also collaborated on a song for the soundtrack of the movie The Heart of the Other – The Chris Barnard Story. The Docu-movie premiers in South Africa and Switzerland early 2009.
Four of his songs have also been picked for a Major local production Starring Kenneth Nkosi and Saputla Rapulana, due to hit the big screens early 2009 Steadyrock's sound seems tailor made for an international audience with its smooth melodies and distinct reggae and hip hop influences. Indeed, the Soweto artist is already picking up more and international exposure.
Sawubona magazine recently ran an article on his music and the challenges he has faced in dealing with the local music industry, where the idea of a black rock musician from Soweto runs contrary to conventional wisdom.

The limited edition CD One World Citizen makes direct reference to the breaking down of barriers. Indeed, in his attitude and his music, Steadyrock offers an interesting glimpse into the possibilities of South Africa's future society - one where influences, styles and cultures are
increasingly merged, and where traditional musical market segments are far harder to define and cater to.

10 Points for the Dismount

gravity.white — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:23:29 +0200

The band start with a handful of skilled and seasoned musicians...as time went on new recruits were found and things were good...even better than good. But as time passed things changed, members left, members stayed and new members were found...

Today sees the band with Luke and Paul hailing on guitars, Grant bring up the rear with drums, Fred laying down grooves on the bass and Justin serenading the air with his voice...all coming together to rock and try to explore all styles of music that appeal to us.

After many hours of contemplating, we have decided to describe our
music as afro-reggae-punk-rock-jazz, and as that suggests we play a
blend of those styles of music. We like to think that we have a very
unique sound, and by way of which we feel we appeal to everyone who
likes music or just rocking out. From earth shattering break downs to
booty shakin' reggae drops, face melting solo's to chilled african
vibes, put together in a way that actually makes sense, with a touch of
Drum 'n Bass for seasoning.

Ryan Calder Band

ryan_3 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:04:29 +0100

On The Edge – the Ryan Calder Band’s latest album – is really a window into the life of a five-piece family. And while the band’s music crosses maskande, blues and jazz boundaries from its acoustic rock foundation, the message consistently leans towards the positive side of life.

Following sold-out shows in 2009, On The Edge maintains the upbeat nature of the Ryan Calder’s debut album, Better Days. Front man and songwriter Ryan’s philosophy is that the band’s show and the music should leave an audience feeling like life is worth living. “The morning after our show, we want people to wake up humming a happy tune,” he says. “I write music with a show in mind. Diversity in terms of rhythm, tempo and sound is something I think about a lot.”

And there is plenty to look forward to with the band’s new album, On The Edge. “The sound, the quality, the depth of lyrics,” cites vocalist Tamlyn.

“It brings a lot of contrast and diversity to the table,” adds pianist Jon Calder. “The songs have many different influences, both in terms of their conception in the songwriting phase and during the actual recording process. The album required much sacrifice and a lot of effort. But we know it is worth it.”

The air of positivity in both the music and lyrics is something which has made the group one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most popular musical acts. “We have fun,” says drummer Rudi Engelbrecht. “The approach has always been one of having the room to enjoy yourself. After all, who would want to listen to a band bored with themselves?”

“The best thing about the RCB is the family spirit. It’s absolutely amazing,” says bassist Roberto Hemmero. This has been a focus of the band, whose music has connected with young and old at each of the performances.

The band, fronted by Ryan, debuted at Splashy Fen in 2006, comprising Rudi Engelbrecht on drums, Roberto Hemmero on bass, Jon Calder on piano and Tamlyn Calder on vocals. From there on, there was no looking back. The RCB went on to share the stage with folk legends Magna Carta as well as prominent SA acts Prime Circle, Plush, Southern Gyspey Queen, Newtown and Guy Buttery. The band has performed at all of KZN’s major music festivals and prominent venues in headline and supporting roles.

Wendy Oldfield

woldfield — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:48:57 +0200

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Born in Pinelands Cape Town in 1964 Wendy Oldfield came in to this world, the middle sibling of 5. Schooled in Johannesburg for her primary school years and then High schooled back in Cape Town where she completed her studies and then went on to get her Higher Diploma of education. Wendy oldfield was always known as the “singer girl “ as she was often the lead in the school plays –Oklahoma being one of them.

Wendy Oldfield first made a name for herself on radio performing the hit 'This Boy' with rock outfit ‘The Sweatband’ in the early eighties. After much success with songs like Tonight Shape of her body , This boy and many years of touring and performing, she left the group to start a solo career.

Her first solo album ‘Beautiful World’ set the wheels in motion for a succession of hits, including 'Real World', 'Acid Rain', 'Miracle' and 'Don't Stop Believing'. Wendy Oldfield’s vocal performance on the album won her the Octave award (1992) for Best Female Vocalist and a nomination for Song of the Year (Miracle).

She branched out into other areas of composition and arrangement, writing soundtracks for commercials, film and television. She was nominated for an MNet film score award in 1995. Wendy Oldfield wrote soundtracks for Leon Schusters “Sweet and Short” and “There’s a Zulu on my stoep”. Her song Acid rain was chosen as the Theme song for a 180 part series “ Nature on Track “ which has been played all over the world. Many of her songs have been used in all sorts of movies and commercials. MNet “Murmur and Dancing in the forest”. Journey to the jade sea……

Wendy Oldfield moved into world music with her next album ‘Ruby’, produced by Thapelo Khomo and Leonal Bastos. Shortly after the release, Wendy Oldfield was asked to sing the South African theme for the 1996 Olympic album produced by Cedric Samson. She also performed as the support act for Wet Wet Wet that same year.

A 1998 newspaper survey noted that Wendy Oldfield was one of the South African artists who had performed the most live shows, averaging as many as 100 shows per year over fifteen years. During 1998, she also released ‘Duwayo’, which was nominated for an FNB Producer of the Year award. She supported Simply Red on their tour of South Africa in 1999 and shortly after that; she released her fourth solo album ‘On a Pale Blue Dot’, which won the FNB Pop Album of the Year Award. She was also nominated for Best Female Vocalist.

Wendy Oldfield took some time off to dedicate herself to other important aspects of her life. She got married and had two boys, Luka and Jude. During this time, she continued to perform regularly with her band and teamed up with sound engineering wizard Neal Snyman on a variety of productions, ranging from movie sound tracks to wildlife documentaries - Discoveries – Living with tigers. This last project being still being aired at time of this release.

Wendy Oldfield joined world music group Mondetta with Steve Newman, Julia Kim, Gito Baloi and Elad Neeman. They released their debut album ‘Small World’ and performed to packed houses at venues around South Africa, including the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre and Womad 2001. Wendy Oldfield completed and released her fifth solo album ‘Holy Water’ toward the end of 2002. As usual, she outdid herself by writing, performing and producing an uplifting, lyrically inspiring and very beautiful album. She was nominated for a South African Music Award for Best Adult Contemporary.

When Wendy Oldfield fell pregnant with her third child – a daughter Lilah Blu, she and husband Ray decided to make the move they had been talking about for years and move to Wilderness where they have bought a farm , spend a lot of time with their children and practise walking lightly and living in harmony with Nature. Ray has a renewable energy company - Solien.

Wendy Oldfield recently produced and composed for African Cream Music –“under African skies” – African stories and songs for children and “sing along Africa” new songs for SA children. Has broken into the world of musical direction, conducted, written the choral arrangements for, and directed the Old Mutual choral encounter series.

Wendy Oldfield is in the process of recording an album in Rheenendal with her band from the Garden route. She performs regularly around S.A.

A new collection album has just been released with 13 of Wendy Oldfield’s most performed tracks and as a bonus 2 new tracks – Lilah and Burden as a sneak preview of what will be out next year on her forthcoming album.

Wendy Oldfield’s material is available for licensing. She is also commissioned to write songs for movies, adverts and artists.

Selaelo Selota

tandiswa — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:38:17 +0200

BIOGRAPHY OF SELAELO SELOTA

MUSICIAN, COMPOSER, PRODUCER, TEACHER…. STAR

These days it seems like everything SELAELO SELOTA touches turns to Gold! The multi-talented musician’s career keeps developing at an outstanding rate, and the last two years have seen him carve out a sparkling career in the highly competitive South African Afro Jazz scene – but the scary thing is that he is only just getting started. In addition to the recent success of his landmark 2000 debut album PAINTED FACES achieving Platinum status for sales in excess of 60 000 units, his latest release ENCHANTED GARDENS has also achieved Gold status. The former gold miner is now mining the same precious metal, but armed with a guitar rather than a drill.

SELAELO SELOTA was born and grew up in a rural village near Polokwane (formerly Pietersburg) in South Africa’s most northern Limpopo Province, where he remembers being greatly inspired by the traditional musical practice that were abundant all around him. On completing high school, and not having financial resources to further his studies, he found employment in mining. Working in the mines and living amongst the migrant workers, he was exposed to the traditional songs and dances from many other South African tribal groups. After three years, in 1989 he left the mines and went to Johannesburg – commonly known as “Egoli” (The City of Gold) – in search of a new direction in his life.

In Johannesburg he found work at Market Theatre as an usher and later as a cleaner at famous Newtown Night club Kippies Jazz International, where he seized every opportunity to learn from the musicians he heard performing there night after night. During that year he bought his first guitar FUBA (Federated Union of Black Artist) Academy. By June 1998 Selaelo was playing with his first band at the Market, and also gigging with renowned Ghananian artist George Lee and his outfit Anansi.

In 1992/93 Selaelo Selota worked on the shell Road of Fame Competition while teaching Jazz Guitar at FUBA Academy and in 1994 came a pivotal moment when he enrolled at the University of Cape Town’s renowned College of music to Study a Degree in Jazz Music. As a student and bandleader he performed Meropa, who played the Grahamstown Festival Fringe in 1995. Selaelo then formed his band Taola in 1996 as a vehicle of his original compositions, which were and still are an energetic and emotional fusion of Pedi music, modern elements and the traditional African musical experiences of his youth. Taola appeared numerous times on television and at live performances and festivals across the Cape region, including the UCT Jazz Festival held at the Baxter Concert Hall in Cape Town in 1997.

The band was then invited to perform at the Fin de Siecle Music in Nantes, France in October 1997, receiving standing ovation. Selaelo himself was awarded second prize in the prestigious Adcock Ingram Music Competition in1996 and in 1997 he won first prize, both in the Jazz category. By now he enjoyed a growing reputation and was regularly featured as a soloist and composer with the UCT Big Band. 1996 saw Selaelo appointed as one of the guitar teachers at the University, which followed into 1998 when he taught

Jazz Guitar and Jazz Improvisation. Selaleo Selota graduated from UCT in 1997 with a Jazz Degree, majoring in Jazz Composition and arrangement. In that same year he worked with well-known musicologist and researcher, David Fanshwane during his “African Sanctus” tour with the London Bach Choir in 1997.

In 1998 Selaelo featured on the debut CD of fellow musician Frank Mallows and Brydon Bolton entitled “Adamstor –The spirit of Table Mountain”, his first studio recording experience. Selaelo performed in early 1999 with the quartet at the Blue Note’s “Cape Town Salutes the Guitars” event to great acclaim, and it was at this concert that the managing director of the North Sea Jazz Festival, Theo van den Hoek, sported Selaelo and booked him for that year’s Festival. In March 1999 came another critical moment, when he won the instrumental Category of the Old Mutual jazz Into The Future Competition (Western Cape regional finals). This is when Selaelo came to the attention of Dave Thompson, Marketing/A&R Director of BMG Africa, who instantly signed the Johannesburg bound young star to BMG new Giant step record label.

Virtually unknown outside of the Cape music circles, Selaelo set about recording his debut album PAINTED FACES in Rhino Studio near Mmabatho, working closely with Cape Town Gavin Goldberg. Featuring “Ma Modiegi” (that became a huge hit) and a slew of other superb songs, the album was released in 2000, and by the time Selaelo bounded onto the stage at the 2001 South African Music Awards to collect two SAMA’s Best Newcomer and the Best Contemporary Jazz Album, there was no doubting that this incredibly gifted musician mare than deserved the accolades.

The brace of SAMA’s signalled his arrival in a big way, and since the release of his debut album, Selaelo had rapidly earned the recognition of his peers, music critics, and perhaps most importantly, thousands of music fans around the country for his beautiful composition and his incendiary live performance- igniting the stage and the hearts of every single fan around the country with every performance. Selaelo’s international reputation is also growing in leaps and bounds. He has already shared the stage with several international stars including Jonathan Butler, Bob James, Kirk Whalum and more recently with Richard Bona.

He has also worked with Ronny Jordan amongst others. Selaleo Selota performed in New Orleans in November 2001 as part of a cultural exchange programme made possible through the New Orleans South African Connection (NOSACONN). Selaelo visited the huge Womex (World Music) Trade Fair in Germany in October 2002, a trip that with no doubt opened further doors for his burgeoning careers.

Selaleo Selota’s second album offering, ENCHANTED GARDENS,which went (Platinum selling more than 60 000 copies) is an 11-track album that continues the intelligent Afro Jazz thread that the songwriter wove so beautifully on PAINTED FACES, only this time stepping harder on the creative pedal to turn the new record into one of the must-have Afro jazz purchases of 2002 and well beyond into a timeless collectors item. Produced by Selaelo himself (revealing the artist to be just as skilled in this field…more on that later), ENCHANTED GARDENS boast the musical talents of his highly accomplished live band travels a musical path that includes traditional sounds, smooth jazz, stunning instrumentals, inspired vocals and much, much more. ENCHANTED GARDENS is a varied, textured, and diverse album with standouts including the live favourite ‘Thrr…Phaa!’ (recorded live at Caesars Palace in Gauteng and also turned into a stunning music video), ‘ Baya Ndipatha-Patha’ ( featuring the sassy vocals of Xolisa Dlamini) and ‘Le Ile Kae’, the latter surely one of the most exquisite South African compositions of recent years.

In the artist own words: “ENCHANTED GARDENS is very much about asserting my voice. I wanted this album to be one where I re-assert the voice that I have already set up with “PAINTED FACES”. In preparing for the album I had many chats with retailers and hawkers on the street and every time I visited them they’d say: ‘You’re never gonna to produce a classic like this’, holding onto a copy of ‘Faces’. So that was a challenge for me. I had to go back and listen to ‘Faces’ time and time again and I thought that it was beautiful indeed but I needed to come up with something that would say I maintained and took the standard further by solidifying my statement as a musician and my own voice and style. When I listen to both albums I can hear that this is the same person who recorded them both. If I am going to come with another album and people say ‘who is this’ it means that I do not have a voice”.

As with all the creative work undertaken by Selota, ENCHANTED GARDENS has at its core, a definite theme and vision. “ It’s about the Enchanted Gardens of your soul where beauty can be found- it’s that moment of life when you enchanted by things. Take the song ‘Naomi First Dance’. After my daughter was born and I saw moving for the first time, I thought about a human being’s first dance and realised that this was just what she was doing. And I realise where my innate ability to dance- which is something I’ve only discovered recently- comes from”

SELAELO SELOTA, is quick to pinpoint that his many live shows – now renowned for their combination of beauty and visceral energy – are providing an excellent vehicle to enable him to find that style and voice. “More and more as I perform live, the artist within has been coming forward and making his own statement. I’ve always found myself restricted in my mind, but when I am on stage and let go, there is someone who comes forward and that person has been inspiring me. He’s a very energetic dancer and he’s very passionate when he has to sing and could even put lyrics to all instrumental songs.

Words play an important role in this jazz artist’s life. Several songs on ENCHANTED GARDENS are enhanced with the intelligent use of lyrics and albums sleeve contains notes – penned by Selaelo himself- on each of the album’s tracks, bringing to life the moment in time, the stories, the people that inspired this exceptional recording. With ‘ENCHANTED GARDENS’, Selaelo’s reputation as amongst the foremost Afro – jazz artist working today is considerably enhanced and a slew of counting life shows to promote the album is likely to earn this gifted young man further acclaim.

The hugely talented musician has done a lot more than create successful albums for himself alone. Since the phenomenal success of JUDITH SEPHUMA’S debut album A CRY, A SMILE, A DANCE (Triple Platinum sales status of more than 160 000 units) which was arranged and produced by the maestro himself, Selaelo has taken producing one step further by repeating the magic on troubadour UMANJI’S latest album WANTOLOBELA and more recently with that of fellow jazz guitarist, SASHA SONNBICHLER whose debut album was released through BMG Africa’s Giant Steps label in November 2002.

SELAELO SELOTA, is both an academic and a passionate, professional performer. He is making a fresh and substantial contribution to the development of South African music and enjoys sharing his work and inspiration with the wildest possible audience. It should come as a no surprise now that in conjunction with Keynote Artist Development Selaelo has embarked the Selaelo Selota Artist Development Programme, made possible by various funders.

SELAELO SELOTA travelled to Canada on the 08th July 2003 to make his debut performance at the prestigious Nuits D’Afrique Festival where he shared the stage with artist like Lokua Kanza, Diblo Dibala, Oliver Mutukudzi and many more. He was awarded the Song Writer of the year in 2003 by the South African Recording Rights Association Limited (SARRAL) and for the first time in history, University of Cape Town conferred an Alumni Award on Selaelo Selota in the recognition for his Contribution to South African Music.

Selaelo Selota has just completed a Tour of North America and he was billed to perform at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in April 2004 which was followed by a club tour of Ashford and Simpson’s Club Sugar Bar and Satalla in New York. He was also invited back to Montreal, Canada where he gave a sterling performance at Kola Note. Late in May he performed at the UCLA Jazz Festival in California, which was followed by a short tour of Zimbabwe and Zanzibar, Tanzania. He performed at the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) 2004.

In October 2004 the government of Limpopo Province in recognition of leaders in various fields conferred a Morula Award on Selaelo for his avid role in development in his hometown as well as his achievements in the music arena.

SELAELO SELOTA is also the Artist and Repertoire Director and shareholder in

C-Lota Records. He has just completed production on his 3rd Album entitled “STORIES LIVED & TOLD” which promises to inspire, excite and explore hidden emotions of all those forgotten moments in life which need to be highlighted once again. The album has so far sold more than

12 000 units.

2006 November SELAELO SELOTA released fourth album THE AZANIAN SONGBOOK under his (new) recording company LIVE AT THE SHACK ENTERTAINMENT which will be focusing on capturing live performances in an audio and visual format.. This product is a well thought out, beautifully and mature album that captures the style he started off six years ago. Selota has grown impressively as a composer over the years. His songs cover a wide range, from sentimental ballads and hymns to classic dance tunes. The songs ranges from his sing along tune Ordinary Day which features his daughter Tebelelo to Nkatanga which is a Tsonga song featuring Paledi Malatjie.

SELAELO SELOTA went to perform in Mozambique on the 14th January 2007 where he gave a massive performance that left the crowd shouting for more. During the rainy days and sunny times alike, Selota has always pushed the boundaries and has gained the respect of South African jazz lovers countrywide. Live at The Shack Entertainment is now in a Joint Venture with Sony BMG Entertainment. This venture has released its first artist Malatji with an album called The First Prince produced by SELAELO SELOTA. SELAELO SELOTA produced Judith Sephuma latest album Change is here which was released on the 25th of August 2008.

Now just finished his 5th Album SELAELO SELOTA describes this latest offering Lapeng Laka as finally being home. This album promises to provide a deeply satisfying experience. SELAELO SELOTA has been invited by the University of Southern California to be Artist in Residents where he will have series of workshops.

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

Morula Awards

Eric Moloto Foundation awarded him a certificate for being an inspiration

He is the FIRST RECEPIENT OF THE ALUMNI AWARD for his contribution to SOUTH AFRICA MUSIC awarded by the University of Cape Town (UCT)

BIOGRAPHY 2009

LAPENG LAKA means “in my house” in sePedi – and on his fifth studio album South Africa’s Selaelo Selota takes a mesmerising sonic stroll through the rhythms, stories and melodies of his childhood.

For an individual who has become a driving force in the country’s Afro Jazz and Afro Soul scenes over the past few years, the return to his roots on LAPENG LAKA is all the more potent.

“I wanted to capture the essence of our music and present it in a way that the world can easily connect with,” the singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer says of his overriding ambition for LAPENG LAKA. “I have a very real sense that whilst many music fans both in South Africa and beyond have had contact with traditional Xhosa or Zulu music, sePedi’s folklore and folk music is still hidden from view and I want to change that.”

It’s an admirable ambition – but it’s not one that Selota has suddenly decided on.

In fact, the 11-rack LAPENG LAKA is also a musical link with the album that first brought Selota to the notice of music fans and critics alike: ‘Painted Faces’. On its release in 2000 the album was a critical success, earning praise for its astute mix of traditional music with subtle contemporary stylings and causing a stir on South Africa’s music scene which was threatening to collapse under the weight of too much derivative music. It’s no wonder Selota’s debut earned him several awards including two highly coveted South African Music Awards in 2001 - Best Newcomer and Best Contemporary Jazz Album.

Since then Selota has traveled a road that has seen him take the rigorous training he received as a graduate of the University of Cape Town’s music school and apply it to an impressive spread of projects that have cemented his standing as one of the country’s foremost musical talents. Among these have been those projects that have seen Selota take on a producer’s role (including on Judith Sephuma’s 2008 album ‘Change Is Here’) as well several as an A&R man – among his finds is the

supremely gifted pianist and solo artist, Malatji who is one of the acts signed to Selota’s Live At The Shack label.

It’s through Live At The Shack – in a joint venture with Sony Music SA - that Selota releases LAPENG LAKA, and it joins an impressive body of work, starting with ‘Painted Faces’ and including ‘Enchanted Gardens’, ‘Stories Live and Told’, and ‘The Azanian Songbook’. Still, as impressive as Selota’s later solo work has been in securing his standing as a masterful guitarist and purveyor of Afro-Jazz, what many fans have been clamouring for is an album that returns the artist to the rootsy music he displayed in such dazzling form on ‘Painted Faces’.

These fans – and newcomers to Selota’s work – will be amply rewarded with his 2009 record.

Central to the terrific music on LAPENG LAKA is the artist’s belief in the “unique viewpoint” his musical heritage gives him and the 11-track album sees Selota working that advantage to the maximum.

Which is not to say that Selota’s latest is merely an exercise in nostalgia: far from it.

Although at its core LAPENG LAKA is a terrific reminder of the consuming power of traditional sePedi music and stories, the intuitive way Selota has managed to weave contemporary influences into the overall sound speaks hugely of his ability to straddle both musical worlds. Selota protégé’ Malatji’s piano playing effortlessly evokes the most talented jazz players in the world and Selota’s guitarwork on songs like ‘Tšhipi Sepanere’ and ‘Tšhwene’ is also worldclass.

But running like a free-flowing river throughout LAPENG LAKA is a deeply rooted connectedness to Selota’s roots in South Africa’s Limpopo province.

The sheer melodic force of these simply rendered (but never simple) songs is impossible to resist. The lilting beauty of ‘Dithabeng’ is a cautionary tale that asks people to be conscious through the story of a hare who surprises the people of Mmalebogo. “The more wild animals live close to people, the more they start behaving like they know your next move,” explains Selota of this song, which gains is effectiveness from its repetitive lyrics but is never anything less than entrancing.

The appearance of a hare in ‘Dithabeng’ is not the only time an animal is used in an allegorical way on LAPENG LAKA. Another of the album’s tracks ‘Tshwene’ is similarly a cautionary tale that uses the “trickiness” of baboons to remind people of the need for consciousness. The song is an album standout whose centerpiece is a repetitive lyric that verges on the hypnotic and provides a gateway into the song. Likewise, ‘Mala a Mpša’ (“the gut of a dog”) is a hunter’s lament that speaks directly of the lack of waste in poor rural communities where a dog felled in a hunt will also be eaten. On this sparse track, the combination of Selota’s voice and Malatji’s piano is at its most affecting and it is one of the album’s most memorable cuts.

Alongside animals, tales of humans and the trails and tribulations they face also turn up frequently on LAPENG LAKA. One of the best of these is the pan-African sounding ‘Tšhipi Sepanere’ which tells of the time Selota’s aunt ran away to Pretoria to escape an “iron-fisted man”. “Underneath this song lies the light and need to tell people about the brutality of woman abuse,” Selota says in the description of the song in the sleeve.

‘Thusa hle Malome’ (“uncle please help”) is another song that reveals Selota’s sublime songwriting gifts. A naked plea for the guidance of elders in facing the modern world, the song is driven by a melody that is irresistible and subtle production that allows little more than piano, percussion, handclaps and a subdued piano to support Selota’s voice.

As a package, LAPENG LAKA provides a deeply satisfying experience. Selota has taken the care to translate all lyrics – mostly written in Pedi - and give a short explanation of each song. “The stories are in many cases deeply traditional in spirit and I wanted to give listeners who aren’t from Limpopo a chance to visualise the tales that are being told, adding to the richness of the experience,” says the artist.

Indeed. Visualising is key to much of material on the album, with each song evoking a particular experience supported generously by the music. Alongside Selota who handles all guitar duties, players on LAPENG LAKA include Malatji on keyboards and backing vocals, Samuel Ogeneoghagha Ibeh on drums, and Amaeshi Ikechi on bass. The combination of these highly accomplished musicians is entrancing – Malatji’s keys on the album’s title track adding a wash of transporting sound to the mix, and his intro to ‘Sekgalajwana’ is nothing short of inspired. Indeed, the latter song is surely a career-defining moment for Selota: built around little more than the piano, Ibeh’s percussion and Ikechi’s rolling bass.

For Selota, the pleasure he has taken in creating LAPENG LAKA is never hidden.

“It’s been a long way from home and a long way back home,” Selota says simply.

“With this album, I’ve taken a journey back to self and especially self-knowledge. When I left home pre-1994 and the onset of democracy in South Africa, everything outside my home looked shiny and glittering.

“But over the years I’ve come to realise that that there is a ceiling to what you can get from the current cultural expression in the US and Europe and I’ve gone back to the past to find my future. And the most amazing thing about this has been rediscovering the sePedi folk tales and folk music that apartheid’s repressive politics managed to keep hidden from the world. I hope that music fans around the world will now learn something about me and my roots when they listen to this album and that it will deeply enrich their lives.”

Please direct all media requests to:

Sony Music Entertainment

Maria Hadjidimitriadis Tel: + 27 11 274 5000

E-mail: maria.hadjidimitriadis@sonymusic.com

GIZELLE

Blue Division — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:27:43 +0200

Gizelle is gebore en groot gemaak in Pretoria, waar sy skoolgaan en matrikuleer van Hoërskool Die Wilgers in 2000. In 2004 verwerf sy haar graad in Bedryfs- en Sisteems Ingenieurswese met lof van die Universiteit van Pretoria. Dit is hier, in haar laat hoërskool- en universiteitsjare wat sy begin kitaar speel en liedjies skryf.

Na die voltooiing van haar studies, verhuis sy na Johannesburg waar sy voortgaan om te skryf en in 2005 vir die eerste keer haar hand (stem?) probeer met optredes voor lewendige gehore by “open mic” aande. Sy ontvang oorweldigende positiewe terugvoer en word in die proses genoegsaam aangemoedig om te besluit om voort te gaan en haar verhoog-senuwees te oorkom.

So ontwikkel sy toe haar vaardighede en ervaar ‘n beduidende verbetering in die kwaliteit van haar stem en optrede. In 2007 maak Gizelle ‘n deurbraak en ontvang ‘n opname kontrak by ‘n klein, onafhanklike record lable. Gedurende 2007 spandeer sy heelwat tyd in die ateljee en doen so kosbare ervaring op, maar soos die musiekindustrie maar is, werk dinge nie altyd uit volgens plan nie…

Gizelle laat haar egter nie van stryk bring nie - in 2008 besluit sy om self haar debuut album te finansier en verskuif dit van ateljee om saam met die bekwame Arnaud van Vliet (Blue Chameleon, Somerfaam en Radio Lawa) te begin werk. Die album vorder tans goed, klink uiters belowend en behoort teen laat 2008 die lig te sien.

Gizelle beskryf die liedjieskryfproses as haar terapie – sy deel haar lewensgeheime en ervaringe in die hoop om haar luisteraar te raak en te laat voel dat hy of sy nie alleen is nie. Haar musiek is eerlik, emosioneel, melodies en uiters liries gefokus – dit skroom nie om diep te vat nie, so wees voorbereid op ‘n onvergeetlike ervaring!

'FunkaMundo'

edin — Mon, 25 May 2009 11:57:49 +0200

edi niederlander’s

‘FunkaMundo’

present a repertoire of eloquent & original material within an Afro/ World fusion context. This quartet of both seasoned & young musicians, crosses the boundaries of expectation into a funking & unique experience. Combine Edi Niederlander’s vocals & unique guitar style & use of guitar synth, & loops with the solid bass & drums partnership of Annie Hvidsten & Karen Rutter, add the mesmerizing rhythms of Ronan Skillen’s Tabla, Didgeridoo & artistry with cymbals & percussive elements.. and the result is pure groove !

Individually & collectivelly, the group have played from Robben Island to Ireland - Munich to Mocambique & all major music festivals & venues throughout South Africa.

They have just released their new 14 track cd:

edi niederlander's 'FunkaMundo' LIVE @ the White Room Session.

Recorded in one night in front of a live audience, one take, & mixed in one morning, the collaborative results are awsome, grooving & hugely listenable! The quartet look forward to recording their next collection of originals.

'FunkaMundo' will continue to share their world fusion grooves at major festivals locally, on the African continent & abroad.

The Movement

movement — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:40:25 +0200

This is an acoustic, rock type outfit whose music essentially deals with the age old themes of love and life and of the moments inbetween…

The Movement has been playing in the Cape Town area with a recent gig performed at “Die Ou Plaas Teater” on a Stellenbosch wine farm.

The music Is inspired by bands such as The Smiths, REM, Radiohead Smashing Pumpkins, Coldplay, Mazzy Starr and other bands dating back to the 90’s

pravda23

pravda23 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:01:15 +0200

Pravda23 is a musical outfit from Cape Town, South Africa. Taking cues
from groove music across a number of genres, Pravda23 is led by
multi-instrumentalist and musical director John Bartmann, and features
a variety of session artists, inculding acclaimed scratch DJ Knucklez. Their music is a
cross section of danceable electronic beats and live performance, often
featuring live violin, keyboard, guitar, turntables, djembe drums,
knives, forks, tables, stomping feet, and various other percussive
instruments.

Pravda23 can be compared to artists such as Röyksopp, Telepopmusik,
Moby, Daft Punk, Massive Attack, Underworld, The Bays, Robert Miles,
Plaid, Zero7, Telefon Tel Aviv, Air, Portishead, Goldfrapp, Leftfield,
and St Germain, amongst others. Imagine sparse vocals, dense basslines
and powerful synthesizer stabs, arrhythmic trip-hop violin pizzicato,
glitchy patches of intelligent dance music programming and haunting
violin overlays. A magnificent hybrid of live and programmed audio.

Bartmann began his music career at the age of three, playing from his
older sister’s piano books, and later studied the instrument at
elementary and high school. He started taking violin lessons at the age
of 10, but dropped them when he was 15 to focus on self-taught guitar,
drums and African drums. The violin would later prove his main passion,
and was picked up again twelve years later after receiving an amazing
response to live violin electronica from the South African crowds.

In 2004, Bartmann began the well-trodden path of bedroom composer and
began creating electronic music at home. South African bandwidth issues
proved a constant problem for the uploading of the various completed
tracks. However, it is essentially the power of the Internet that has
inspired the creation of Pravda23, which was originally merely a
distribution experiment in releasing tracks via raw RSS feeds rather
than on CD. The tagline “Update Your Music” became a ubiquitous
companion to the ghostly project logo.

Performance accolades:

ZIMFEST 08
UCT Rag O-Week Launch Party
Weekly Pickwicks Residency

Glass Angels

shnoopy2006 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:20:36 +0200

Vocals - Linda

Guitar - Johan

Bass/Backing Vocals - Kevin

Drums - Bertus

Queen E

e.nproduction — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 19:02:15 +0200

Queen Elizabeth Profile

Oh, Hails and reigns the Queen!

About her majesty:

Reigning from Soweto is a 22 year old Entertainer AKA Elizabeth Nchabeng. She is the 5th child out of 6.She started school at Naturena primary,soon proceeding to Mondeor High shool where she matriculated.

She is originally from a Village in Free State; Qwa Qwa called Bolata, where her surname carries royalty.

In 2005 she pursued her studies with Damelin College in Human Resources, also studying Pc end-user specializing in Business modules in 2007.

Her music:

She began her musical journey officially in 2006 touring and performing with the likes of Mavusana and Choppa, soon moving to Prokelly Entertainment as a free lancing artist. In 2009 she Recorded, launched and released her 13 Track album “I’m A Queen” under E.N Production. The album is a dance and afro Soul.

To date she has shared stage with the likes of Lira, Chomme, Loyiso, Siphokazi amongst others at Soweto Festival and more.

She has made TV appearances, Radio Interviews. Her Songs: “Put your hands in the air and Ndlovukazi” Are making serious Waves on Ukhozi fm and radio Mafisa to mention a few. Watch out for songs like: Four Four, Slow dancing, I’m a queen…

On the 27 April she successfully hosted her debut album launch at Catz pyjamas and will do a follow up event before the release date,15 June 2009.

Oh, Hail and reign!

Tender Mavundla

tenderweb — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:59:31 +0200

Tender was born in Port Shepstone, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, but grew up in a little village called KwaNositha. She completed her primary schooling in Durban whilst staying with her aunt but went back home to Gamalakhe in 1996 to start grade 6. During her high school years she was actively involved in stage plays and at one point, was part of a gospel choir.

In 1997 she won SABC 1’s Jam Alley Megastar Competition and realised that she should pursue her singing career seriously. Tender moved to Johannesburg and sang backing vocals for various artists, worked as a waitress and had success in a Gospel Star Search where she made it top the Top 5.

In 2001 she was diagnosed with HIV and decided to move back to Port Shepstone where she until recently, worked in retail for Waltons Stationery. When Idols arrived in Margate in June 2007, she jumped at the chance to enter and the rest, as they say, is history!

Tender is in great demand as a motivational speaker, is a diva in her own right, and has recently completed recording her debut Afro-Pop/Afro Soul album 'Tender Moments'.

Sound Clips at:
http://sites.google.com/site/thandazilemavundla/albums

Her favourite quote is ‘everything happens for a reason’ and she describes herself as: “outgoing, funny, strong, been there – done that – got the t-shirt!“

Anke

Anke — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:46:30 +0200

Since Anke Pietrangeli won the Idols competition in 2003 with the hit debut single “Silver Lining”, she grew into a focused professional singer. Anke went on to win the SAMA award for the best single by a female artist in 2004 and Silver Lining went on to sell more than 30000 Copies. Anke’s first album “By Heart” sold over 16 500 copies. This album also features the popular song ‘A Real Good Time’ which was selected as the theme song for the Supersport channel, as well as powerful ballads combined with some more modern mixes. With the release of her new album “Limbo” you can find a combination of Afrikaans, English and Country music. On this album, you will find the ever popular ‘Angel’ that put Anke on the map during her Idols audition, as well as the much played ‘Stay if you Will’. The album contains different music styles and with Anke’s versatile voice, the songs take on a new meaning - enabling her to reach all her fans in different genres. With her vibrant down to earth personality she has developed into someone everybody adores when they meet her. Anke finds it important to give back to the community by annually supporting charities such as CANSA in full flair. She is also looking forward to a year filled with performances across the country which includes festivals, corporate functions and schools. She is currently busy with the recording of her latest single that promises to bring a new dynamic sound to her music to which everyone can look forward to. Being an independent artist, gives Anke the opportunity to travel and arrange her own shows across the country. She already has an international hit in “My Radio” and plans to do the same with her new Album which was released in November 2008, “Tribute to the great Female vocalists”. Which gives tribute to singers like Bette Midler, Petulia Clark, Alannah Myles, Jennifer Rush and Madonna, and many more.

ubuntulive production

kmbimba — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:36:03 +0100

Driven by a passion to develop and promote Township Art and Theatre through Africa dance and music.Ubuntulive production is my journey through the past,present and the future,but also reveals what makes South African what it's colorful Rainbow Nation,such an exciting country to live in and illustrate how Africa Traditions and heritege continue to prosper side by side.

MY ACTS

5 PICE MARIMBA BAND

TRADITIONAL ZULU DANCER'S ( with cow skin tradional zulu costume)

GUMBOOT DANCER'S

AFRICAN DRAMMING AND DRUM CIRCLE

TOWNSHIP TOUR'S

13 YEAR OLD MARIMBA PLAYER'S

WORKSHOP'S IN ALL THE ABOVE

With over 500 gig on their credit and colaborations,cliant like ICC,SASOL,SCHOOLS,PRIVATE FUNCTIONS AND INTERNATIONAL TOUR LIKE HONG KONG AND MORE

YOU CAN GO TO MY WEBSITE WWW.UBUNTULIVE.CO.ZA

Deep Fried Man

frieddaniel — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:05:33 +0100

Deep Fried Man writes folk songs for the mall generation. These songs are infused with bits of blues, soul, rock, hip-hop and nihilism. Deep Fried Man is pissed off because people kill each other so much and because the world is a stupid place, where there's never anything good on TV. But mainly, Deep Fried Man is pissed off because his relationships never work out. Deep Fried Man channels all of these frustrations into songs that combine raw emotions with sharply observed satirical commentary. His lyrics are cynical, but not depressing. They are way more likely to make you laugh than cry. They are about sex, drugs, violent crime, pain, rejection and apathy. You know, the usual. Deep Fried Man has also been known to throw more than a couple of bizarre covers into his sets, and his version of Snow's 'Informer' has been described by music journalist Daniel Friedman as 'almost as good as the original'. He has recently began to move away from more serious material and towards comedy, and his new material, including a ballad of unrequited Faceboook love called It's Complicated, is set to take Joburg by storm.

Deep Fried Man can either perform solo or with a full band, including a djembe player, bassist and second guitarist.

LUAN DE BEER

luandb — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:09:47 +0200

Since 2002 Luan De Beer has been a professional MC and Entertainer in the corporate, fashion, retail, casino and public event industry being the popular ‘voice’ of several establishments such as Makro Stores, Goldreef City Casino, Emperor’s Palace, Carnival City, The Carousel as well as the preferred host for Sun City and recently opened Silverstar Casino.

In 2006 Luan landed a role as ‘Paul Mcartney’ in the international Queen hit musical ‘WE WILL ROCK YOU’ performing for 8 months touring SA as a Singer, Dancer and Actor, and has since appeared on several TV ads and a couple of local TV series…

Using his unique talents as a Singer and Saxophonist in combination with his smooth, warm and sincere style of hosting, Luan has successfully hosted 30 or more fashions shows and pageants including LITTLE MISS SA, MISS TEEN GLOBE, MISS MOGALE CITY, COVERSEARCH SA, and FASHION AT THE ZONE ROSEBANK, as well as more than 50 corporate and public events in the last 6 years for companies such as AVIS, DAIMLER CHRYSLER, XTRATA, EBS, UNITRADE, FINE & COUNTRY, FIRST TECHNOLOGY GROUP, ABI, and many more..

Stones

richiscaptainfantastic — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:56:26 +0200

I'm just trying to be me really, completely me, in everything i do, especially music...

I'm trying to get to a place of unapologetic honesty in music, trying to make it more sincere and passionate and i guess, a little snapshot of my insides...ok that's getting a little emo, let me move on to the more basic stuff...

I'm 21 and at the moment i live and play with some great people in probably the greatest little town in South Africa, Grahamstown.

I played bass in an awesome Jo'burg band called Earl Grey and Croquet... myspace.com/earlgreyandcroquet ...

but at the moment, I'm either on my own or with my great friend Luke. I play the ol cliche guitar and been playing for like 5 or so years, most of it just jamming with some great great friends...

4am on a Saturday with no words, just great friends, a couple of chords and a pentatonic scale...man, now those are some of the greatest times in my life...

then there's also the times when it's also 4am in the morning but you're alone and all you have is words, i guess that's where i get a lot of what i write...

So i suppose there are a few parts to music for me, getting lost in a free connection between friends and getting lost in connecting to what's inside me and also what's above me...

worlds apart i guess but every now and then they come together and when that happens i guess it feels a bit like freedom.

Whilst playing on my own i've played at The National Arts Festival, Jawfest Famous 5, all over Grahamstown, as well as Johannesburg venues, including back to basix, the bohmeian, the blues room, roxy's.

In 2008 i won the Rhodes annual battle of the acoustics

and have played on the same stage as:

Earl Grey and Croquet, 10 points for the dismount, captain smug and the propagandists and dave knowles

I was also lucky enough to open for Dan Patlansky in Grahamstown in 2008.

I love music, playing music, watching music, creating music and sharing music and i will spend my life doing all these things as much as possible

Mozent - DJ Mozent

Kuborecords — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:26:17 +0100

Ex - Presenter of Sabc Radio,

Ex - Pro of TS Records and CEO of Kubo Records.

First Radio Single "Peep Peep" and Second Radio Single "Ncwasi Hehaa in 2006.

DJ of all times in Clubs, Weddings, Parties and Promotions.

Fifteen Years Exp in djying and artist management.

Currently, Sponsorship Manager for Ntando [Summer Awards & Metro fm Ward winner].

Mozent Played alongside dj Fistaz, dj Christos, Blackcoffee, DJ Sbu, DJ Mbuso and DJ Bongz.

Current project of Mozent is "Introspective". The house compilation contains 12 fresh house trax and schedule for release on the 28th of April 2009.

The Nathan Smith Project

nsmith — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:14:24 +0100

The Nathan Smith Project Biography

www.myspace.com/nathansmithsmusic
www.thenathansmithproject.com

Originating
from the need to write for the song, rather than a genre, The Nathan Smith Project
is a four-piece group from Pretoria. Their style is best described as rock music,
with elements of blues, jazz, pop and folk plugged into it. Polished by their precise approach and
experience in the session industry both locally and abroad, they use different
angles in both music and style to create a rather unique blend.

These
talented musicians put their focus on using their music as a means to describe
their journey through life, “Our music is an extension of our creative
expression, a means to deal with how we relate to the world around us,” says
Nathan Smith. Nathan recorded a
self-titled studio album ‘Songs from a
diary’, which then stemmed into forming a band to perform the music,
hence…the project.

Having
formed as early as June 2007, The Nathan Smith Project draws on
musicians from largely varied backgrounds.
Nathan has been working towards a musical career since the age of eleven
when he first started taking lessons from his dad who was himself an
accomplished musician. Their father also
taught his brother, Patrick Smith, from an early age, who found his expressive
outlet on the bass guitar. Their
life-long friend, Mark Heydenrych
found his way into the band as the second guitarist and backing vocalist. And along came Kyle Rutten, the drummer, who
met the trio via a friend, of a friend.

Although
The
Nathan Smith Project is in itself a young outfit, the individual
members are no novices to the music industry, with some of them having
performed in numerous theatre productions including a successful European tour,
various band projects, solo projects and television appearances. It is this
blend of musicianship that creates the authentic flavour that The
Nathan Smith Project calls upon to create their unique sound.

Kevin-Anthony

sambucca18 — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 23:20:09 +0200

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Kevin-Anthony

With almost 20 years in the entertainment industry, Kevin-Anthony brings a breadth of experience both as a performer and producer. As a performer, his vocal abilities and charismatic performance style have thrilled audiences in 28 countries. He has had a series of children videos airing on Nickelodeon and The Learning Channel and was featured performer at the White House for President Clinton and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. For his leading roles on Broadway, he has been favorably reviewed by some of the most prominent newspapers across America including USA Today, The NY Times, The Washington Post among others. An entrepreneur at heart, Kevin-Anthony's entertainment business experience mirrors his success as a performer. Capitalizing on artist relationship forged throughout his career, he has been responsible for generating work for his peers as a booking agent for many years. In partnership with companies such as Day by Day Productions, The Continental Singers and working independently, Kevin-Anthony has booked and negotiated contracts nationally and internationally for such artists as George Clinton, Phoebe Snow and Anita Baker. His commitment to the performing arts and business ethic has earned him the respect of his industry both on and off the stage.

RED LIGHT IN JUNE

vicbergh — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:49:41 +0200

The band consisted of Natalie Jordaan - vocals, Jacques Janson - lead guitar, John Tavener - guitar and Matt King - drums. Being together for only two months they were still short of a bass player. Jacques called in the assistance of Vic Bergh to help the band get out of the practice room. Vic was to play with the band for a month or two. One month later the band did there first gig playing theire own compositions at ROAR in April 2007.

Since then the band has signed a full management contract with Mob Entertainment headed by Moon. The first album has been recorder at LMX Studio's and a distribution contract signed with Bowline Music. The band is endorsed by Paul Bothners Music Store.

In the past year the band has played inexcess of 55 performances at all the local venues in and around Cape Town and Vic is still playing in the band.

The album will be launched on the 10 of October 2008.

Vuvuzela live band

bazzz — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:42:50 +0200

The band consists of 7 members , Guitars , Bass , Keyboards , Drums and 2 percussion Lead Vocal performers. Originally they heil from Cape Town with most of the members having past experience performing with the band "Saber Live". As a new , fresh and very young unit , they decided to start there own outfit. The focus of their repertoire will be on classic and legendary musicians such as Toto , Earth Wind and Fire , Rare and Earth , Jamiroquai , Police , Bob Marley , Dave Matthews , etc .

"Music is dying , we as musicians are responsible for keeping music alive , don't just make music , live it feel it, Be Music" by Velgin Wilson

CALABASH

CALABASH — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:17:52 +0100

CALABASH is a brand new band based in Cape Town. The members of the band are from different townships of the Mother's City. Their musical style is proudly home-grown, they compose their own material which they perform live together with popular cover songs. The genre is classified as AfroSoul/Afro Jazz. Their music carries distinctively rich African sounds, given by a combination of bass guitar, piano, drums & percussion, and saxophone, accompanied by beautiful and harmonious vocals.

Their stage presence and sound ensures a truly unforgettale performance whether it is at a corporate, private or public function.

They have been received very well by their audiences and have performed at quite a number of functions in the short space of time that they've been around. They have performed at :

Department of Transport: Budget Vote Gala Dinner
Afropolitan Lifestyle Celerating Black! - Cocktail Party
Chevron Africa - Oil Conference
Medical Research Council - Research Day

DJ Roger D'Lux

heidi_1 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:28:15 +0100

Roger Michael de Sousa, Portuguese in descent, is a born & bred Pretoria boy, connoisseur of House of the deep flavour & funky variety, superlative South African DJ, prolific music producer, remixer extraordinaire, graphic designer & entrepreneur. Better known & more easily recognizable to revelers as Roger D’Lux, his DJ alias, he has long been heralded by peers as one of the most naturally gifted & underrated spin doctors to emerge from this rainbow nation.

Like many an aspiring beat pimp his voyage into music began early. As far back as 1995, Roger’s bedroom was deemed the fit to serve as the venue for his education in the art of mixing & eventual rise in status to that of qualified bedroom DJ. Later, neighbourhood house parties were the practise grounds for future DJ performances & the apprenticeship to earn him fledgling residencies at two Pretoria nightclubs, After 7 & the legendary DNA. Kudos as an upcoming SA DJ in his hometown, luckily, did not interfere with Roger’s continued conventional education. He completed a bachelor’s degree in information design at the University of Pretoria & started his own design business ‘Feels Good Media’ without even reprising his role alongside Lady Lea & Morgan as co-owners of Flipside Records from 1999 to 2002.

It was during his early career that Roger met then unknown, diva in the making, Tamara Dey with whom he embarked on a 2-year relationship. Tamara, an aspirant songstress used to sing to Roger in the car en route to gigs & parties, mesmerising him with her voice on every occasion. Intent on exposing her extraordinary talent, Roger played the pivotal, supporting role & catalyst in the launch Tamara Dey’s singing career. His decision to switched from mixing house to spinning drum ‘n bass in 1998 whilst also adding Tamara as MC accompaniment for his 4 deck DJ performance was a natural progression that stemmed from both their personal involvement & a shared love of drum ‘n bass. With a debut performance at Pretoria hotspot, Café Brazil, Tamara’s star catapulted firmly into the ascendant upon the first note she sang in public. Still today their relationship remains mutually beneficial. Roger was accredited as co-producer of “S’Groovey Baby” on Tamara’s 2003 album release & 2005 saw him commissioned by SA dance act, Flash Republic Ryan Dent, Craig, Massiv & Tamara Dey) to remix their forthcoming album release & accompany band appearances with his own live scratching performance.

Roger’s intent pursuit of a unique, individual sound spanning a period of almost 15 years has seen this champion of the underground develop his signature repertoire of chunky, funk fuelled house & sleazy grooves sometimes deep, sometimes tech edged but always undeniably bass driven & above all underpinned by a raw & wickedly infectious energy. Reliably brilliant & refreshingly versatile Roger panders to his followers with jam sessions that ooze instant dancefloor sophistication & bear testimony to a penchant for seemingly effortless performance. Over the course of his carreer Roger has played at events, alongside internationals, held residencies & had nightclub gigs too numerous too mention in full. Standout performances have been in support of

Whether Roger flies solo behind the steel twins, scratches & cuts up his set as one half of ‘Milk ‘n 2 Sugas’ the moniker for his ’99 – ’01, 4-deck, 2-mixer collaboration with DJ Juanne or wreaks tough electro tinged havoc in tandem to Deepgroove in ‘Headphonics’, the 4 deck – 2 mixer – FX unit DJ tag team, he can without fail, inevitably be found week upon week whipping an unsuspecting SA dancefloor into complete frenzied submission. Upon sight of Roger’s surreal mixing ability & mind bending scratching skill, challengers to the D’lux dynasty have been known to bow their heads in shame, pack away styli & run for cover faster than your average DJ can beatmix. And one would expect nothing less than this as reaction to runner up of the 1999 DMC National Championships, second only to 1st place garnered by the inimitable Ready D. Roger’s achievement is of immense notoriety & no mean feat by any white boy’s standards!!

Never shy to indulge his God given musical talents, Roger was swift to embark upon creation his own music, a calling he believes born of a curious, questioning mind, strong self belief, raw musical talent & an irrepressible need to use blessings bestowed upon him to also give back. A prolific producer of electronic music since 1998, Roger has no less than 38 tracks etched under his belt, singles on various compilations & vinyl for the likes of USM, Agents of Sound, Grooved Records & Sheer Music. Roger D’lux’s studio output has become renowned for quality, diversity & a guarantee for moving any crowd. Not satisfied, however,

The Kickstands

Roodoggydawg — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:56:45 +0200

The Kickstands is a dynamic acoustic duo which aims to provide the soundtrack to your idea of a good time!

Gary Nixon- Guitar & Vocals

Rudi Greyvenstein- Guitar

Check out our Facebook fan page:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/The-Kickstands/142465641353?ref=share

NERVE ZERO

knkvisual — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:42:38 +0200

NERVE ZERO is a South African based 5 piece hard rock band that was established in 2007. The band has already started gigging and has captured the ears and support of many fans with their debut single HUMPTY DUMPTY.The song has smash hit written all over it and will definitely be heard on radio stations soon.

Their style of music can best be described as hard rock and will apeal not only to more hard core fans but also to a commercial audience of listeners. Their sound touches on old school with nuances of Sabbath, Zeppelin and Metallica, but also has a fresh sound that will definitely go down well with local crowds.

The band is anticipating releasing an E.P. by early 2010 and would love to hear from fans that enjoy their Old chool brand of Rock!

If you like your music with a touch of Loudness, this this is the band for you!

Visit their home page at www.onetoomanyband.webs.com or www.nervezero.co.za

Tactus

Andrew Rankine — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:06:55 +0200

Tactus is the alias of Edinburgh based electronic dance music producer and DJ Andrew Rankine. With a varied musical background, Tactus has been fusing an eclectic blend of dub reggae, amen breaks, and danceable four-to-the-floor dubstep grooves since 2006. After his first DJ experience supporting The Others in Edinburgh in 2008, tactus has made a name for himself in the Dubstep scene, playing regularly at club nights such as Jungle Dub, Dirt and Ghantin, often to capacity crowds. Using a mixture of vinyl, Ableton and Reason, his live sets are exciting and overwhelming.

Tactus and two friends created ABAGA Records and the label has already made its mark with several experimental releases and a regular dubstep fanzine ‘ABAGAzine’. This gained them interest from many music fans including Australian label Little Rascal Records, who made a joint release with ABAGA of Tactus’ track “Remedy”. Thanks to this and radio airplay on BBC Radio 1, Sub FM, and Dandelion Radio amongst others, Tactus is set to present his music to a wider audience.

Dino Miranda

miramundo — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:55:16 +0100

Graduated at the university of Cape Town,faculty of music (jazz studies).

Collaborated with artists from:Mozambique,South Africa,Holland,England and Jamaica to name few:Stewart Sukuma,Chico Antonio,Jeff Maluleke,Teba,Max Vidima,Azania,Chris Hinze,Peter Spencer,Starkey Banton,Prince Malachi,Dawit Menalik Tafari,340ml,Freshly Ground and tohers.

The release of the first single''Fatal"takes the career a step further."Check it out '' 2nd single released in 2008 becomes part of a copilation called "boutiques de Maputo''. The album"Moya wa Kaya" is now avaiable and includes the single"Fatal" and Check it out" .

Dino Miranda formed his band in 2002 and has continuously performed in various festivals and venues in the Cape Peninsula.

Some Major Performances: • Obz Festival 2004 , 2006,2008 • Jazz Athlone Festival in 2007 • St. Hospice Charity Festival 2004 and 2005 • Verao Amarelo Festival in Maputo/Mozambique.

Jinx

thejinxisonme — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:15:36 +0200

A Five piece menagerie of Singers, Songs, and players of parts.

From the voice of the Apocalypse to the Silent Violence in the corner of our
minds, they deliver the messages of our futures and visions from our
past.

An orchestral concoction of electric symphonies and
thunderous cyberfunk, their music is bred to feed the starving soul in
a valiant effort to fight the endless hunger of generic counterfeit in
modern day society.

So pull up and ear and let yourself in, to the twisted world of brave
The end is so near to the edge of our sin, that we cry for the feelings we crave

Welcome everybody and do stay a while
The jinx is on me you can see by my smile.

Shouting My Religion

shoutingmyreligion — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:13:01 +0200

Shouting My Religion

Shouting My Religion is Richard Baldwin (Vocals), Karel Zweekhorst (Drums), John Baldwin (Bass) and Peter Crotty (Lead). The new kids on the Rock n Roll block. The band formed at the beginning of 2009 when Peter filled the role of guitarist. The rock they create is somewhat melodic, somewhat new wave focusing on rhythm and story vocals. The name Shouting My Religion is an anti statement to all things overstated!

Tracing Scarlet

tracingscarlet — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:02:16 +0200

Tracing Scarlet is a Joburg born band. Most of the guys got together while they were studying to be Sound Engineers at the SABC studios.

All the members of the band have been playing for a number of years and although theyhave experiences in multiple genres ranging from Jazz to Heavy Metal and Classical, they created a band with their own unique alternative sound.

They have been influenced to a certain degree by music from P.O.D, Skillet, 30 Seconds to Mars, the Mars Volta and Breaking Benjamin.

The unique mix of their personalities and various styles of music has evolved into a band with a sound and a message of its own.

We are currently recording at Hammerhead studios. We have performed at venues such as Back2Basix, Tanz Café in Bryanston and Tempos, Rafterz, The Bohemian, The Branyard and Roxy's.

Tracing Scarlet’s goal is for listeners to be able to relate to their music on a deeper level that leaves them craving for the missing in their lives. They also want to create a new sound that people will think is fresh and different! Their first and foremost focus is to create good quality rock music.

THE NEWZ

paulsearle — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:59:15 +0200

THE NEWZ BIO:

The Newz Band have travelled extensively throughout the Middle East
since 1996, working successfully in the Sofitel and Hilton group of hotels.
We were support band to The Gipsy Kings during their tour of Egypt in 2000,
performing at night in the Sinai Desert.

The Newz are Paul, guitars and vocals, frontman with a nasty sense of humour.
Esmeralda, drummer and lead vocals, is a sassy Spaniard with a powerful voice,
the likes of Anastacia, Tina Turner and Amy Winehouse.
Alex plays electric and double bass, coaxing slaps, pops and mellow sounds
out of these two instruments. Does some dangerous harmonies too.

We have a very visual act and like to give our show a Cape Town feel - lots of
action on stage, changing instruments, also good lighting.
Thoroughly entertaining, and a great big ol' sound!
CHECK US OUT ON: www.myspace.com/thenewz239

daddy black

daddyblacksband — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 13:10:16 +0200

Mbanyam “Daddy Black” Tah Armstrong was born in Edea Cameroon in 1985 and his family later moved to Mbengwi where he was raised. In the face of it, an undenying passion for music and an apparent scour for rhythms probed him to gain genial experience in juvenile choral societies, traditional dance milieus and other related media at a very tender age. From the scribbling of ideas into exclusive lyrics, to the perculiar performances of his compositions, as early as 14, Daddy Black earned an invitation to the September 2002 Bamenda Trade Fair where he was not only exposed to the gleam of limelight but held the audience on the tip of their toes. The result was fascinating. A fresh deal with a club called Las Vegas was brought up to him which he quite appreciated and reached terms. This seemed to have opened new doors for him but he preferred to relent no efforts as it occurred to him that a move to the capital city could have his music fibres woven into a mesh of success. He found and attended a music academy, got a part-time job with a club and on more than one occasion received invitations from popular TV and Radio programmes. As time went on, he satisfied himself by conceiving, composing and recording songs on daily bases and this enthusiastic venture was concise enough to appeal to fans who acknowledged and praised his vocal resonance stemming from an untamed conceptual strength. This, perse, actually gave him the heart to venture into a couple of music festivals and other popular public events like those organized at (CCF) Centre cultural Français and the International African Film Festival “Ecran Noirs”. Consequently, he was adorned with an award of skill and excellence during the Youth Day music festival 2007 by the minister of Youth Affairs. Since then an excessive improvement and a distinct dynamism have put him on the toppest rings of collaborations, record deals and public relation within and without the country. Presently he is a budding and unlimiting artist of the Solomon Tandeng Muna Foundation and intensive preparations of a hit single with the Ethiopian channel O award winner Johnny Ragga is prior to the release of his album. He equally plays in several cabarets in town with the most frequent being “Awale”. La cabane bamboo and petit tam tam where he launched a weekly performance called “Daddy show” and his clothing line branded “Daddy Black”. He sang the English urban song of the 7th edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (FENAC), and also put up a very strong and highly acclaimed performance at the same festival in Maroua where other great musicians like Manu Dibango, Henry Dikongue, Jay Lou Ava, Nubians, Kaissa Ndoumbe, Gino Sitsun, Manuel Wandji, Henry Njoh, Meiway and many others thrilled the crowd from the 17th to the 23rd of December 2009. Hustler philosophy This album is the presentation of an allure that confirms friendship as a valuable phenomenon. The songs are specific yet share a common aspect Daddy Black uses this project to, as far as possible, resolute issues that may be problematic to human relation and those things which are necessary for the protection of such values, as love, freedom unity etc. the determinations to assert the liberal and satisfied self is not controversial but gives a suggestion of the Hustler philosophy in the contemporary times and in a subtle way which could be thought of as simplistic in various terms. His song 1- Mami Nyanga Feat Krotal Is a festive carnival song portraying typical Urban African partying. One conspicuous aspect about it is that it celebrates good times, women and merry making. It is a blend of high life, Salsa and hip hop. It is fun-filled, vibrant and reflects the ideal happy hour, Africa by night. 2- Mama It is a song of reconciliation with his mum and all mothers and their children. Most misunderstandings and pressures between mothers and their children are unintentional; it is just an expression of much love which is sometimes possessive and excessive. Nothing is worth her; he can’t trade her for nothing. 3- Beautiful There is no doubt that this song is a celebration and reassertion of feminism. Objectively speaking feminism is beauty, self confidence, strength and love. He calls on all ladies to relent no effort to find ultimate love, respect and fulfillment and amongst all believe in themselves as they are all beautiful. 4- Sunshine It is a love declaration to remind a woman of your life how much you love her and the impact she’s had in your life. She is to you like the sun is to life. 5- In Ur eyes This one expresses a symbolic feature as a resolution. It holds the eyes as a meet-point between lovers. From this perspective, an assortment of virtue is noticed and amazingly corresponding with desires of romance. 6.Unification song On this song he follows the trails of great African minds and pan-Africanists to remind Africans how important and imperative it is to realize African union as only through this can African be really empowered and enabled to solve most African problems like war, poverty and hunger. He calls for a stop of hostility between Africans, for congregation, love and strive for the improvement of Africa. 7. Hustler Philosophy Hustlers are known for their unrelenting natures. In most cases, their ambitions reveal determination and strive. As long as these are well-triggered and encompassing, lessons remain the hustler’s experiences which are so to say, self expressive in one way and fascinating in another. The bond between the hustler and his society is his devotion and his volition to always break eggs before making omolettes and a song like this is ideal and quite explicit as it is in itself a reflection.

Sharon Clifton

Sharon — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:48:52 +0200

Sharon is a lead guitarist and singer/songwriter whose passion is reflected in her fiery and unique vocal quality. Born in Cape Town, Sharon comes from a musical family and began playing guitar and singing at the age of fifteen.

Her natural vocal talent and musical enthusiasm blossomed under the tuition of Eve Boswell when Sharon spent three months in Johannesburg in 1982, and soon after this training, in 1983, that Sharon turned professional and launched her career.

Her obvious abilities as a songwriter were noticed by Kevin Shirley, just beginning his illustrious career as a record producer, and Sharon’s album “Diamonds in the Rain” was very well received, with one of her songs “We’ll find the answer” being awarded 2nd place at the 1987 National Song Festival.

Sharon has been a solo entertainer since 1995, performing in top venues in Johannesburg (Goldigger’s Saloon in Sandton) and Cape Town (The De Waal, The Mount Nelson and The Cape Sun) and has played abroad in Israel in a five star hotel, Hotel Tsel Horim on the Dead Sea.

She joined the hugely popular six piece function band “Tuxedo” in October 1999, and has performed at functions all over the Cape; The Amphitheatre at the Waterfront, Fancourt Golf Estate in George, The Arabella Sheraton and Mount Nelson Hotels in Cape Town to name but a few.

Her influences as a guitarist include Santana and Gary Moore and she is a capable and hard- working guitarist with a dynamic and powerful voice.

Sharon won the 2nd prize in the 2008 Barleycorn Song writing competition with her song ‘Into the Green’.

Sharon would be perfect for shows requiring a strong vocalist with a husky tone similar to artists like Suzie Q, Bonnie Tyler, Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge etc. She is capable of playing electric/acoustic lead guitar leaving her audience in awe with her stage performance.

Max Starcke project

maximstarcke_1 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:49:49 +0200

Experimental project featuring compositions by Max Starcke. Collaboration with guest artists and musicians based on electronica, ambient, Nu-Jazz, Minimalist Classical styles, sound art, Ethnic musical influences, organic trance and loop music.

unicomuzico

unicomusico — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:30:37 +0100

Sheer melody and rhythm ....

Mdu's spelling binding performance is an example of the musical heritage his grandfather has passed onto him.. The flute sound you hear is actually not a flute but a conduit pipe which he uses to produce rhythm and and the shackle, as he told me earlier used to be toilet ball, which he cut and inserted 2 cent coins inside... This guy has taken music innovation back to roots of simplicity, transforming character less tools into instruments... Keep listening ...

ladies and gentlemen welcome to another session of the Witches Badkgarden. Today we present a man who busks for a living.. He plays various venues around the City of Cape Town.

His name is Mduuzi Mbuyazi, he hails from KwaZulu Natal.

He crafted his skills at the Bat Centre and he not only plays the flute and shaker but he is a prolific drummer too.

He has under his belt two albums which available on www.unicomuzico.co.za and if you want to lay your hands on his music you can contact Mdu onJaco@tridot.co.za

Enough talking back to the music...Enjoy

The Brothers Streep

simonstreep — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:55:47 +0200

The Brothers Streep are Dylan Hichens and Simon van Wyk, an acoustic comedic duo from Cape Town, South Africa.

Their venture into the entertainment industry was a natural one – their joint love of comedy organically colliding with their musical skill. As the Brothers slowly started creating songs for their own enjoyment, it wasn’t long until they decided to invite others into their world by releasing their 2006 debut album, "It Couldn’t Have Been Miss Scarlett, She Was With Us At The Time...".

Miss Scarlett is an intimate album, recorded by The Brothers Streep in their home studio. The songs showcase the Brothers’ ability to turn anything into a story, carried by their recognizable harmonies and catchy melodies.

In 2008 the Brothers Streep invited their friends Richard Graham (bass and bgv’s), Tim Smith (keys and bgv’s) and Tim Price (drums) to join them on stage to explore the full potential of their music. This move has taken the band to a new level, creating a unique sound and an unforgettable stage presence.

The future holds a world of possibilities for the Brothers, who are branding themselves as an entertainment outfit, already having a series of podcasts on iTunes to their name, as well as numerous videos enjoying exposure on www.YouTube.com.

This year the Brothers will be hitting the local music scene hard, performing both as an acoustic comedy double act, and as an energetic full band, with aims to spread their fan base throughout South Africa as they prepare for their second album.

With dreams of an eventual TV series, a Brothers Streep musical, and desires to take their music overseas, it’s safe to say the journey of the Brothers Streep has only just begun...

James Stewart

Overtone Admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:33:16 +0100

Singer, songwriter, producer and musical entrepreneur. Asked to describe himself, James Stewart offers simply: "musician". Could he elaborate? He suggests "Couldn't I just hum it instead?"

James is South African. Cape Town-born. He cut his teeth in classical music with the usual childhood distaste and 'messed around with break-dancing and synthesizers in his early teens. The late 90's however would see him form his own band, abandon a law career and take a leap into the great unknown.

As singer/ songwriter for The Usual, he achieved fame with enduring classics like 'the shape that I'm in' and 'like a vision, securing the band a special place in the hearts and homes of music lovers throughout South Africa. James and the Usual were rewarded with 2 national number 1's, two national number 2's, two South African Music Awards and a string of top tens.

Recording progressively at Street Level — the recording studio and label operation he co-owns with industry veteran Richard Black — bringing in the cream of Cape Town musicians and a few surprise musical collaborators — James has woven a shimmering debut solo album that is a testament to his immense talents. A man like me was released to critical acclaim in early 2005 and has achieved top ten status across Regional Radio, after which Shine was licensed by Southern Sun for their ongoing television campaign for their 4 & 5 star premier hotels.

He has also completed a video of Shine, which was directed and shot by reknowned photographer and ex Calvin Klein glossy girl Josie Borain.

He is also a busy commercial producer and writer, and the creative brain behind the development of Street Level as an independent music leader. The Street Level Music Production team have one international and local advertising awards.

His musical exploits have taken him to the UK, USA, Thailand and Australia where he has been collaborating and networking with key writers, producers and industry leaders.

James has also recently been invited by Yoko Ono to perform John Lennon's classic Imagine as the soundtrack to the upcoming Amnesty International television and film commercial. The song will be a featured download on the Artists for Amnesty site to raise awareness and will also be included on a compilation album featuring other artists such as the Black eyed Peas, Maroon 5, Snow Patrol and the Cure.

He has recently returned from New York were he showcased his talent at the prestigious 'Living Room' and 'Cutting Room' resulting in a publishing deal.

His recent performances at 606 club in London have been a sell out success, where he will return shortly en route to New York to lock down a very exciting deal with a seminal adult-contemporary / Jazz label.

He has collaborated on a new song with Grammy award winning songstress Julie Gold who wrote "From a distance" together with 11 Emmy Award Winner A J Gundell. He is also enjoying a wonderful creative relationship with Curtis Aaron Richardson, who has written hits for J Lo & Joss Stone amongst others.

Yesterday's Pupil

GRIET — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:42:05 +0200

He recently did his first international tour of Poland where he performed in over 6 cities. He also had the privilege and honour to perform for the Embassy- and the Ambassadors of RSA in Poland at the Intercontinental Hotel in Warsaw.

Upon Peach’s return from Europe, inspired he immediately went back to the studio to continue recording and production on his debut album “Errors of Enthusiasm”.

He recorded and produced the Album himself at Sleeproom studio in Pretoria. Additional musicians on the album include Richard Brokensha (kidofdoom/Isochronous). Barend Pieterse (kidofdoom/Shu) and guitar virtuoso Nathan Smith!

The album doesn’t fall in one genre or in any specific genre for that matter. Yesterday’s Pupil is not a genre driven project - it can be Electro the one day and blazing Rock the next. So expect a lot of variation on the album.

Yesterday’s Pupil is a one man producer whose electronic music making abilities can only be described as ‘futuristic’. Deeply complex electronica combined with traditional rock percussion, simplistically smooth vocals with an only slight but noticeable influence of late 70’s rock and early to mid 80’s synth-pop, all convening together to make music which can be viewed as ‘the next logical step for the genre’.

Quotes:

“Yesterday’s Pupil plays music to move to, while it moves you. A diverse range of genres incorporated into one super combined force of intellectual music and electronic bliss. Some songs will make your feet bleed while you feel something you have longed for all your life”

-Woodstock Festival

“An unconscious celebration, sketched in lines and colours and performed hasten and slowly”

SHERON

nikzaz — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:01:44 +0100

Sheron has been a professional musician, sound engineer and music producer for over 15 years.

Born in 1973 and originally from Israel he immigrated to South Africa in

1995. After having solidified his presence as a working musician
within local musical circles, the name Sheron has become synonyms with
talent, musical diversity and respect but above all the level of
professionalism he offers to South African music industry.

Here’s his Story…

Sheron started his musical career at the young age of 9; the first instrument he learnt to play was the piano.

At 14 he stumbled across a drum kit and fell in love with the drums.

He then joined a band, made up of some friends at school, who wrote and performed their original music,
along with some Police & Guns & roses covers. The band played throughout high school at different shows and clubs, and recorded demo songs at a friend’s home recording studio.

During his Israeli army service, and after a leg injury which left him unable to play the drums for a few months, Sheron tried his luck with the Guitar. At this point he soon realized that his life was about to change dramatically, as he fell in love with the instrument. Once he had mastered it, he then carried on to play it on a professional level for the following 17 years.

In 1995, after the last of his army service, and after working for 2 years

in the largest chain of music gear stores in Israel known as Kley Zemer/ internationally recognised as RBX, Sheron decided to

immigrate to South Africa.

He quickly found his feet and established himself as a musician amongst the local artists by playing with cover and original bands such as

Legacy, Tidal Creed and Amersham.

By the end of 1996 he had formed his own cover band called X-Over

(Cross-Over), who proved to be a huge success in South Africa as well as abroad. The band also recorded a number of Sheron’s original music and performed it from time to time at live gigs. However, after having played all but 3000 live shows during their 8 year run, they decided to split up in mid 2004.

Since then Sheron has played with, and for, many well known SA artists and bands whilst still playing around the country as a solo artist.

Currently, Sheron is recording his debut album out of his Pretoria studio. The album, which will be self written and produced, is expected for release towards the end of 2010. The album will consist of a “basket of favorites” - original songs which have been written over the course of the last 10 years. Be sure to visit the extra page and listen to some tunes that will feature on the album.

Apart from stage performances, Sheron is also a professional sound engineer and music producer who has produced and written
music for various artists.

He has also been hired as a live sound engineer for many bands and artists over the years.

Live Shows/Music and other: please visit

STUDIO BOOKINGS: Please visit

www.sharonzaz.co.za

Abbey Artico

info_201 — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:15:41 +0100

SOLO SAXOPHONIST FOR COCKTAIL CORPORATE EVENTS Providing elegant background music - Solo Saxophone Abbey is a well-known face in the Johannesburg theatre scene and has performed in more than twenty musical theatre productions which include The Rocky Horror Show; Motown Gold; Roll Over Beethoven; Route 77; I’m All Shook Up; Feelin’ Groovy Too; Undressed; What a Night; Bits ‘n Pieces; Glory Days and Girl Talk Nite Out. She has toured through Africa with P.J Powers and through South Africa with Little Sister. Abbey’s musical experience doesn’t stop at theatre, having played as a soloist and ensemble member in orchestras; and having a vast jazz background, which includes performances with Bruce Cassidy; John Davies and Denzel Weale.

With her knowledge and love for music, Abbey quickly moved up the status ladder to Musical Director for Richard Loring with the hit shows Girl Talk 2000; Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, The Young Ones; Musical Director for Caesar’s Casino with Sisters in Song and band leader for performances aboard the Symphony Cruise Liner which took her to Italy; Kenya; Mauritius; Israel and Egypt. She also directed and produced various productions in Durban including Off the Record and Can You Feel It.

Abbey owns and manages a corporate events band called “SHE” which has hundreds of performances under it’s belt.

Paul II and Crew

Paul II — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:53:44 +0200

In 2004 Paul II returned to the music industry after a long sabbatical.

Born in East London, educated at Queens College, Queenstown, Cape Province, Paul II taught himself to play the guitar at the age of 8 and his passion for music, instruments and singing was born.

He married in ‘78 and had two children, a boy, Jondré, and a girl, Gené. As a businessman involved primarily in the computer industry, he moved to the West Rand in ’79 and played for some well known SA bands in the late 70`s and early 80`s before going solo. In the late 80’s he stopped performing for personal reasons. From 1991 to 2003 he went through a very traumatic time in his personal life. This included the loss of his business, a divorce, the loss of his 21 year old son (Jondré) to a motorcycle accident and being incarcerated for four years!

Having persevered and survived, he finally returned to the stage in 2004 as a solo performer called Paul II and has once again been rocking South African venues! His versatility sees him performing in pubs, clubs, night spots, rallies, resorts, hotels, functions, charity events, and casino's. He is also very much in demand on the corporate scene, having recently performed for amongst others, M-Net and Basil Read Construction, whilst his annual Kwazulu Natal/Eastern Cape coastal tour has become so popular that it has now been extended to include the Western Cape Coast and Cape Town itself.

A truly professional performer, his voice is superb on ballads and love songs, whilst powerful and explosive on the up tempo rock and dance music. His friendly and unassuming bohemian manner makes him a hit with all audiences and his very wide repertoire takes him from all the ‘good old greats’ to current day hits.

Having coached one of his crew members, Jean-Paul Viljoen, to do vocal harmonies and to use the tambourine, he has recently begun offering alternative performances as a duo called Paul II and Crew thereby broadening his clients options. He has also started introducing some of his own compositions to his shows and this truly rounds off his performances!

2008 has seen the release of two Paul II Live! albums consisting of recordings from a series of live performances and there will eventually be four albums in this set. He is currently working on an album of love songs and the very first album of his own original compositions.

Paul II runs his own IT, web and graphic design business, CSS, situated on the East Rand. Deeply spiritual, Paul II also sets aside roughly 30 hours per month for charity performances and motivational speaking, drawing on his own life experiences.

New Altum

Overtone Junior — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:31:44 +0200

New Altum was started by a friendly chat between Jacques’ Barnard & Rash Ferguson. Soon what started out as a vision quickly transformed itself and forced it's way into reality. Before they knew it all the band members were quickly assembled and bouncing ideas and vision around. Since then they’ve had the 'always' unfortunate task of changing band members but are still humbly grateful for the time and effort they put in.

The band at the moment is currently, Rash Ferguson on vocals, Rob Shaw on bass, Matt Duminy on guitar, Nic Fagg on guitar and Nic Smal on drums. All the members are X-members of previous bands as well. Rash was part of 5 Star Society, Rob was part of One Way Out, Matt was with Proxy, Nic S was part of Serving Suggestion & Nic F was part of Enthused.

As far as “sound” goes, they don’t try and go for a particular sound when they write music but rather concentrate on freedom of expression. They feel as they do that they end up developing their own sound anyway. They do try and create a good balance between melody and heaviness (screaming) vocally. Good selling points on the band are definitely their merchandise, presentation of logos (corporate identification) and also the use of samples during performances mixed with energetic stage presence & attire. They believe in the entire production and not just the music. “People want to be entertained at the end of the day”, so they try and hit as many of the senses as they can. New Altum states & I quote…

“Hopefully our audience will feel like they’ve experienced something after a show and not just heard something”.

Their main musical influences are:
Underoath, Oh Sleeper, He is Legend, Norma Jean, Mewithoutyou, As Cities Burn, The Almost, As I Lay Dying, Killswitch Engage, My Chemical Romance, Thrice, Story Of The year, Thursday, Muse, The Used, Blindside, Rage Against the Machine, Project 86, The Mars Volta etc

Jimmie Earl Perry

jep — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:53:57 +0200

Mr. Jimmie Earl Perry, born in Gordon, Alabama and spent his early childhood and all of his formal education years in New Jersey. While growing up in Trenton, he lived with his parents, Estelle and Eglon and his two younger brothers. From here, he has made for himself a remarkable journey into the world of music and show business. Having major influences intially from his parents who were both singers, and thru them received the spiritual involvement in religion and attending St. Paul AME Zion Church, where gospel music, classic religious anthems and spirituals were played and sung by phenomenal musicians and singers. This abundant wealth of music was enough to motivate Jimmie to pursue his passion in music. With a strong and powerful church and gospel influence, the constant joy of music played at home from blues, jazz, classical idioms, from Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, B.B. King, Mighty Clouds of Joy, James Cleveland, Billie Holliday, Mahalia Jackson, Johnny Mathis, to Leontyne Price, Paul Robeson, Marion Anderson and the Tuskegee Institute choirs, Motown and many other great artists, his musical journey was set before him.

He studied at the famed Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey and received his teaching credentials, which he put into practice in the New Jersey Educational system in Trenton and Princeton New Jersey. While at Westminster, Mr Perry had the opportunity to sing with the colleges’ famed Westminster Choir which premiered Leonard Bernsteins Chichester Psalms, who also conducted, at Lincoln Center. He sung also under the baton of Leopold Stokowski in Verdi’s Requiem at Carnegie Hall.

Mr. Perry decided after 2 years of teaching to further develop his singing and acting skills at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan. While working as a temporary employee in some of the top Fortune 500 companies in New York, he also was accepted as a member of the AMAS Repertory Company directed by tv series “Family Matters” mother, Rozetta Lenoire and also joined the Urban Arts Corp directed by Vinette Carroll, creator of such broadway hit shows as Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, Step Lively Boys.

Later, Mr. Perry was selected by audition in New York City to join the original Australian company of Let My People Come in Melbourne and Sydney for two years. There he recorded his first hit single and video for Warner Bros. Intl., performed on varied tv and radio shows, his first commercial for Toyota Hi Ace trucks and numerous voice overs.

Starred in the musical “Orpheous”, musically written specifically for his voice. Mr. Perry completed the 1999 season, Off-Broadway in New York City as Madison in the controversial musical "SALLY AND TOM" at the Castillo Theatre. A dramatic telling of the love story between American President Thomas Jefferson and his slave Sally Hemming.

Four years in the role of Old Deuteronomy in the Canadian Production of CATS in Toronto, directed by Trevor Nunn, also performed as an American Marine in the Canadian premier of Miss Saigon by Cameron MacIntosh also in Toronto with direction by Nicholas Hytner and Bob Avian (choreographer) in the Princess of Wales Theatre. During his time in Canada, Mr. Perry appeared in episodes of the hit tv comedy series Kids In The Hall, The Judge and other television series. Performed in Madame Gertrude with Salome Bey. He recorded with the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir of Montreal, Canada as the guest soloist on the award winning Glory Train/Jubilation II studio album which performed at the Montreal Jazz Festival. Also with the Jubilation Choir he was requested to sing one of his songs from this album for Nelson and Winnie Mandela at a reception for Mr. Mandela at Place d’Armes in Montreal after Mandela’s release from a South African prison. This event was televised globally on Canadian television (CBC). He can also be heard on several albums of other major artists as backing vocalist in Canada, United States, Australia and Germany.

He arrived in Bochum, Germany in March 1999 to perform the role of Papa in Andrew Lloyd Webber`s "Starlight Express" for two years. Mr. Perry has also performed the role of Judas in Superstar in Remscheid, Germany in April 2000. In 2004, he concluded his phenomenal portrayal as Pontius Pilate in the pop opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Bad Hersfeld Festspiel in Germany as well as a 6 month tour of Europe in “Superstar”, directed by Baayork Lee. Mr. Perry has also performed the role of Judas in Superstar in Remscheid, Germany in April 2000. Afterwards, Mr. Perry was cast in a 3 month tour of Mexico in 2004 as one of the famous Platters. One of Mr. Perry`s most recent accomplishments occurred in the winter season of 2001 during a european tour of the USA Gospel Singers. He was proud to have the opportunity to sing the opening and closing songs at La Scala, in Milano for the New Years Eve Gala Performance in December, 2001 as well as other major opera houses and theatres in the Netherlands, Italy, Austria and Germany. He has performed on several major cruise lines, as a featured vocalist in such shows as the Tony Award winning Broadway musical "Dreamgirls" as Curtis and Jimmie Early and Gilbert and Sullivans` Hot "Mikado". In Vegas style revues and his own solo cabarets aboard Cunards` QE2 and Vistafjord.

Now living in Stellenbosch, South Africa, near Cape Town, he has gained the distinction of Professor and Director of the Educational theatre and Creative Arts program for the African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management at Stellenbosch University. Here he looks forward to his work creating productions to educate the human community in the prevention of HIV/AIDS. As producer, Prof. Perry produced, directed and performed at the gala launch for the Centre at the HB Thom Theatre. Jimmie can be seen and heard on many South African and international tv movies, film and commercials. Featured in several magazines and talk shows, he is a sought after guest. His international debut album “Power of the Dream” has been regarded as a dynamic tour de force in its production. His World Aids Day Gala concerts are a sought after ticket at the Artscape Theatre on December 1 for the last 5 years.

Believe It, Live it and Receive It!!!

Rayelle Goodman

cinnamonstrings — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:53:22 +0200

RAYELLE GOODMAN

Rayelle is probably Southern Africa's most versatile violinist. With twenty four years' experience, a daringly creative personality and an extensive national and international performance history, this musician brings another dimension to any collaboration. Rayelle was a founding member of both Freshlyground and Coda, dedicating two years to each band. International performing exposure includes an appearance on a popular game show on Chinese TV in early 2007, following a 3 week concert tour of China as orchestra leader for saxophonist Andrew Young. Rayelle has performed solo classical and Klezmer band music in Canada (2006), with the World Youth Orchestra in Russia (with TV coverage, 1998), jazz and classical chamber music in Austen, Texas (with radio play, 1998), solo electric violin and band performance at Dubai Festival City Opening (2007), jazz band busking in Venice, Italy (2002), folk collaborations in London's pubs (2003), african jazz improvisation in Botswana (2006), popular music tribute show tours around Zimbabwe (1999 - 2000) and Liberty Life Concert, Victoria Falls (2007). Rayelle spent 6 months as solo violinist on a luxury cruise ship, the routes including the Mediterranean and the East Coast of Africa (2003). A trip to Sweden in July 2007 fulfilled a long-held dream: choosing and acquiring her acoustic 5-string violin, with its built-in electromagnetic pickup system, at its creator's workshop in Denmark. (See www.stringamp.com) She has collaborated (performed / recorded) with numerous and diverse South African bands and artists, including The Rudimentals, Iridium Project, Lark, Godessa, Syd Kitchen, Bill Knight, Neo Muyanga, Gloria Bosman, Dizu Plaaitjies, Francois le Roux (The Ha!Man), Mac Mackenzie, Rogue State of Mind, Jitsvinger, Farrell Adams, Honey B, African Dope, Flat Stanley, Cabins in the Forest, Acid Blues, Son of a Thousand Blues, Rory Eliot & Chas Smit (Plush), The Moonflowers [improv.], The A-Bomb [funk trio], Kelvin Declined [hard rock],Three Bored White Guys [countrybilly], Velve [alternative], Goldfish, Dan Shout, Leighton Moody, Gren Forte, Nick Matthews, Simon van Gend, Jamie Jupiter, Nick Turner, Tara and Steve Fataar, Arno Carstens, Tristan Waterkeyn (RubbishChild) and many others. International performance collaborations have included Josh Groban, folk legend Shawn Phillips, funky house band Ananda Project and classical piano virtuoso Gabriela Montero. Rayelle has played shows including Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera" (Artscape, 2004), the floating production "Aqua Opera" (Waterfront, 2004), Duck Chowles' "Roll Over Beethoven", "Rock Me Amadeus" and Beatles tribute shows (Baxter, Grandwest and national Barnyard Theatres, 1999 - 2003), "Operetta Gems" (Theatre On The Bay, 2004), "Under An Irish Moon" (Barnyard Theatres), Josh Groban's outdoor concerts (Kirstenbosch, 2004), Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance" (Artscape, 2005) and "Queen at the Ballet" (Artscape, 2007). Rayelle has played jazz at The Green Dolphin, Kennedy's Cigar Bar, Swingers, Mannenbergs and other city spots; folk, rock, African and reggae at national music festivals including Rocking The Daisies, Up The Creek, Rock 62 and Splashy Fen; electric violin over house music with noted DJs at city clubs (Rhodes House, Opium, Karma, Ignite, Hemisphere). Rayelle plays ad-hoc with the Cape Philharmonic and KwaZulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestras, as well as with various chamber groups, including her own Cinnamon String Quartet. TV show appearances:

Performed live on Shoprite/Checkers' Woman of the Year Awards (2007)
SABC 3's The Power Within (November 2008)

Played and been interviewed on:

SABC 2's Weekend Live (February 2007)
SABC 3's Noted (September 2006)
Top Billing (Momentum Achiever awards, August 2006)
SABC 3's Showbiz Report (March 2007)
DSTV's "Dis hoe dit is met Steve [Hofmeyr]" (June 2007)
kids show SABC 2

PAST EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS

CTICC´s Fifth Birthday Concert 2008
Madame Zingara's Tent Of Dreams 2007
Table of Unity – Cape Town Gourmet Festival 2007
Cape Town Festival Heritage Day Concert 2007
Cape Town Pride 2007
The Women's Show 2007
Jazzathon 2007
Whisky Live Festival 2006
Jazz on the Rocks 2006
Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2007
Lifestyle SA Festival 2007
AMPLI 5, Oppikoppi 2007
Woman of the Year 2007
Mercury Live with Arno Carstens 2006
SAA Flower Festival 2006
Truth and Reconciliation Day Concert at the V and A Waterfront with Freshlyground, Muyanga, Jimmy Dludlu etc 2005
Somerset Mall Concert 2005
Jacques Kallis' Charity Ball (with GoldFish) 2005
Whiskey Festival Cape Town International Convention Centre 2005
Red Cross Childrens Hospital Radiothon 2005
SAA Flower Festival 2006

LAUNCH PARTIES, AWARDS CEREMONIES

FHM Awards 2007
LG Digital launch 2007
Blues Birthday Bash, Camps Bay 2007
BT Launch in Johannesburg 2007
MTN events 2007
Top Billing Lifestyle Awards 2006
Opening of Mandela / Rhodes Place 2006
Sithengi Film Festival opening 2006
Desmond Tutu's 75th birthday celebration hosted by the British High Commissioner 2006
Drakensburg SADC event 2006
Vodacom / Samsung launch party at Sun City 2006
2010 World Cup Anniversary Dinner 2006
Brandhouse Awards Evening 2006
Caltex / Techron Launches Gaborone, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth
Opening of Forty Eight with Jo-Anne Strauss, Top Billing 2006
FW de Klerk's 70th Birthday / Guests: Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Trevor Manual, Buthelezi etc 2006
Opening of Grand Central Motors Jhb / launch of new Jeep 2006
Design Indaba Charity ball 2006
SA Youth Sports Awards for local government at Leeuwenhof 2005
Cell C Year End Party 2005
Discovery Health Awards Ceremony 2005
Media 24 Shape Magazine 5th birthday 2005
Barclays Cocktail Evening (Anglo African Events) 2005

SPORTS EVENTS

J&B Met (Cadiz & Main Tents)
Durban July
Val de Vie Polo Match 2007
Ernie Els Event 2006
Investec Polo Showdown – Lourensford 2006

FASHION SHOWS

Artscape Fashion Show 2007
Design Indaba Fashion Show 2007
Gavin Rajah's Cape Town Fashion Week party 2006
Durban July pre-party with Miss South Africa 2006
Die Burger Couple of the Year Bridal Show 2006
Peroni Fashion Show 2005

MORE EVENTS Camel Party, Peroni event, SAB Grolsch launch, Jimmy Choo launch, Limeline launch, Paris Spa at Wembley Square launch and many more. Rayelle has done session work in London and South Africa, and appears on the following albums:

Coda - "Believe"
Blk Sonshine - unreleased album
Lark - "Razbliuto" (won a SAMA award 2007)
Paul Abro - "Another Way of Being"
Shawn Phillips - Double live album and DVD Living Contribution: Both Sides, a recording of his epic performance at Kirstenbosch Gardens in 2007.
Tristan Waterkeyn - "Hay Day"
Simon van Gend - "Pocketsongs"
Andy Jamieson Band - "Emotional Engineering"
Cabins in the Forest - "Spells For Bribes"
Buckfever Underground - "Saves"
Bill Knight - "Back Against The Wall" & "After The Rinderpest"
Track Five & The Dominant Seven - "In Concert"
Mapumba - unreleased album
Frankie Beagle - unreleased album
Syd Kitchen - live recordings

Other work experience:

Sales Executive for SA Tourism - Highbury Safika Media, teaching English to foreign students via the internet, acting in feature television commercials, waitressing, organising event entertainment and modelling nude for oil paintings.

Rudia

info_213 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:35:43 +0200

HC

hugoishc — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 23:13:56 +0200

Africa’s most versatile new music artist

Hugo Da Conceição Chichava, aka HC, is Africa’s most versatile new artist. Born in Maputo, Mozambique he incorporates hip hop, soul, rap, rock and house into his unique musical style.

Currently working on two major projects; his first project is called “Method 2 My Madness” working with some South Africa & Mozambique's promising producers such as Hipe, Ameen, Leeleo & Virgo. HC is also featuring on Carpet Mafia’s debut album, which he will soon be performing live with them.

Rapping since the age of 13, HC started off as a young freestyle rapper and lyricist before joining the group “The Silverados”. Their launch single “Number One” soon reached chart status in Mozambique.

Infiltrating the music scene, HC’s music has spread across Africa, Europe and the USA collaborating with some of South Africa’s hottest new talent including Lungelo, Kritsi, Ameen, Hipe (Unreleased Records), NSC and Ms Taboo.

HC is as in tune with business as he is in music. Branching off into producing and launching his own Artist management company, Silverado Entertainment, his creativity and passion is infectious.

Silverado Entertainment was born from HC’s dream to give musicians a platform to express themselves through their music and lyrics. This vision aims to capture new talent, who like himself, do not have the financial backing to support.

Look out. Listen up. HC has arrived.

Luna Lounge

shawn — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:40:15 +0100

Luna Lounge is roaming live music platform, showcasing all of our South African stars at beautiful, intimate locations all around the city, at least twice a week.

If you are an artist, we can arrange a tour around the city for you, as well as offer multiple platforms of publicity.

If you are an original South African music lover, come to lots of gigs and develop a taste of fine music!

If you are a student of music, come to lots of gigs and learn HEAPS of stuff about your instrument, as well as pick up lots of tips from the artist.

If you can help us promote or sponsor our SA musicians, we can help you promote your venue or your business

visit our website for full gig listing and LOTS more info:

www.lunalounge.co.za

MrEdwards

mredwards — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:34:25 +0100

Mr Edwards IS instrumental house.

Over the last 8 years, Mr Edwards been dominating the instrumental house scene in Jozi, and ignites corporate functions with a tangible dance music environment.

Mr. Edwards (Edward Chambers) has been collaborating Musicians such as George Sax, Rudo Pieterse on percussion & double-base, Christopher Luke, Ben Amato from Napalma, Thomas Dancer, Naomi Tagg & Olivia van Gass from Electro-Muse, & Antonio Oricco on guitar.

A freeform instrumental DJ outfit, Mr Edwards serves as the backbone for an act which mixes DJing with live sax, violin, bass, percussion and other hot instruments.

Chill, world music, acid jazz, breaks and all styles of house; this collaboration also extends to include lead guitar, keyboard, drums and famed local vocalists Dom, Roxanne and Diva.

jamali

bonginhlanhlaevents — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:17:18 +0100

jamali is a south african group with 3 beautifull girl that treuly can sing

JA-cqui . the first member her voice is very big

MA-riechan . th3 second her voice is smooth

LI-esl . the 3rd her voice is very high

this ladies togerther are very powerful

F. W. Felton

falconscove — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:47:59 +0100

F.W. Felton was born in Durban and started his career a long time ago.

It has been said he is similar to the great Anthony Robbins.

He has been booked all over the world and travels everywhere.

If you can book him you are lucky as he is almost always fully booked. He

has done many corporate events and has been a key note speaker at huge

conferences. He also does Company events and entertainment gigs.

Them Tornados

rockabilly4africa — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 19:01:43 +0200

The Tornados play old style music with a new attitude, incorporating
rockabilly with the energy of punk. They have made their presence felt
on the Cape Town live music scene infecting a dedicated core of fans.
The band features Ian Arrow vocals and guitar, Simon Perry on the bull
fiddle (upright bass) and Matt Ferguson beating the snare

KillMe Kaleidoscope

fexxermarco — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:33:20 +0100

we are a two peice electro/rock band.

we have high and low tempo beats and like getting the crowd going.

we are influenced by both electro and rock music.

http://www.myspace.com/killmekaleidoscope

Simphiwe Khumalo

masesane — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:49:15 +0200

Gordon Franks Guitar Maestro & Entertainer Extraordinaire

maestro — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:36:00 +0200

Gordon Franks is affectionately referred to as
"Guitar Maestro & Entertainer Extraordinaire". The renowned multi
award winning music maestro has blazed a trail to the top of his ranks as an
enterprising star. Combining the
experiences and expertise his music career brought him, he cemented his success
by creating an unmistakable reputation through every dazzling performance as if
it were his last. The USA trained
maestro’s talents have convinced listeners that he is in-imitable as a
Professional Program Director, Celebrity Compere, MC, Radio & TV
Personality, Vocalist, Recording Artist, Composer, Producer, Wedding Planner,
Events Co-ordinator and Motivational Speaker.
As an acclaimed magazine columnist titled “Changing Minds” with Gordon
Franks, his motivational column has reached a wide readership with popularity. Highly respected for his trendy and
sophisticated touch as a versatile Compere, MC and Entertainer Extraordinaire, Gordon
Franks is the preferred choice to experience the ultimate essence of elegance,
finesse, panache and par excellence.

His performances are trademarked
with a pleasing audience interactive style that wows people instantly recognize
his unique brand. Thriving on this interactive
technique, he has a natural ability to keep any event in a smooth professional
flow. A passionate interest to
appreciate the idiom of jazz as an aficionado magnetized him to the guitar. The collaboration between Gordon Franks and his
supreme talent on the guitar is ignited from the inspiration of his George Benson
Ibanez GB 10 guitar from which he draws his musical energies. Pioneering the use of a clean tone, his speed
and technical range of melodic phrasings on the guitar, resonates with distinctive
appeal whether it’s a complex arrangement or a ballad. His adept accomplishment distinguishes him as
the marvel of guitarists checking out his technique, to learn from his skilful
mastery. Sticking to the crisp sound he creates on his treasured GB 10 Ibanez
guitar, Gordon Franks deeply carved a permanent name in the industry as an
artist of international treasure.

Evidently his playing clearly
visualizes the lessons from Benson’s mentorship that shaped Franks musical
destiny that now mentors aspiring guitarists. He is respected for his dual personae as an
expert improviser and a vibrant entertainer blending between his velvet vocals
and unrestricted guitar skills. Improvisation
is a natural part of his musical vocabulary as he navigates the guitar with expressive
perfection taking it to unexpected levels.
The melodic long flowing guitar lines fused with shades of octaves and dazzling
finger technique reflects his proficiency as a well-respected jazz
guitarist. His powerful stage
personality has delighted audiences to appreciate his versatile showmanship as the
exhilaration heightens when he threads his way into the crowds intertwining the
Gordon Franks magic. Blessed by such an unmistakable
talent, the increase of his name connected him to the media.

Gordon Franks was extensively
profiled in national newspapers Sunday Times, Sunday Tribune, Daily News, Sowetan,
Post etc. Interviews on talk shows with
Radio Metro, Kaya FM, P4 Radio, Gagasi 99.5fm, East Coast Radio and Lotus FM’s
Hot Seat where high profile celebrities are interviewed extended his exposure. Adding to his impressive resume, exclusive interviews
on Eastern Mosaic, SABC 1 and a celebrity performance on MNet’s Loeries Awards proclaimed
him as an artist of international treasure. Gordon Franks has performed with jazz icons
Jonathan Butler, Lady Smith Black Mambazo, Abdullah Ebrahim, Bheki Khosa, Sipho
Gumede, Johnny Fourie and a string of musicians. The highlight in his career was an
unforgettable performance as Program Director, Compere & Entertainer for
Dr. Nelson Mandela where he got the title Guitar Maestro & Entertainer Extraordinaire.
The impact of his impressive and professional track record extended his talent with
sequel performances for President Thabo Mbeki, TV talk show host Dr. Felicia
Mabuza Suttle, Miss South Africa Kerishnie Naicker, International Dignitaries
& CEO’s of the Top 100 Corporate Companies in South Africa. His commendable professionalism has connected
him with recommendations attached to prestigious venues like The ICC, The
Hilton, Royal Hotel etc.

As the levels of fame heightened
his career, private bookings took precedence with fans seeing or hearing little
of him. As a people’s personality,
Franks bridged the gap going into studio to reveal his skills as a Composer, Arranger,
Recording Artist and Producer. The
result became his debut CD, aptly titled “Frankly Speaking” released as a link to
his fans. Showcasing an irresistible mix
of easy listening tracks, his music defines Franks as a versatile melodic guitarist
incorporating shades of smooth jazz, Latin and contemporary styles. Frankly Speaking has received positive radio
airplay with raving media reviews retailing at Musica, CD Wherehouse, Look
& Listen, Rhythmic Beat, Reliable Music etc.

Gordon Frank’s music reflects
the innovative skills of a fine-tuned artist, now focusing on world music concerts
as a medium of expressing himself globally.
He is a recipient of countless awards, medals, accolades and appreciation
certificates conferred upon him as a music prodigy from government offices, institutions,
community-charity organizations and corporate companies. From his impressive track record and
inimitable style, it is distinctively clear that the Gordon Franks brand is a draw
card as a top headliner for any event. It was a long hard climb to the
top as we now see him in the light of being a renowned celebrity of noteworthy recognition. It is an unspoken certainty that this
enterprising Guitar Maestro & Entertainer Extraordinaire will never cease
to escalate his branding to new heights of "Par Excellence" every
time he appears on stage.

Laconia

laconiaband — Fri, 08 May 2009 16:16:06 +0200

Laconia, based in Pretoria, South Africa, was first conceptualised in 2007, with a casual meeting between Wilhelm Barnard (ex-Grymn) and Dwayne Coetzee (Sacrifist; ex-Serpent Moon, ex-Funeral God). Laconia is unique in the way that their sound is completely untested and unrivalled. The melodic hooks and song structures, combined with the darkness and light of female and male vocals, sets Laconia apart from every band in the market today.

Laconia is a Punk Rock Metal outfit, with a completely unrivalled sound and can not be compared to a current SA band. S

Our influences range from Lacuna Coil, Paradise Lost and a dash of Metallica and Guano Apes.

Laconia's full length album titled "Exordium" is out now.

Them Frog

themfrog — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:40:34 +0100

Biography

Them Frog came together in the beginning of 2009 and started playing in August of 2009 under the name Raid the Ater. The band consists of four members: Pieter Smit (Bass and Vocals), Marko Ras (Guitar), Jaco de Beer (Guitar) and Willem van der Walt (Drums).

Two of their members, Pieter Smit and Marko Ras competed in Rockspaaider 2004 as a 3 piece band called Makatees. They broke up in 2005. Thereafter Pieter Smit played in several Potchefstroom bands like Green Shebeen and Space Cadets and helped out with the Black Light Theatre Project as their bassist. Marko Ras went to UJ to study BComm and lived in Afslaan men’s residents. There he played guitar for the Sangfees band that won best band for 4 years in a row and was also involved in other music projects. Jaco de Beer started off by playing with Peter in Space Cadets. Willem van der Walt played for a band called Euphonia for six years.

The band Them Frog was ‘born’ in Potchefstroom where Pieter Smit and Jaco de Beer are in the process of completing their studies. Most of their fans are based in Potch and this is where they did their first gig, “Party in the Parking lot” – Potch’s infamous intervarsity party. Here they opened for aKing, Van Coke Kartel and Heuwels Fantasties.

Through this, Them Frogs received a huge amount of exposure. Soon afterwards they played with Tidal Waves and where booked for two gigs at Aardklop. All of this, in a month!

The band recently recorded a demo that consists of three songs. They are planning to release their EP and first music video at the beginning of 2010.

Them Frog is doing a tour of South Africa in December 2009 with the help of Toyota who has sponsored the bands vehicle.

To listen to their live recordings at The Ear to Hear studios go to www.myspace.com/themfrog and for more information go to their facebook page.

The link to the facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Them-Frog/169501404550?ref=ts

Zebra & Giraffe

GregCarlin — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:46:22 +0200

Zebra & Giraffe is the name of a new force pressing itself into the hearts and minds of music fans – and even on first listen it’s clear that Z&G’s debut longplayer, ‘Collected Memories’, is every bit as unique as the animals that its named after.

In fact, at this stage (autumn 2008), the cleverly named act is actually the 12-lettered pseudonym of Johannesburg music wunderkind, Greg Carlin. Carlin is Zebra & Giraffe and the 10-songs on ‘Collected Memories’ are an announcement of his own special take on making music to all who hear it.

That Carlin was able to make his debut album virtually unassisted (bar a session drummer) stems from his multiple music talents that see him playing everything from bass, to keyboards, guitar and more. But in crafting ‘Collected Memories’ he wisely called on the production talent of the sublimely talented Darryl Torr who many music fans in the country may know as the foil to Harris Tweed’s Cherilyn MacNeil.

“It was just easier to play everything myself,” Johannesburg-based Carlin says, “But Darryl made the difference when it came to shaping the songs into what you hear on the album.”

You might be forgiven for thinking that moving from piano to guitar to drums to keyboards and bass may hamper the album’s flow, giving it a sameness that renders it impossible to listen to. Not in the case of Zebra & Giraffe. Perhaps it’s because of being able to adopt a different name that ‘Collected Memories’ is a journey of variety; a sonic outing that is, in fact, brilliantly listenable.

The album starts with a song that should not waste time in securing radio time – and indeed has already had a welcoming reception across the board.

‘The Knife’ takes its cue from the dark side of electronic rock pioneered by the likes of New Order & Joy Division. There are also strains of the latter’s ability to turn punk-influenced stylings into atmospheric masterpieces on ‘Collected Memories’ – specifically the likes of ‘Black Crow’ with its fiercely played guitar and bass lines and lyrics of abandonment and last chance love.

Discerning these influences when listening to ‘Collected Memories’ is all the more astonishing because, until recently, Carlin had not heard many of the bands from the era that his music sits closest too. “The first thing I remember listening to is Nirvana and U2, back when I was in primary school, and then it was onto modern rock” he says.

There are strains of other bands that formed part of the soundtrack to someone born in the 80s on the album (The Edge’s melodic guitar work can be heard in ‘Arm Yourself’) but mostly ‘Collected Memories’ is the sound of an artist pushing ahead with his own sonic exploration in the most beguiling way. As an example listen to “Running Faster” where the keyboard melody runs like the Pied Piper though the song, making sure that your attention never strays for a second from what is certainly another hit for Zebra & Giraffe.

Carlin admits that his own liking is for the harder edge of rock (A Perfect Circle, early Marilyn Manson, NIN, Tool are among his favourites) and although much of ‘Collected Memories’ is melodic, thrashing guitars do make themselves felt on ‘Fight! Fight! Fight!’.

But just as you’re certain that you’ve got the record’s sonic ground pinned out comes ‘Leaving Again’, a tune that throws a rope around rock as much as pop and electronica (that at-the-fore keyboard), the result being one of the album’s standouts, a near perfect combination of melodic heft and lyrical prowess. It’s the same with ‘A Long Way Down’, a track defined by an unsettling drum beat and delicate acoustic guitar work that is just about as compelling a song as you’ll hear all year. Carlin’s tale about losing someone is elegantly supported by the backing vocal of Harris Tweed’s MacNeil.

But don’t mistake the darkness for a proclivity on Carlin’s part for living in emotion’s murkier corners. The fact is that Zebra & Giraffe is not against having some fun: “Pariahs’ is driven by a swirling keyboard that perfectly supports the song’s dreamlike, at times tongue-in-cheek lyrics (“I like the pretty girls/the ones with curls/they make me crazy/they say baby oh you rock my world”) and there are other uplifting moments.

Carlin admits that lyrics are the one aspect of songwriting that he’s sometimes less at ease with. “A lot of the songs are about relationships and the rest are about feelings that I get and then I put that into words. It may come out as a specific event or experience but its inspiration comes from a feeling.” He readily admits that the album’s titled stems from a recent move from the comfort of his childhood home – a place where his own collected memories reside.

It was here that Carlin originally learnt to play drums while at High School, playing rock with a band that went by the name of (yes, it’s true) MSG. Carlin studied Fine Art at Tuks and joined his first real band – first as a bassist and then as a singer. White Lie was its name and the band went so far as recording a handful of tracks with Darryl Torr – establishing a relationship between Carlin and the producer that has been lasting and creative. White Lie earned a campus hit with the song “Runaway” and had something of a following but at the end of 2005 several members left to study and Carlin was left to his own devices.

It’s just as well because Carlin soon began experimenting in his home studio – exploring sounds and beats, many of which have influenced the sound of ‘Collected Memories’.

In a stroke of luck for Carlin, he met Just Music’s Karl Anderson through Harris Tweed (a Just Music signing) and struck up a relationship with the label through working on its digital business. Now Zebra & Giraffe have a label deal with the highly regarded independent and Carlin is ready to begin his assault on the charts, live circuit and more.

Diane Coetzer - May 2008

Dhindindi

tomas.brickhill_1 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:09:43 +0200

Dhindindi are an anarchic afro-punk crossover band. Singer Tom and his sister Amy hail from Zimbabwe and having arrived in 'Sunny' England and tried to start a band they realised that something was missing. Luckily they found Matt - mad Welsh guitarist and convinced him to play bass (even though he understands musical stuff like chords and keys the best). Rock and/or f**kin roll ensued! The band play all over London and will be bringing havoc to At least 2 Zimbabwean festivals in London this summer.

find us on www.myspace.com/dhindindi

or www.reverbnation.com/dhindindi

or even www.facebook.com/pages/dhindindi/19154811203

Barkley Blazer

barkleyblazer — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:00:05 +0100

"Definitely one of the most exceptionally talented bands to rise
out of the Helderberg...their EP provides a beautiful listening
experience, that pushes and pulls at your psyche from all sides, and
their live performance enhances that to a point at which one can't help
but stare in awe at the brilliance of their structures, and the beauty
of their melodies. They have a winning combination of sweet harmony and
melody, precise off-time breaks and a captivating intensity that really
just makes you wanna dance! Barkley Blazer stretches a broad field of
genres ensuring that a diverse audience will appreciate the originality
and passion that this ensemble conveys. To quote them, 'Without emotion
we fall silent…' "

-HYouth

Barkley Blazer is a progressive indie rock band from Somerset West, South
Africa. Starting in late 2005, the band played numerous live shows around the Somerset West, Stellenbosch and Cape Town promoting their sound, image and their EP "Let's Impact Them With Our Intimacy" with a strong following of fans. The future was bright for the boys, playing Splashy Fen in Durban, early 2007, but then they were forced to take a
hiatus. For a year or so the band did not play together as everyone went their own ways. However, the love of music won them over. They have rejoined and are currently back in action with a new addition of James Acker from The Lottery Tickets on second guitar[29 October 2009]. The trio’s music has a distinctive upbeat and punk-influenced sound
with a progressive edge, often equally both energetic and
anthemic.

Cris Robertson - Guitar, Vocals

Jonny Ueckermann - Bass, Vocals

Paul Melis - Drums, Vocals

James Acker - Guitar

FRANKI M

jonfinct — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:22:19 +0100

Francois ‘Franki M’ Mallum is a talented young artist, an open lyricist
and an exceptional guitarist. His music is transcendent, fusing hip
hop, jazz, rock and pop. It’s something for the masses. His lyrics are
catchy, his beats are hard, and his music is in a word, unforgettable.
He has nurtured a love for music that followed him from his early
years, always singing, always keen to learn a new trick and trade.

He
first picked up a guitar 2003 and slowly taught himself how to play. He
decided to take up lessons with one of Cape Town’s most well known Jazz
Guitarists, Wayne Bosch, who taught him the more technical aspects of
playing the guitar. A year later he was introduced to a Jazz ensemble
and joined up with them as the lead singer, traveling and performing in
many different functions around Cape Town and performing regularly at
the prestigious Manenberg’s Jazz Café in the Waterfront.

Franki
M wanted to fuse, unify, merge all the genres he had come to love, and
find a unique sound that allowed him to bring elements of each
individual genre together in unison. He enrolled in the esteemed Cape
Audio College, completing a Diploma in Music Production and a Diploma
in Audio Engineering.

Franki M was then introduced to many other
producers, Leo Large (who he collaborated with, lending his guitar
skills to create Galatia’s radio hit, I Miss You) and LaSoul creating
two other original tracks, ‘I can’t take it anymore’ and ‘You were
there’. He collaborated with Fritz Holsher on one of the hottest tracks
Franki M has put out, ‘Over and Over’ which is loved in Germany and can
be found on Youtube. They proceeded to churn out one song after the
other, hits waiting for radio play! “How I ride” being the most
noteworthy is a hard hitting track that is unlike anything in sound or
flavour that any South African artist has put out in recent years.

Franki
M then teamed up with RnB/Hip Hop sensation Angelo Collins. Franki was
the opening act for the L.O.V.E Summer tour. This was followed up by
performances at the Launch party for the FTV decadance event 28th
March, the CTV Launch 18th April and at the exclusive FASHION POLICE
event at Bloomsbury Investment Cars on 30th May. He performed at event's at FTV Cape Town in June and July and in the Urban Warrior event in August.

Franki M is
now working on his debut album with the producer Eclipse, the album is
due out later this year. 6 of FRANKI M’s songs are now available to
purchase on www.rhythmrecords.co.za His latest track is called
“Bad Girl” and produced by Eclipse is on radio now. The song Bad Girl is also one if the highest viewed SA songs on You Tube for such a short period of time, with over 15 000 views so far. Franki is working on 4 new songs at the moment with Ameen Harron, Eclipse, Leo Large and Moeneeb Galant, Franki M is
a star brand on the rise in the SA music scene.

Franki M Fan Page on Face Book is growing every day.

Lisa B

lisabmusic — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 22:38:24 +0100

Lisa Bauer, originally from Gauteng, graduated from the South African College of Music at UCT in 2004 with a degree in Jazz Performance in vocals and drum kit (with a distinction in singing).She completed her first year of training in violin and piano at the University Of Stellenbosch in 1998, under the tuition of the late Lona Antoniades and Guilliana De Villiers, being a violinist in the youth Symphony Orchestra for 1 year.

Lisa started singing harmonies to her father’s LP’s of Classical Music, Musicals and Jazz since age 4, sang as a soloist in her primary school choir, performed professionally as a guitarist/singer and took drum lessons from the age of 16. It was in 1998 that Lisa joined Gavin Fullard’s Jazz vocal group Track Five (in the style of bands such as Manhattan Transfer) as an alto. Track Five performed with Big Bands Jazz Attack, UCT Big Band and the Jonny Cooper Big Band.

She has also performed, recorded and been a member of projects and artists that include The Glen Miller Orchestra South Africa, Mamavox, Souled (with Melanie Scholtz and Mimi Ntenjwa), Nic Le Roux as well as many other notable musicians. She currently works with groups such as The Baobab Three, LMR Trio (with Maxim Starcke & Ronan Skillen), electro-lounge group Nightlife Conspiracy and a Jazz Quintet that performed at the Silvertree Restaurant Winter Concert Series in 2008.

A highlight for Lisa in 2007 was being a finalist in the prestigious SAMRO Jazz Singing Overseas Scholarship Competition. She then traveled to New York and San Francisco to have lessons in Jazz Vocals with the legendary Kitty Margolis and Dr. Gloria Cooper in July 2008. She is presently enrolled in Masters in Jazz Performance studies at UCT and has recently recorded her own Jazz project EP.

Skyeclad

skyeclad — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:09:56 +0100

Skyeclad is a 5 piece rock band based in Cape Town, South Africa. With a Cacophony of musical backgrounds and influences, the band creates a powerful synergy of sound, overlayed by deep and thoughtful lyrics and an attitude to match. Please view the gig list for up and coming shows and events.

castIcon

demblon — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:27:01 +0100

I'm 21. Never studied. Spent a year working on cubase full time at home. Passionate about deep sounds. Very Experimental.

Knave

dbccomms — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:47:05 +0200

The definitive of Knave is that they are hard working and their principles are true and honest. They stamp their mark into the minds of people that are open, different and who do not need to mask their identity by trends but pride themselves on individuality, they appeal not only to youth as a form of energetic release and enthusiasm but they’ve created a platform for older generations to appreciate. This has formed a passionate Knave following and fanbase.

Since the official release of their debut album “Polarity” in late July 2007 Knave has permanently been in the spotlight receiving a lot of public attention. Interviews, reviews and features have been written up in almost every major media publication including People Magazine ● Mense Magazine ● MK ● SABC2 Da ka ● FHM ● Purity ● The white padded cell ● Blunt ● Tom-X ● Make some noise ● RSA-UK.com ● Fractal metal ● Fireangeldesign ● Underground press ● blogs.24.com ● Radio today ● Randburg Sun ● Overtone SA ● UJFM ● TUKS ● Valley radio ● 5FM ● A hugely successful live acoustic performance on TV’s “Go Rock” …and many more.

Since the release of the first single and the success of the album Knave has headlined a number of venues throughout South Africa and has played at some of South Africa’s largest festivals, sharing the stage with some of the country’s biggest acts.

All of this is only set to grow with the release of their debut music video entitled, “Diagnosis”.

Some press feedback:

5/5 Stars - Polarity - Knave’s mammoth of a debut album is a proper South African hard-rock juggernaut.

- Gordon Laws (FHM)

With "Polarity" Knave have proven themselves to be musicians, riff-masters and composers of note. A brilliant debut, dudes - well done!

- Jo from Joday

5/5 Stars - I recommend this should be a part of anyone's CD collection

- Manet Fernandez (The white padded cell)

4/5 Stars - Knave has come from out of nowhere to deliver probably one of the best albums to come out of this country this year

- Neil van Zyl (Fireangeldesign.co.za)

Sponsors, endorsements and equipment:

Jagermiester ● Music connection ● Schecter ● Gibson ● Hughes and Kettner ● Fender ● Pearl ● Ibanez ● Shure ● TC electronics

Ike Moriz

Overtone Junior — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:39:42 +0200

International SA Indie Pop star and actor IKE MORIZ (Cosmopolitan hot talent) has returned from London where he recorded parts of his 3rd studio album entitled “ALL AROUND THE WORLD”. The hot new 12 track CD includes a remix of Ike’s hit ‘STILL’ by hip London producer Max Bravo in collaboration with George Michael’s producer Steve Kent. ‘The Darkness’ session guitarist Jim Barnes has written the opening song for this album.

The first single in 2008 will be the powerful & rebellious freedom anthem "All Around the World". Track no7, "STARRY NIGHT", is a beautifully elegant love-ballad-duet featuring the gifted 5FM DJ & top SA TV celebrity ELANA AFRIKA.

Further single releases are planned for late 2008: The bowie-esque "Killing Games", the cheeky, Reggae-like "I'll be your man" and the spacey 'Pink-Floydian' "All Your Heroes Are Dead". Other songs include the deeply dramatic, philosophical & angst driven "Whereof one cannot speak"; the tragic Buddhism inspired love poem "Always You (Samsara)"; the romantic and edgy "Watching the Sun"; the optimistic 'feel-good' "Anything You Want" as well as the dark & beautifully deranged “Bite The Dog”.

Ike Moriz explores a wide range of different emotions and stylistic elements while staying true to his original energetic brand of colourful, melodic, catchy & enigmatic British Pop/Rock reflecting the life of an inspired modern artist living at the southernmost point of Africa.

Shamie

Shamie — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:21:34 +0200

Shamie

Taderera S. Mabvudzi a.k.a Shamie ex (Shame & Nathan)

The Journey

The young man’s deep lyrical content & easy to follow hooks combined with different African influences & other sounds from different parts of the world created an intact Afro Jazz sound.Cape town based Zimbabwe born Afro jazz artist is signed to Afri Kalcha Entertanment.

Shamie titled his album “The Journey” because of what we go through as we grow up.Life is a journey.He writes about love & social issues affecting our societies everyday.

In 1996 a group called Shame & Nathan was formed & the members of the group were Shamie but that time he used the name Shame & the other member was Nathan Chitenga his childhood & long time neighbour.The late Fortune Mparutsa who worked with Mac Morrison from the Uk of the return of the mac fame produced Shame & Nathan’s first R n B single called “I do”.It was only released five years later because record companies deemed African R& B not commercially viable.Shame & Nathan became house hold names in Zimbabwe after releasing an afro pop single "Aripo wangu / Ndofara" which was voted the best wedding single in 2002.This single was produced by Delani Makhalima who has worked with H20 (SA).With the help of Kelly Rusike & Manase Manase the album “Moyo wangu / My heart was born late 2002 & it had hit songs like Mafaro chete , Taidanana & Ndauyanaye .Hazvinei was Shamie’s first solo successful album But he was still using his old name "Shame".On this album songs like Hazvinei,boogey jive,ndiwe chete e.t.c dominated the charts on 3fm Now power fm (Zimbabwe).Some of the new tracks were produced by Lasoul , Neil & himself.Shamie writes music in Tswana , Shona , English & Ndebele.

The Little Kings

Overtone Junior — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:13:34 +0200

THE LITTLE KINGS
Rock intensive reggae!!!

Taking reggae to a whole new level...

Rock reggae band Little Kings are made up of singer/songwriter and guitarists Ryan Coetzee and Ryan Kidwell, lead guitarist Skye MacInnes, bassist Matthew Gill and drummer Bradley Croome.

Little Kings kicked off in 2006 as a two piece acoustic combo made up of singer/songwriters Ryan Coetzee and Ryan Kidwell. While performing at the “Like Honey Like Fire” show at Obz Café in 2007 they made a big impression and began to play an ever-increasing number of gigs around Cape Town. After six months of growing success the Ryans’ expanded their sound by hooking up with friend and bassist Matthew Gill. The bassman added a new element and depth to the sound, which encouraged them to add further with drummer Bradley Croome and lead guitarist Skye MacInnes. After a couple of jamming sessions the band clicked and a whole new Little Kings emerged.

With gigs at Obz café, Armchair Theatre, Dizzy’s, Mercury Live and Lounge and Prizm Resonance New Year Festival these guys have made a huge impression on the Cape Town music scene in a short space of time. Stating their influences as Sublime, Steel Pulse and Ben Harper, the Little Kings’ sound merges a passion for reggae greats who’ve gone before, with the rock of more current inspirations.

In the next five years the Little Kings see themselves taking their sound internationally, gigging and playing at festivals worldwide, helping to keep South African music on the map with the help of their Manager - Brad Gill.

RYAN COETZEE – SONGWRITER/LEAD VOCALS
After leaving home to join reggae band Rasta Vibrations in 1999, Ryan Coetzee discovered his passion for song writing. He travelled and lived with the band, playing around Durban and Pietermaritzburg before moving down to Cape Town in 2004. Here he played occasional bass for another reggae band “Rivertones” before hooking up with Ryan Kidwell to form what is now known as Little Kings (the name being derived from the Gaelic meaning of Ryan – Little King).

MATTHEW GILL – BASS
Matthew started playing bass at 13 and started his first band shortly after that. He was part of alternative funk rock band “Stageplant” before he left school, jamming with fellow Little Kings members Skye and Bradley. Matthew and Skye have been friends for as long as both can remember and their playing styles have always worked well together. When Stageplant came to an end Matthew started playing for three new bands which didn’t last too long until Baitball was formed. Towards the end of last year Matthew and Skye were still playing for progressive rock band Baitball and jammed together until he was invited to start playing with Little Kings.

BRADLEY CROOME – DRUMS
After starting to drum at 13, Bradley formed "Matter of Fact" with a school friend. After delving into punk rock they soon discovered it wasn’t their thing and were keen to start something new. This is when they met Matthew and Skye and they started playing together in Stageplant. Leaning in a funk rock direction they played at battle of the bands and started to gather a following. The band broke up eventually and they went there separate ways. Bradley took up lessons at the Jazz Workshop and decided to wait for the right band to come to him. Which it did. Matthew approached him about joining Little Kings in 2007.

SKYE MACINNES – LEAD GUITAR
Skye started learning piano at 8, and then at 12 he picked up the guitar. He hasn’t looked back ever since. Playing in various bands with Matthew and others throughout his school years Skye has been gigging on a regular basis since 2004. Stageplant first introduced Skye to Bradley. Ryan Coetzee asked Skye to come and jam with Little Kings at the end of 2007 and play a show for them as a stand in. However, he added so much to the sound that he’s been playing with them ever since.

Edited by Emily Pettit-Coetzee [Features writer. Men’s Health Living]

the newz

esmeralda.searle327 — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:11:45 +0200

THE NEWZ have travelled extensively throughout the Middle East since 1996, working successfully in the Sofitel and Hilton group of hotels. They were support band to The Gipsy Kings during their tour of Egypt in 2000, performing at night in the Sinai Desert. THE NEWZ are PAUL, guitars and vocals, frontman with a nasty sense of humour. ESMERALDA, drummer and lead vocals, is a sassy Spaniard with a powerful voice, the likes of Anastacia, Tina Turner and Amy Winehouse. ALEX plays electric and double bass, coaxing slaps, pops and mellow sounds out of these two instruments. Alex and Esmeralda met Robert Plant (ex Led Zeppelin vocalist) briefly in Abu Dhabi on the eve of his performance at the WOMAD Festival in April 09. A thoroughly modest and humble guy! They are returning to Cape Town late August 09 after a highly successful 7 month stint at P.J. O'Reilly's pub at Le Royal Meridien Hotel, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Rus Nerwich and the Collective Imagination

Tones of Note — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:41:12 +0200

Under the Poetree is my first exploration in the world of electronic music. I have been working on this album since November 2006, when I got my hands on my first Mac.

The project opened up an entirely new musical world, there I literally spent hundreds upon hundreds of hours, crafting, forming and rearing each track, so that it sounded in reality as it sounded in my head. I would wake up and spend all day in the studio, get to bed at 4am and wake up inspired and excited to pick up where I'd left off, each moment would see me bringing this music down from the spheres into the world, what a beautiful experience.

I discovered the world of producer, how it feels to hone a piece of music, looking at it from every angle, critically, creatively and ultimately, commercially. How to bring the best out of each artist I collaborated with on the album and how best to carry across the message inherent in each track. My aim was to produce an album that would appeal to a wide cross section of people whilst retaining the highest level of musical substance.

Drawing from all my influences, Jazz, hip hop, folk, soul, reggae and funk music. I believe I have achieved what I set out to do. On many of the tracks I performed and played all the instruments. As well as falling into the roll of recording engineer and producer, I discovered my ability to drop a little rhyme or two, so for those who know me solely as a saxophone player, there's a little surprise waiting for you.

The album includes many of the most respected and accomplished musicians active in the South African music scene, and features the likes of Melanie Scholtz, Buddy Wells, Shane Cooper. Kevin Gibson, Ronan Skillen and Wesley Rustin.

The album also brings to the wider market an exceptionally talented rapper by the name of Souljaz Pros, featured on four tracks, including the title track "Under the Poetree" he is destined for greatness.

Recorded at The House of Love and Jazz, mixed by Dave Alexander and mastered by Dave Subkleve, the production and quality is comparable to any thing in the international marketplace.

An eclectic mix of music that culminates into a cohesive whole, the album is an artistic offering that I know will bring many hours of inspired and enjoyable listening. Taking you on an aural journey that starts with the neo soul track "Thank you for the music" and ending with the contemplative "Electric Ju-Ju".

I am proud to release this musical offering into the world. Its the beginning of a new kinda party, Keep a look out for gigs n' get a copy of the album at a music store near you, Come Join me under the Poetree... peace, Rus Nerwich

Julius Wulf

info_213 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:49:52 +0200

Julius is an extreme sports fanatic and has performed a number of Biking stunts at major events. He also manages his own team of mountain bike stuntmen who all have their own trademark stunts.

He lives for the thrill and has been doing this for many years..

Julius can perform multiply stunts , which will undoubtedly amaze any audience and have them hanging on to the edge of their seats

Gravity - Rolie Nel

gravity.live — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:12:15 +0200

G·R·A·V·I·T·Y

Rolie Nel

Biography

Born and raised in Rustenburg, South Africa, Rolie Nel knew from a very young age that God had given him a gift for music, at a young age of 6 years he learned to play the guitar, but it was not until he was 11 years old that his talent for singing began to blossom.

With good looks, with a voice as strong as a lion and gentle as an angel, I proudly present to you the greatest male vocals in South Africa and perhaps world wide. The new king of Rock, Alternative, Pop, Country, Classical and Ballads and on request Cabaret and Gospel, ROLIE NEL.

Rolie's ability to comfortably sing between different octaves or to easily slip into any style from Rock to Afrikaans, ROLIE NEL, the acclaimed singer looks and sounds like a world famous star.

Rolie Nel is a 38 year old singer/songwriter with a no limits
imagination, creating his own style of music that captures the
hearts of every person who listens to his creations, both young
and old.

As a child, Rolie Nel listened to every type of music, from Bryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Prince, Dire Straits, Bon Jovi, Don Williams and for the past 5 years, Westlife, who has been his biggest inspiration, and a few more artists.

Being 27 years in the entertainment world, Rolie Nel has not had one vocal lesson; he is one of a kind, born with so much talent that was bestowed upon him from God. And also one of the best rhyme guitar players that has been heard.

Today Rolie Nel performs over 500 songs live from various
artists.

Rolie Nel has performed in many venues, talent shows,

curtain raisers for big name artists, clubs and many other functions and places in North West, Gautang and Limpopo. He made a great impact at Meropa Casino, Polokwane, Limpopo and also at Sun City Shebeen Bar, North West.

Rolie Nel's first CD was recorded by his brother, Hennie Nel, in his studio, Rustenburg. This CD has been selling extremely well. His second recording is currently being done at Trax Recording Studio in Polokwane, Limpopo. On this second CD will also be his own creation, FREE.

Rolie Nel recently discovered that not only is he a great singer, but also an awesome songwriter and composer. Up to date he has written 12 songs waiting for inspiration for the right melody. Rolie Nel was truly blessed with a gift that takes people on an unforgettable journey with his own song and the covers from various artists. He sees life as a gift and with his music and positive energy on stage he motivates everyone around him. When Rolie Nel is on stage he makes you realize that one has the power to decide whether you want to stay on the sideline or get up and dance. He understands diversity and hardships, struggling to keep head above water, as you can hear in his own song, FREE, which is in his own musical
language. Words are some times so unnecessary to try and describe Rolie Nel, but just listening makes one soul interpret the melody according to your own imagination. Rolie’s first song, FREE, was dedicated to the Lord.

Ask Rolie Nel what his personal favorite on music is and he doesn't hesitate. "I love songs with soul, when you can feel the song hit you in the centre of your chest. Now that's good songs"

Rolie Nel's purpose in this life is to inspire and motivate people, especially those who are handicapped in the form of not having the means to be able to pursue their dreams. It took Rolie a long time, with all kinds of set backs, to be where he is today. It took alot of hard work and determination up to this point of his career. But he has never given up, because he has a dream that needs to be fulfilled.
Not only has he got a dream but with the talent that God gave him he will succeed and God willing, I know that he will.

Rolie finds the live performances that he gives, maybe at the moment only in clubs, most gratifying of his career. "With live performance comes a freedom where you can express yourself at that moment. I love having an audience, because I get to experience the music through them. I love people, so just sharing my music and being there with the audience makes it so special.

I'm still learning as I grow, since I wrote my own song I know that there is so much more I can achieve. When I wrote my own song FREE I went through a very difficult time in my life and it had to take somebody very close to me, my wife and band partner, to make me realize that to sit and do nothing is wasting the talents that God gave me. She is one of my biggest fans and also my greatest motivation and inspiration. Now it is so amazing to be free, free from worrying, free just to be able to love, and most of all free to love My God and knowing that He is watching over me. That's awesome."

2008: It took Rolie almost a year to find the right person to help him build the music for his own song. For some of this countries music legend, the music was just too big. Rolie believes that certain people come along in ones life for a reason, and such a person was Bobby Louw. It took Bobby Louw 30 minutes and the music was build for his own song.

Rolie's wife, Maddy, joined him in starting their own two piece band, GRAVITY. The two of them are in quite a demand for all kind of functions and performances.

GRAVITY took part in "The Battle of the Bands" competition that was held at Sun City Shebeen Bar in September 08, were they walked away with the first price as winners from eight other bands mostly from Johannesburg.

GRAVITY is also members of North West "Boeremusiek Gilde".

2009: Is still going to be a big year for Rolie Nel and his band Gravity. A year where more and more people of South Africa will hear this extremely talented artist.

The one thing that Rolie and Maddy has learned and that is to keep on fighting for what you want and believe in, never to lie down, because when you show people that you are at your lowest, people will walk all over you.

There is one proverb that stands out above so many: "Don't look at your destination but rather at the road you travel on and with God in your live anything is possible!!"

Molemi

tumelo — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:30:04 +0200

Molemi – Amantsi
Biography

One of the most hotly anticipated hip-hop releases of 2007 has arrived – and it doesn’t disappoint.

Indeed Molemi’s solo offering ‘Amantsi’ far outstrips the expectations heaped on this quite exceptional “king of Twana rhyme”, as many have dubbed him: End-to-end, through a massive 17 tracks, ‘Amantsi’ is the sound of an artist able to create his own reality and distinctive sound through beats and rhymes that qualify Molemi for the title of newcomer of the year.

In fact, even though ‘Amantsi’ is Molemi’s debut solo offering, he’s been on the scene for some time, initially as one of the founding members of Morafe which Molemi says he’s never left and subsequently as a collaborator on several projects.

To gain some insight into where Molemi is from and what his lyrical intentions are tune into track three on ‘Amantsi’. The ‘Q and A wit Lee’ sees Lee Kasumba take on Molemi in an interview that allows him to lay his position out for all to see.

First up, as he reveals in the cut, Molemi is intent on speaking for the “Blue Collars”, “People who work the hardest, but earn the least,” is how he puts it. The people “at the bottom level” who are not benefiting from the political freedom that came in the wake of the 1994 elections are those who benefit from the rhymes of this highly literate individual, who takes his inspiration from the lives of “powerful and influential people, like the Cuban revolutionaries”.

That Molemi is so aligned to South Africa’s labourers and hard working folk is no surprise to those who know just what drives him – and even those he’s set his sights on making an impact on the South African music scene, it’s not music that propels Molemi forward.

“It’s farming,” he says, simply. “Molemi is a rap character but the person behind him is a horticultural specialist.” And he’s not kidding: Molemi may be living in Johannesburg, firing his music career along but when he has a chance, he’s back home on his farm near Mafikeng, where he specializes in hydroponics crop production systems (growing vegetables in secured environments like greenhouses to ensure quality and quantity for competitive markets and food security).

Molemi is the first to confess it took a while for him to find out what he truly loved in life. “I tried going to university and studying but that wasn’t for me. In fact I tried a few things before discovering the art of hydroponics.” Molemi pays tribute to his parents for believing that he would eventually find his calling.

That Molemi represents a deeply-rooted assimilation of traditional consciousness and contemporary music trends is partly due to the way he was raised – and is evidenced all over Amantsi. Tracks like’Molelo’ and ‘Uhuru’ speak of a heightened sense of consciousness and Molemi’s collaboration with the likes of Omphile (on ‘Freak Out’), Kaygizm (‘Magnificent’) and Tuks Senganga (‘Cover Charge’) also elevate ‘Amantsi’ into a broader zone.

As Otsile Ntsoane says on Molemi’s website, “An advocate of Indigenous languages Mo’ remains a native who has not assimilated the culture of Ghetto and imperial America to despise his own. He uses Setswana expressions undisturbed, and remembers what he is, what he stands for musically and lyrically amidst the ever growing hip-hop genre”.

Molemi is unashamed about the fact that he wants to create stories that provoke debate – something that his career until now has also resulted in. High speculation over when and who would release his debut album saw Molemi notch up a significant amount of press inches, as did his relationship with HHP (who, incidentally, turns up on the track ‘Manong’).

In the end, ‘though, in ‘Amantsi’ Molemi has created an album that stands out with ease; crafting a singular sound that is likely to see the release make it onto many ‘best of’ lists of 2007. Musically, it’s a fusion of many influences including Motswako, and Marley’s reggae, and much more. As Molemi says, “It’s a journey through the road less traveled.” And it’s undoubtedly one that many music fans will want to take.

The History

* 1981 - Born, Motlapele Morule, the how many-th?
* 1997 - Co-founded il-tribe with Towdee, Kaygizm and Khuli

* 2000 - Changed group name to Morafe

* 2001 - Featured on HHP’s 2nd album, maftown, on ayoba

* 2002 - Resigned as a full member of Morafe, who cares why?

* 2003 - Undertook a vegetable production project with the help Of my dad on the
family farm, Bakang.

* 2005 - Planted 50 hectares and harvested 36 tons of dry sunflowers
• Featured on HHP’s 5th offering, yba2nw

* 2006 - Resigned as a full member of Morafe, who cares why?

More info on www.molemi.co.za & www.myspace.com/momolemi

12th Avenue

nicci — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:07:30 +0100

Hailing from Cape Town, SA, 12th Avenue has earned a reputation for being one of the hardest working, and most energetic and entertaining live acts in the country.

The band has just released "Sober", the third and final chapter in the "Crazy" trilogy, which tells the story of two fictional characters "Anjee" and "12". The album was recorded at LMX Studios in Constantia, Cape Town, SA.

"Sober" was released through Musketeer Records, who are also Seether's distribution label in South Africa. 12th Avenue had the honour of supporting Seether on all the dates of their Homecoming SA Tour in June 2008, playing to over 20 000 people over 4 nights.

12th Avenue has also headlined at some of SA’s top live music venues, including Mercury Live and Lounge, CT; Tempos, JHB; Roxy Rhythm Bar, JHB; Burn, Durban; Zeplins, PTA; The Blues Room, JHB and many more.
12th Avenue has achieved great success with the single "Crazy", which maintained the Number One position on the Hi 5 @ 5 on 5FM for six consecutive weeks in 2006.

The EP "Crazy" was also voted "Album of the Year" by zazone.com in the same year.

The band's single, "Living in my Life" off the album "Insane", also achieved the Number One spot on 5FM's Hi 5 @ 5 and stayed on the chart for almost four months.

12th Avenue's latest single "Time Bomb" is currently tearing up radio waves across SA, achieving Number One on Rhodes Radio, with the single’s music video receiving airplay on DSTV music station, MK.

"Sober" is available in stores nationwide through Musketeer Records.

12th Avenue is proudly sponsored by Paul Bothner Music.

T'do

Overtone Admin — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:08:10 +0100

Thato “T’do” Mahlatsi, born in Soweto on the 17th of September 1983, began his entertainment career 18 years after his birth when he 1st discovered his television presenting talent in 2001 when he presented SABC 1`s magazine show “Get Real”. He then came back to the scene as one half of hip-hop’s top notch tag team, Zulu Mobb, with his partner in crime Dez Demona in 2004.

The group went on to release two albums, Corner Bullet & Knife (2004) and Zuluminati (2005) , they were also nominated for a Metro FM Music Award and a Channel O Music Video Award.The increase in T’do’s credibility, stature and worth as an artist has seen him work with Slikour, Flabba, Mr Selwyn, Wicked, Mapaputsi, Psyfo and Amu.

After two Zulu Mobb albums and great guest appearances, T’do has decided to put his best foot forward, step up, stand up and hit the studio to start preparing his solo album due for release in 2008 under the watch full eye of Buttabing Entertainment, his new home.

In 2007 and all the way into the future, T’do will be fully exploiting all his God given talents as an exceptional television personality and hip hop genius, beware South Africa ..…….. T’do is in the building!!!

Geoff K

samcoco — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 21:35:09 +0100

When Geoff K started his odyssey into this amazing industry that we all love and need, he was not your typical teenager. When his peers were at home worrying about their homework, he was out experiencing life and the dance culture. He was a regular at events like Ice and Gatecrasher, as well as at Truth, which has firmly established itself as South Africa's leader in underground dance music. Geoff K's musical influences range from Tiesto, Ferry Corsten and Fatboy Slim to Style of Eye, Switch and Greenskeepers and even a dash of Kate Melua and Linken Park.

Not only has Geoff K had a constant passion for music, but has also made sure he has the theory behind it all. With a Diploma in Sound Engineering as well as multiple Certificates in Pro Tools and a Gold Certificate in DJ Fundamentals, he has pretty solid grounding. What started as a hobby, DJ'ing at house parties and making mix CD's, has bloomed into his passion that is production. He started off producing on Cubase and Wavelab, and is currently running a Pro Tools HD System in the South of Johannesburg, where he has built a fully functional and well equipped recording studio, Cultural Outlaw Studio's.

Since the beginning of 2007 he has signed an assortment of tracks to both local and international labels, including Ministry of Sound AU, Dynamic Music, More Music, Grooved Music and Junky Trunk Records. Geoff K has completed various remixes for and has been remixed by the likes of Ryan Murgatroyd, Calvertron, Bryan Jones, Heavyfeet, the Bulgarian, Sexual Chocolate, Jimmy Chronic and Troydon, Raymond Mather, Bang Bang, Headtrip and Afrostatic. He has also worked on productions for various Hip Hop Acts.

Geoff K has released over 20 singles, many of these making Top 100 charts on various digital portals including Beatport, DJ Download and Stompy. He has recently been featured on the Lady Lea compilation, "Family Affair" and the "Truth - In The Club" compilation, mixed by Deepgroove. He has gained support and been featured in Top 10 Charts by Santiago & Bushido, Hijack, Jonny Lexxs, Heavyfeet, Deron Delgado, Bryan Jones, Collette and many more...

Currently Geoff K is running his recording studio, producing as much as possible and busy with the early stages of his digital record label, Cultural Outlaw Records, which has already earned attention of some respected DJ's and producers. First releases available very soon, thanks to sub-label assistance from Grooved Music label boss, Dave Friedman.

Geoff K's future is so bright and sound so fresh, can't wait to see what he does next...

Guy Herman

samcoco — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:04:33 +0100

Guy Herman first took to the decks in 1999. His natural talent saw him move into the professional arena at a meteoric pace and by 2001 he had succeeded in securing a place in the finals of the SA Technics Battle of the DJ's. Since then, Guy developed his alter ego as a member of the Pimp Squad, where he and fellow DJ Jon S have established themselves alongside SA’s finest.

Undeniably South Africa's most popular DJ duo, the Pimp Squad was formed in 2001 when Guy Herman and Jon S, both established DJ's in their own right, teamed up at Sublime's first Boiling Point event. 2 DJ's, 4 Turntables and 2 DJ Boxes at either end of the dancefloor.. and so the legend was born. The duo have been partners in crime ever since, rocking dance floors across the country and presently holding a much coveted residency at Truth Nightclub in Midrand.

Not satisfied with the mere craft of mixing music, Guy Herman began producing and releasing his own music almost 2 years ago. Perpetually busy in studio adding to his already impressive discography Guy now has releases and remixes out both locally and internationally on imprints such as Junky Trunk, Grooved Music, Second Session, Downsouth, Buzz Cut, Funkfield Recordings, Flexual Records and forthcoming on Electric Sushi and Roostar. His production credits can also be found on compilations such as Partyhouse Vol. 1, Truth Vol. 5, Full Throttle and of course the most recent Pimp Squad album compilation release, Road Trip 2007.

Whether in tandem as Pimp Squad or manning the decks solo and causing ultimate mayhem, Guy's versatility, impeccable talent and exuberant style has ensured billing alongside some of the worlds top DJ's and Producers including Carl Cox, Tom Novy, Inland Knights, Dieselboy, Charles Webster, Richie Louisy & Jack Henney, DJ Yellow, DJ Daze, Bruno Banner (Troublemen), Harrison Crump, Alex Kid, Kaskade, Tim Westwood (Radio 1), Geoff Kemp (Rapture), Malcolm Duffy, Sister Bliss (Faithless), Brandon Block, Mr Thing (Scratch Perverts), Dominic B (Stanton Warriors) and Justin Robertson and he has accompanied names such as Joey Youngman, Jason Hodges, Jake Childs, Jay West and Sexual Chocolate on national tours of South Africa.

Guy Herman has held residencies at 206, Reality, Sublime, Tramps, Sudada and for All Good and played regularly for Matric Rage, KISS, Next Movement, YFM, 5FM, FTV, Roxy's, The Crazy 88, Suede, Tempo's, Malabar, Catwalk, Groove Bar, Carfax, Tilt, Raffles, The Bang Bang Club, Deluxe, 52 Parliament, Numbers, The Deck, VIP in Plett and Fashion Lounge in Botswana to name a few. He continues to play at almost every major club in SA and is currently a resident at Sutra, Chilli Lounge, Truth and for H2O.

Guy Herman can best be described as a performance DJ and producer who take his skills to the limits to present an orgasmic sonic and visual experience.

Machinebird

wchundersmarck — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:32:27 +0200

KIck ass NYC based band with a South African member who wants to bring the music home.

After Zach and Tommy's (Hissy Fit, Mother Courage, The Great Clearing Off) musical progeny Guadalahara failed due to excessive night time freelancing, the two decided they needed to escape New York and refocus their energy in the hidden tranquility of Esperanza in Baja, Mexico. What arose from the desert was Machinebird: a new sound that bowed to the greats of classic rock. The two returned to New York with only a vision and an eight-track, but were soon blessed with the attention of Super Buddha, the brooklyn based producing team quickly rising from the underground by producing tracks for the likes of Debbie Harry, The Scissor Sisters, Rufus Wainwright, etc. Machinebird is now preparing their live experience.

Shades of Blackness

djftl — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:55:57 +0100

Shades of Blackness is a Nelson Mandela Bay based organic hip-hop band. Inspired by the golden age of hip-hop when it was centred on community upliftment, they explain organic hip-hop as the kind of music that is informed by the daily realities of people at grassroots level.

The band was officially formed in 2006 after a series of jam sessions and playing together in numerous gigs. The name Shades of Blackness is a poetic way of explaining that their music communicates their views, perspectives and experiences as young Black South Africans.

The band comprises of Imhotep the Poet/Emcee/B-boy, MK the lead Guitarist, Rebel the Drummer, Mellow Mel the bass Guitarist, Kay Tee on the keyboard and DJ FTL?! who does numerous roles from advising, coordinating, marketing and promoting the band.

Their use of live instruments brings a unique sound to the band’s music as opposed to the more popular computer programming in hip-hop.

Shades of Blackness is inspired by the humility and spirit of resilience embodied in Nelson Mandela. Through hip-hop they strive to keep the torch that was lit by great South Africans such as the late Oliver Thambo, Robert Sobukwe, Vuyisile Mini, Ruth First, Ashley Kriel and Steve Biko alive.

They are also inspired by musicians such Bob Marley, The Roots, Arrested Development, Mos Def, Tumi and the Volume and Prophets of Da City. Shades of Blackness seeks to educate and motivate the youth to channel their energies in positive and constructive ways rather that opting for crime, drugs an gangsterism.

They want to instill in the youth a sense of pride, confidence, optimism and a firm belief in the realization of their dreams.

State Of Cassava

stateofcassava — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:08:05 +0100

This project arose out of the ashes of my previous band, Khwezimalaika ( Jason Venter, Grenville Williams, Joni Tuson) and I recruited my old school buddy, Kazi to do the backing vocals and percussion. I'm the lead vocalist and guitarist and write the songs. We've played all over Cape Town and are now looking to record. I wanted to do a more acoustic thing with songs about what I hear about, what I see around me, songs which are about something, with cool chilled acoustic vibes in the mix, hope you like it!

Brent Kozak

brent.kozak — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:16:45 +0200

singer/songwriter/guitarist born in PE, RSA. Have been performing 18 years or so. Trully enjoy all styles of music. Have been fortunate enough to play with many great musicians, some well known. Have just finished recording my debut solo album, The Rice Paddy Tour. Looking forward to going out and playing shows.

The Radicals Basics

atthetop100 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:31:28 +0200

About The Radicals (reggae)

BACKGROUND Established in Newtown,Johannesburg in 2003,by guitarist and lead vocalist Mduduzi Sibisi aka 'Meesh',Sipho Khumalo and Bongumusa Mdluli aka 'Bongo Man' as co-founders and backing vocals.The trio hail from Nyanyadu village near Newcastle, Zulu Kingdom, South Africa. It hasn't been an easy skanking for The Radicals in the music industry,besides the fact that their music is highly appreciated by patrons where-ever they perform.'There's a shortage of reggae festivals in South Africa,and it's one of the reasons local artists tend to seek oppotunities abroad' laments one of the members. Though their music is genre-specific,but it seems as if they are able to capture any kind of audience.'It's tough, but sizo"shona khona" for sure' another member adds, quoting one of the songs from the album. Despite all the hardships and pains, ups and downs, trials and tribulations, The Radicals has grown to an eight member outfit. In 2004 they performed with UK's Vivian Jones during his S.A visit tour. They performed on US's Toni Black at Horror cafe', 2007 Macufe with the late reggae icon Lucky Dube. They were last year's finalists of the annual SABC RBF Challenge held at Emperor's Palace- Theatre Macellus.The contest was tough and the judges had a dificult moment to select the winners. Though The Radicals did not win but they set the house on fire. The Radicals debut album titled 'Radical Basics' is due to be released in the near future. As part of MTNXploaded music distribution deal,the album shall be available soon as downloads on www.mtnxploaded.co.za [watch this space] The single "Hypocrites" has been played several times on Radio 2000 and they have been dubbed as 'the most promising up-and-coming reggae band'-Bongolution (host Roots-Reggae on Radio 2000). From this album you can expect songs like Rainbow Love, Da Dread and Shona Khona to mention the few.The message from the songs deals with basic human emancipation.There's still a lot to expect from these radicals.

Clients include: Moyo restaurants, Zoo Lake, Jet Club, etc

Airport Security

fayros — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:57:21 +0100

In the beginning there were two. Two elementary school friends meet ten years after having last seen each other on Cape Towns’ Clifton 4th beach. Both realize that the other now plays an instrument and an impromptu jam session in which their first song is born.

That being said, Airport Security’s roots stem from a place where acoustic is the only way to go. Airport Security front man, Zayd “Sam” Carelse sites his songwriting style as “I swear if I knew how it happened, I’d tell you” with Lead guitarist, Riaz Patel being the man to complete the picture by combining strong, melodic and catchy lead to a solid foundation. They’ve been a song writing team since 2006 and after compiling albums worth of material, to which their friends all knew the words, decided it was time to take things to the public and see how they felt about it.

The response was incredible. Riding the free distribution wave of Bluetooth technology they have managed to build a growing fan base and a reputation which precedes them. Using facebook as a video blog style tool they have managed to entice their fans with something as personal as intimate jam sessions in which the viewers are able to see the songs they love being created. The band sites their reason for doing this as being true to their roots. “We started out by writing songs on the beach and showing them to our friends. We’re just doing that to a wider audience now.” They most recently acquired Bassist, Shakeel “Frank” Parker and Drummer, Reyaad Lodhewyk and have completed the already soul piercing melodies with a beat to pull your heart along with it.

Many things have happened quite by accident for what critics are calling “The nice guy meets rock n’ roll”. Sam’s modest “Thank you. I’m glad you liked it but we aren’t that good” response to my congratulations after their last gig is just evidence of that. Their first outing to an open mic night led to somebody noticing and contacting producer and director of their music video “Open Car Crash”, Brooke Fasani, who funded the project. Their popularity on the streets of Cape Town is increasing day by day amongst many who seek refuge in the deep, raw and emotionally moving music they produce. There’s something about music that everybody loves, the ability to reach deep into your heart and soul and speak to you directly, which these guys have managed to do.

No doubt we will be seeing great things from these four young men because we’re already hearing great things.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Airport-Security/43726480511?v=info&ref=ts

The One Night Stands

The One Night Stands — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:58:21 +0200

The One Night Stands were formed in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2007. Lu had an idea for his birthday and assembled a bunch of friends to form for one night only and play covers of all his favourite Eighties tunes. The songs chosen ranged from the dark to the glossy of the new-wave/alternative spectrum. Groups such as Talk Talk, The Cure, The Smiths, Bananarama, Ultravox amongst others, were all tackled by this makeshift band!

Audiences loved what they saw and refused to let this one night stand end. Requests for parties and underground gigs came in abundance. Within six months, The One Night Stands were being featured on Randburg Billboards...

Suddenly, riffs were pouring outta everywhere and original material virtually began to write itself. Existential lyrics were shouted over the top of lengthy jams, inspired by Camus and Copeland, Mailer and Mojo. Everything was thrown into the mix as long as it sounded 'Red' had a catchy melody and would be approved by the blokes from Interpol! Ten songs took shape over six months, the reactions were instantaneous.

Gigs with groups such as kidofdoom, Us Kids Know, JimNeversink, The Black Hotels and many more followed pretty quickly. The buzz had hit the street. Soon the clothing company IRON FIST approached the band and offered them a sponsorship. This was followed by another endorsement by an internet company called TOUCHBASEPRO, who helped in creating a web based network and mailing list for the band.

After a blistering set one Saturday night, in March 2008, The One Night Stands were offered a three album record deal by local indie company, Sting Music . They just released their debut album, available country wide, which was produced by renowned Matthew Fink.

Their first single "Seconds" has reached number one on 5fm's Hi 5 @ 5 chart as well as being playlisted and charting on various other radio stations country wide. The music video for "Seconds" has just been released to various TV stations and was directed by Daron Chatz who has also directed the video for the follow up single "Talk Talk" due for release early next year.

With typical tongue-in-cheek, the group refers to their sound as 'red', but in fact a mix between the angular, post-punk textures of New Order, Talking Heads, The Chameleons and U2 seems more fitting!

The One Night Stands are :-

Lu - vocal & guitar
George - drum & vocal
Sarah - synthesizer & vocal
Martin - bass guitar

Afro Fiesta

info_76 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:29:39 +0100

The music of Afro Fiesta is a fusion of various styles incorporating Makosa, Latino African salsa and Kwasa-Kwasa. This lively band comprise of extraordinary talent. Male musicians who are constantly climbing the ladder of success, since the beginning in 2000.

International radio plays establishes their music worldwide. The big demand made afro Fiesta performed all over South Africa in the most renowned and established music venues and festivals in the USA.

Their hit Matinda was jus recently licensed for playing for change. The audience will be carried away by the joy ad Rhythms and will dance the night away. With Afro fiesta you will listen to the beat of Africa and feel the Love

kirsten4music

kirsten — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:19:37 +0100

Music styles to suit your taste, tempos to compliment the atmosphere and melodies that’ll make your event unforgettable.

Our
repertoire encompasses light classical, mellow jazz, well-known
classics, ballads, contemporary music and popular hits. We can create
any mood from a relaxed ambience to a party atmosphere. We are happy to
customise an entertainment package for you to make your occasion the
success you deserve!

It Takes Four

IT4 — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:04:36 +0100

It Takes Four consists of a male vocalist, drummer, keyboards and bass guitarist. Played all over the country at various functions. Whether you are looking for a band for a corporate function or a wedding, It Takes Four is the band for you.

Their styles include pop, rock, rock n roll, swing, jazz and even Afrikaans.

dimeshift

Lara_damhuis — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:13:14 +0100

We are a Cover/Oringinal Band who performs in and around the East Rand area, however are willing to travel. We perform songs from artists the likes of Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Jack Johnson, U2 and Original music in the same genre's. We are a four piece band with lots of energy, the more people on the dance floor the better. We have played at clubs like Cool Runnings and Cafe Bahrain in Benoni.

Pimp Squad

samcoco — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:54:28 +0100

Undeniably South Africa's most popular DJ duo, the Pimp Squad was formed in 2001 when Guy Herman and Jon S, both established DJ's in their own right, teamed up at Sublime's first Boiling Point event - 2 DJ'S / 4 Turntables / 2 DJ Boxes at either end of the dancefloor, and so the legend was born. The duo has been partners in crime ever since, rocking dance floors across the country, playing alongside and working with some of the biggest names in the industry.

They describe their sound as "a fusion of jackin' house & crunchy electronic beats" which has become their signature sound. Laced with live samples and explosive mixing, every Pimp Squad performance is memorable. They've been at the forefront of the house revolution since the early days of 206 and Reality, holding down countless residencies and radio slots over the years, playing every major event and venue on the SA dance scene. They can presently be found every Saturday at Truth nightclub in Midrand for their weekly residency.

Following on the success of their debut compilation "Deeper Sound of Pimp Squad", the duo recently released their second compilation "Road Trip 2007" through USM Records.

"The new album is in true Pimp Squad style, predictably unpredictable. We believe in the potential of a dynamic sound and have looked to bring this to the fore in our new album. It is a collection of tracks that are exclusively Pimp Squad, an underground sound that is unique in a market dominated by the mainstream." Music Industry Online Interview

Since the formation of their own record label Pimp Squad Recordings, the pair have been busy in studio adding to their already impressive discography, with tracks released both locally and internationally on labels such as Grooved Music, Downsouth, Junky Trunk, Funkfield Recordings, Second Session, Flexual Records, Elevate Music, Buzz Cut USM Records and forthcoming on Roostar Records and Electric Sushi.

Their production credits can be found on compilations such as Lady Lea's Catch Me If You Can Vol. 1, Partyhouse Vol. 1, Truth Vol. 5, Natural Groove Vol. 1, Full Throttle and of course their most recent Pimp Squad album release Road Trip 2007.

They've shared the decks with some of the worlds top DJ's including the likes of Kaskade, Alex Kid, Dieselboy, Tim Westwood (Radio 1), Richie Louisy & Jack Henney, Bruno Banner (Troublemen), Harrison Crump, DJ Yellow, DJ Daze, Geoff Kemp, Carl Cox, Tom Novy, Inland Knights, Charles Webster, Malcolm Duffy, Sister Bliss (Faithless), Brandon Block, Mr Thing (Scratch Perverts) and Dominic B (Stanton Warriors) and accompanied names like Joey Youngman, Jake Childs, Jason Hodges, Jay West and Sexual Chocolate on national tours.

Golden Boy (Fospassin)

patrickfosso — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:48:59 +0200

Golden Boy (Fospassin) is the ultimate singer/songwriter for the 21st century music lover. Great artist, he is a hero in the new way hip hop with world music. Originally, he incorporates a wide range of influences that makes his songs unique. Surrounded by energy, emotions and people from all over the world, Golden Boy (Fospassin) is bringing to the world something hot for people to forget their worries, while his lyrics stir the deepest universal emotions. Tight rythmes, great chorus and excellent productions brought his music at the top level of arts and entertainment.

Fantastic composer and energetic singer-dancer, he has been awarded more than 15 times in 2 years and Golden Boy (Fospassin) receives more than 15000 weekly radio airplay reports worldwide.

soultique

soultiquejazz — Wed, 13 May 2009 11:53:07 +0200

soultique an all male 7 piece band known for their incredible morden african fussed jazz, we have been together for alost a year now. the band was born mid 2008 given birth to by the lead vocalist tshepo mosia, who managed to gather a lot of experience in a short period in the field of jazz, the band revolves around the three vocalist and consists of the most experienced and educated instumentalists in pretoria, we have performed in big events like the international capital arts festival hosted in pretoria, joy of jazz and after winning puisano live jazz progam in 2008 in pretoria hoted by the department of arts culture sport and recreation we then performed at venues that hosted the showcases of puisano

Marimba Conexion Project

marimbaconexion — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:34:07 +0200

Marimba Conexion consist of artists based in Cape Town who use marimba instruments, drum kit, sexaphone, percussion and vocal for entertainment.

The performers have travelled and have revamped the music to suite all kinds of walk, from african traditional style to suite all occassions.

The band has been formed since 1990 and has gained experience in the style of playing and has made an impact to it's various audiences.

Mark Sampson

mark_7 — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:11:56 +0200

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A passionate believer in the power of comedy to unite people, Sampson was the founder of the Cape Comedy Collective and held free workshops for would-be stand-ups at his Comedy Lab every week from 1999-2002. He was the legendary host of the Cape Comedy Club, packed to capacity every Sunday at the Independent Armchair Theatre in Cape Town for 3 years from 1999. This hothouse of talent produced many of today’s top comedy names such as Kurt Schoonraad, Kagiso Lediga, Stuart Taylor, Riaad Moosa, Tshepo Mogale, Nik Rabinowitz, Tracy Klass, David Newton, Loyiso Gola and Melanie Jones.

He coined the slogan “Comedy - for the people, by the people!” and the CCC delivered just that, at more than 50 venues on their ever-changing 6-nights-a-week circuit around Cape Town from 1999 to 2003.

Book Mark Sampson today!

Fezray

ivans — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:41:12 +0200

FEZRAY is a five-piece folk- and punk-inspired rock band from Cape
Town. The band members are: Tanya Potgieter (vocals), Ivan Sadler (lead
guitar), Pedro von Wielligh (rhythm guitar), Chris Truter (bass), and
Jason Walter (drums).

The mighty FEZRAY had its humble beginnings in 2008, when Tanya
Potgieter and Ivan Sadler started collaborating on songs, with the
intention of later recruiting other musicians to start a band. With
Ivan’s experience as a songwriter – gained over the 16 years he has
been playing guitar – and Tanya’s fondness for melodic vocals, songs
began to emerge. The lyrics, in Afrikaans and English, were also a
combined effort, and include musings on everyday life and its
complications, love and love lost, tales of insanity, and a
tongue-in-cheek murder ballad thrown in for good measure.

Fast-forward a few hard-working months and the music-loving duo has
evolved into a full rock band. Armed with a setlist of six completed
songs, Tanya and Ivan recruited 3 additional musicians: Pedro von
Wielligh, Chris Truter, and John Murray on drums. There followed the
first FEZRAY gig at the Mercury Lounge in Cape Town, where FEZRAY
supported rockabilly four-piece ‘Three More White Guys’. John departed
to pursue musical dreams of his own, while Pedro and Chris liked what
they heard and decided to commit themselves to the eclectic and
energy-filled rock songs. The band then recruited former ‘I Villain’
drummer Jason Walters (also from ‘Ill System’, ‘Genetalia’, ‘Magic of
Pegasus’).

Like Jason, all the other guys in FEZRAY have previously played in
bands. Pedro was in ‘Mindcream’, ‘Brollox en Bittergal’ and ‘Wilde
Als’, while Chris was part of numerous other projects like ‘The Rash’,
‘Anima’, and ‘All Star Collectors’. He also had a stint as bassist for
alternative CT rock band, ‘The Sleepers’. As for Ivan, he was the
guitarist and primary song writer in both ‘I Villain’ and surf rock
outfit ‘Krakatoa’. In contrast to her fellow, more experienced band
members, FEZRAY is Tanya’s first band.

Working on expanding their collection of songs continues to be a
main priority, always keeping in mind their aim of writing music that
they themselves would like to hear. Fervent efforts to record an album
in the near future are also currently underway, as the members of
FEZRAY do what they do best while bestowing merriment on all who want
to listen, and leaving good spirits and a sense of illumination in
their wake.

Gwambe Stars

glmmusic — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:44:51 +0200

Gwambe Stars is a group of young stars that come from Plumtree, Zimbabwe. It was formed in 2007 by Mr Gerald Ngulube who is a Chairman of Umthombo Arts & Culture a South African based Zimbabwean artist organisation which consists of 23 different arts group and his wife Mrs Lily Ngulube who is Music public relations manager at Dalom Music. Gwambe Stars is playing Zimbabwe music known as "RUMBA". The group is made of young people who are very passionate about thier culture and the music they play.

Small Town Heroes

Small Town Heroes — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:42:52 +0200

Small Town Heroes is a Durban based 3-piece rock band formed in early 2008.
Mark Cholerton (Vox, Guitar), John Benecke (Bass) and Karel Jordaan (Drums) are all seasoned musicians having played in bands like Waverley, Starplayer and Park Lane.
Small Town Heroes plays a brand of driving pop rock with catchy melodies and hooks that will have you humming long after the music has finished playing. They have a positive and uplifting message and attitude.
They are currently recording their debut album at 3AM Studios in Durban with ex-Tree bassist and now producer engineer John "Scoop" Randall. 2 tracks have already been completed - "Hard As You Try" and "Can You Hear Me" and they are both sounding great!

Is Kimon

kimon — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:48:27 +0100

DJ Is Kimon plays funk and enigmatic grooves from all over the world. He is a reggae fundi and loves dub. He spins tunes to make you wake up and jam.

Check out www.facebook.com/open.mono.

Frankie Beagle

frankie — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:04:58 +0100

Frankie Beagle is a singer-songwriter based in
Johannesburg, South Africa. She defines
her style as Folk-Soul. Her material
is written from the the heart. Poetic, quirky threads run through her lyrics, which she delivers with soul.

In 2008 she put together a band consisting of Julian Kuhn on
double bass, Reuben Samuels on drums & Vaughan Harris on percussion.

She has just finished recording her 11 track debut album ‘The Sounds’ which has just been released.

Her sound has been likened to that of Norah Jones, Regina
Specktor & Fiona Apple.

Some of the venues she’s played at include The Radium Beer Hall, Earthdance festival
Jhb, Bryanston Organic Market, Goethe institute, Cool Runnings, Belavista
Lounge.

Please feel free to visit my myspace or reverbnation pages to listen.

http://www.reverbnation.com/frankiebeagle

www.myspace.com/francescharlton

ENMITY

SiameseGun — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:04:04 +0200

Enmity is a tapestry of sound, intensity, beauty and passion, combining all these elements and more into one explosive experience. Enmity manage to coalesce brutal elements of
creative metal riffs with overtones of melodies, harmonies and manic vocals which are balanced with interludes, keyboards and female vocals.

Having made an impact on the scene from their very first gig, Enmity have broken and recreated the mold for the underground, setting the standard for quality live performance and song writing, both of which are extremely important elements to the band.

Currently working on their long awaited and highly anticipated debut album, Enmity have been teasing fans by releasing high quality demos since their inception, and this latest project is sure to raise the standard of quality on the scene.

With a live performance that exudes a contagious energy on stage, the band is confident and comfortable with their set. With the intention to not impress the audience, but rather leave an impression, Enmity reaffirm old fans and secure brand new ones with every gig.

Kyle Shepherd

theo — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:52:54 +0100

Kyle Shepherd biography overview...

kyle started playing violin at age 8,where he studied under terence scarr (tananas,selected recordings,and abdullah ibrahim,african suite orchestra). he then moved to the prestigous hugo lambrechts school of music where he regularly played at the highest level competing in national eistedfords and playing in the hugo lambrechts symphony orchestra while still at primary school.

kyle studied with madelein van rooyen while at hugo lambrechts. at age 16 kyle abandoned the violin and classical music and followed a path of improvised music and playing jazz piano. he then spent time with south african music legend abdullah Ibrahim at the m7 music academy,cape town. ibrahim then formed a youth band,the ambassadors (named by ibrahim,after the famous pre-apartheid jazz club in cape town) which featured kyle on piano,donveno prins on saxophones, and wilfrd cornelliouson drums.

the band was under the eye of Dr.abdullah ibrahim. since then kyle has filtered into the south african jazz scene, playing piano with many legends of south african music. kyle also fronts his own bands in which he composes music for,writes and recites poetry,plays piano and saxophone.

kyle shepherd's fineART quartet are soon to release their first album. In 2005, kyle won an award for the best original composition in the first FMR/Pick ‘n Pay Travel Awards and also attended the Norsk Jazzforum’s “Summer School for Jazz music and Improvisation” in Norway.

Shepherd has performed at concerts & festivals in South Africa and abroad with the likes of Allou April, Alvin Dyers, Errol Dyers, Robbie Jansen, Louis Moholo, Mccoy Mrubata, paul hanmer, Zim Ngqawana, hilton schilder,stephen erasmus, Alex Van Heerden and Buddy Wells.

As part of the 2008 Cape Town International Jazz Festival Programme, Shepherd’s Jazz Quartet performed two of his original compositions in a virtual “Jazz Conversation” with jazz students from the Juilliard Institute for Jazz Studies in New York. presently kyle divides his time between working on solo recording and performing projects. composing solo exhibition works (pre recorded) which features live music performance combined with visual art and lighting art.

highlighted events -member of m7 ( a school which invloves the study of music,martial arts,meditation) with abdullah ibrahim

2004 -national schools big band 2005 -attends Norsk Jazzforum's "summer school for jazz music and improvisation", norway. (kyle was 1 of 5 youth musicians selected from south africa)

2005 -first recipient of the fmr/pick n pay travel award for original composition 2005 travels to holland,france,and belgium with travel award

2006 -plays world music festival in france

2007 -performs at the first of the now annual Genting international festival,malaysia.

2007 -plays jazz festival in maputo,mozambique with morira chonguisa 2007 -performs at the macufe festival, bloemfontein with mcCoy marubata band ( playing piano) and paul hanmer band ( playing saxophone) and wendy oldfield (piano)

2007 -plays in the moholo molohlo avant garde big band with great louis moholo

2008 -features in the new york times, new york. the article covered exponents of cape jazz.

2008 -juilliard link up.

2008 (a first in africa,and as part of the

2008 Cape Town International Jazz Festival Programme, Shepherd’s fineART Quartet performed two of his original compositions in a virtual “Jazz Conversation” with jazz students from the Juilliard Institute for Jazz Studies in New York.his made a very favourable impression on acclaimed saxophonist Ron Blake who led the event on the Juilliard side, who commented that Shepherd’s eclectic compositions sounded “very fresh, very 21st-century.”) the two groups were linked via satellite technology which enabled them to interact with eachother as if in the same room. cutting edge technology provided by ericsson enabled an audio and video feed with no latency. very impressive considering the disyance between new york and cape town. an article was published in the juilliard journal

www.juilliard.edu/journal/2007-2008/0805/articles/0805_Jazz.html -

performs at obz festival with fineART quartet.

2007 -appears in film,gone sweet night, with moreira chonguisa,wesley rustin and kesivan naidoo.also performs on the soundtrack to the film. -enrols as student and resident at the zimolgy institute,jhb. studies under jazz great zim ngqawana. 2 month master classes.

2008 -tours with the Cape town jazz orchestra playing saxophone,tour of cape winelands,working with students from rural farm areas.

2008 in addition to performing as pianist, saxophonist and leading a group as composer, kyle also writes and recites poetry, plays violin and composes solo electronic exhibition pieces. one of which, "portrait of me inside of you" is soon to be performed as well as "relativity"... a collaboration of pre recorded electronic composition with visual artist and lighting artist. You should create your own

Meri Ké

Meri Ké — Sun, 24 May 2009 20:06:52 +0200

Poetic, rhythmical and passionate – alternative/folk music with a difference. Meri Ké’s style blends creative percussive guitar playing with powerful songwriting. She’s been writing songs on acoustic guitar for over 8 years, and taught herself to play. Her music is passionate and expressive, reminiscent of her inspiration in the word arts. Strong melodies carry the, sometimes, raw emotion of her songs with confidence and ease, making the experience of Meri Ké’s performance and music as enjoyable as it does moving.

“Port Elizabeth artist Meri Ké shows great diversity on her independently released album In a Moment.” – Leon Muston (The Herald CD Review)

“… a true artist in the complete sense of the word... she composes music and poetry and plays guitar with amazing feel for someone so young in the game... In her songs I saw the sincerity of a Tracy Chapman mixed in with the wild, artistic flair of a Janis Joplin.” – Keira WitherKay

blaze

tasmat.olitas — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:09:10 +0100

Letitia Lindeque

Letitia Lindeque — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:58:31 +0200

Letitia Lindeque is a singer, songwriter and musician from Centurion, South Africa. Her musical career started in high school where she was choir leader and completed her grade 4 in piano. Letitia composes her own music and also performs "cover versions" of various artists such as, Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Roxette, Katie Melua, Sarah McLachlan and many more. Letitia's musical style is varied and includes genres such as adult contemporary, pop, rock, acoustic, electronica and club/dance. Letitia is available for live entertainment bookings in the Pretoria and Centurion areas.

Failing Forward

Overtone Junior — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:59:07 +0200

FAILING FORWARD is busy at work on playing everywhere they can, whenever they can and to whoever wants to hear them. They pride themselves on having an awesome and energetic live set and always seem to be having the best time of their lives on stage while throwing their guitars (as well as themselves) all over the place. Their music is a clever mixture of punk, hardcore and good old rock ‘n roll, beautifully melodic at times and unforgivingly heavy at other times.

Stigmatadawn

stigmatadawn — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:24:49 +0200

Stigmata Dawn is the brain child of ex Sacramental members Bishop Black and Daemon (the former band dissolved due to absolute disastrous practices, member changes and the fact that the name was taken). Stigmatadawn was created in early 2008 and both founding members saw potential from the moment of creation. Material was soon written and Daemon and Bishop got down to some incredible jams. Soon Harlequin filled the bass slot and Priest was placed in the drum seat. The line up was finally completed and the band continued to practice hard and write more material. In March 2008 the band started recording their first demo entitled Beyond Eden, the demo is currently undergoing changes and will be released to the public as soon as possible. The band is currently booking gigs and searching for a label, if anyone is interested in either of the two then they should contact the band at stigmatadawn@yahoo.com .The band is playing this years Thorn Fest, and is in both the Battle for DevilDriver and the Durex Ultimate Battle 2008. The band would needs all the support they can get and it would be appreciated if fans could come and mosh them on.
The band is situated in Nelspruit and Barberton and is a mix between melodic death metal and black metal, however the band is always growing and changing as they evolve and is known to write a brutal death track or two.
So far the road of Stigmata Dawn looks bright and hopefully the band continues their steady path. Help spread SA metal and feel free to message the band and comment on the songs. Any criticism is good. Beyond Eden comes Stigmatadawn. Keep it brutal

Absolut Music Mobile Disco

davidfletche — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:33:05 +0100

We Supply Music For The Following Occasions

Weddings
21st Birthday Functions
Matric Farewells
New Years Eve Functions
Fashion Shows
RoadShows
Events
Corporate Events
Corporate Functions
Restaurants
Any Birthday Function

We Hire The Following

PA Systems
AudiVisual Systems
Side Screens
Projectors
Stages

Dj David j

Wayne Bakkes

wayneb — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:24:52 +0100

I am a Trance Dj/Producer based in the East Rand.

Zamajobe

afrofunk — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:37:26 +0200

Zamajobe is a wonderfully talented singer and songwriter.

She burst onto the scene in 2004 with a fresh sound onto the Southern African and African music scene when she released her debut music CD, “Ndawo Yami” (Sony/BMG).

She asserted her rightful place in the music industry and remains unchallenged in her genre of music, with both SAMA and Euro/MTV nominations for the album.

Without any question, and against the tide of many of her peers in the industry she took on a serious sound and composed a fantastic set of songs which only mature with time.

With her 2008 released “Ndoni Yamanzi” (Sony/BMG), which was nominated for Best Jazz Contemporary album at the 2009 15th MTN South African Music Awards and also earned her a Female Artist of the Year nomination at the same awards ceremony, she has risen to a level of maturity unmatched by serious musicians locally, and internationally.

This uncompromising sound of hers has led to collaborations with some serious jazz musicians locally and internationally. The list includes local live collaborations with:

Themba Mkhize, jazz pianist

Internationally – Live and Recorded Collaboration with guitarist

Lee Ritenour (the album Smokes & Ashes Universal Records) and @ the 2008 Cape Town Jazz Festival

Shared stage with India Arie – Divas 2007 concert

There is no doubt that this songstress can hold her own neck-to-neck with some of the best performers of the music industry.

On stage she is as electrifying as she is dynamic :-)

Gerdt Roetz

louisej — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:20:00 +0200

Gerdt Roetz, gedoop Gerhard Van Staden is van Krugersdorp waar hy ook sy skoolloopbaan voltooi het.

Hy het al van kleins af mense vermaak. Eers in sy tienerjare het hy regtig besef hy is musikaal toe sy oom hom 'n paar drukke op die kitaar begin wys het, met groot verbasing het hy nog 'n versteekte talent gehad wat natuurlik sang is. Hy het gereeld by die familie byeenkomste gesing en kitaar gespeel.

Soos verwag het hy by al wat 'n Karaoke is gesing saam met sy vriende. Vandaar neem hy deel aan sy eerste Idols kompetisie en dring deur tot die 2de rondte.

Hy het by die musiekskool Pied Piper Music School in Krugersdorp stem opleiding gekry vir 2 jaar. Gedurende hierdie 2 jaar tree die skool op by verskeie geleenthede by plekke soos Sosati Kaia, Pinehaven, Glenburne Lodge in Muldersdrift en The Cradle Konka in Sterkfontein.

Hy begin deelneem aan drama en sang kompetisies waar hy elke keer tot die finale rondte deurdring.

Gerhard sluit aan by 'n agentskap en toer orals saam. Hy doen advertensies saam met Colin Moss, film produksies saam met Mondoza, ekstra's vir Egoli. Selfs 'n paar modelwerk sessies.

In 2003 het hy sy eerste optrede by die Boomhuisie in Krugersdorp wat vol bespreek was. Dit was so suksesvol dat hy daar en dan besluit het om dit sy loopbaan te maak.

In 2007 stig hy sy eie group, Moerby. Hulle neem deel aan die RBF Battle of the Bands by Emperors Palace en kom deur tot by die semi finaal. Hulle kry 'n goue geleentheid en tree op by Roxy's en Back2Basics asook Aardklop, Bourbon Street.

Ongelukkig het die groep Moerby nie meer voortgegaan na Aardklop '07 nie, maar dit stuit hom glad nie. Hy het aangegaan met sy talent en met deursetting en volharding sit hy sy loopbaan voort.
Hy kry geleentheid om die opening vir die komitee lede te doen by die Kersiefees in 2007. Dit sou ook dan die begin wees van talle ander feeste soos KKNK, Volksblad kunstefees, Maroelafees, ens.

Mark Beling van Mean Mr. Mustard ontmoet vir Gerhard . Gee hom 'n kans om op te tree vir 15 minute wat later 30 minute geword het omdat hy so beïndruk was met Gerhard se optrede.

Gerdt Roetz kry al hoe meer geleenthede om op te tree saam met van die bestes, soos Jan Blohm, Valiant Swart, en selfs Matthys Roets. Hy doen ook gereeld optredes vir liefdadigheid soos die Kanker vereeniging, Hospice en Christmas Wishes 4 Kids.

Toe begin die droom waar word. Hy span saam met die beste vervaardiger in die land, Jon Buckley van "The noise room" en sy liedjies word omskep in treffers.

Wat Gerdt Roetz so uniek maak is hy skryf nie net oorspronklike liedjies nie, hy toonset en komponeer dit ook self. Hy skryf uit sy hart en die liedjies kry net goeie terugvoering van die gehore waar hy tot nou toe opgetree het.

Gerdt Roetz is verseker een van Suid Afrika se beste opkomende musikante met vele talente wat 'n passie het vir Afrikaans, sy land en sy mense. Hy kan ook selfs die Engelse gehore gelukkig hou.

ZOOLU

Leighelmorereilly — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:14:00 +0200

Live house band.

Vocals, keys, bass, guitar and dj.

Elements of funk jazz and house with a dance vibe.

Titi Tsira

info_76 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:28:32 +0100

Titi Tsira is a refined painter of savory songs. The young female hails from Gugulethu, a township in the Western Cape Town.

She has gone through a music purifying process, whilst working with many of the musicians all over the world. Titi has involved herself in projects like “The All Nations against Racism”, worked with Fred Abrahamsen in Broadway Babies musical at the On Broadway. She has also shared a stage with Salif Kaita, Ismeal Lo, and Manu debango.

She has contributed a lot to the antiracism Campaign.

theXXOs

thexxos — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:56:21 +0200

The band was formed in 2009 in port elizabeth, south africa.

Watch this space: more awesome media coming soon.

Catch us on tour - we will be gigging around south africa from June 2009 onwards.

An really cool gig at the underwater club went down! We now back in the jamroom working on new material.

We try to be diverse in our sound. We have enough material to play 2 totally different gigs. A kind of chilled relaxed vibe with some love songs and comedy surfing tunes (for the ladies) We also have a more energetic set that features some heavier songs that will get the rockers and metalheads stomping their feet and running riot.

We've had loads of questions about the camel picture... It represents one of our songs "intergalactic camel travel" to be released soon.

The camel has become like a mascot for the band. if anyone knows where we can get a real camel from..let us know! :)

peace

KRIMINEEL

christiaansteyn — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:51:01 +0200

BIOGRAFIE

"Melodic Afrikaans-Rock, 'n mix van Progressive, Indie, Classical, Blues, Punk en Melodic Rock. Afrikaans-rock soos jy dit nognooit beleef het nie." mk

Krimineel is ‘n oorspronklike Afrikaanse-rock band met ‘n passie vir musiek en hul taal. Met hul diverse musiekagtergrond bring elke lid van Krimineel hul eie, unieke styl na vore om saam 'n nuwe klank in die Afrikaanse musiekbedryf te skep in 'n genre van hulle eie.

Krimineel het al reeds ‘n musiekvideo’s wat tans op MK wys. Hulle eerste video, “Duplikaat”, het die maksimum lugtyd vir MK behaal en hulle is tans besig met 'n nuwe video vir "STAD". Hulle was ook al gaste op MK Studio1 “Live”.

Krimineel se lied, “Passiemoord” was vir 3 weke top 5 op die ATKV Afrikaanse Rock Chart net na die vrystelling daarvan. Krimineel neem tans aan hulle nuwe album, wat geproduseer word deur Stealing 3rd Productions, op by Lightstain Studios waar name soos Straatligkinders, èF-èL, Winterstasie en Flip-a-Coin opgeneem het.

Krimineel het al die verhoog gedeel met name soos The Parlotones, Zebra & Giraffe, Straatligkinders, Goldfish, Prime Circle, Watershed, Glaskas, Ray Dylon en Pretty Blue Guns. Hulle het ook opgetree by kunstefeeste in SA, insluitende Aardklop, Oppikoppi Kick-off, waar hulle langs name soos Foto Na Dans, Fokofpolisiekar, aKing, New Holland, Ashtray Electric, Heuwels Fantasties, Klopjag, Van Coke Kartel en Karen Zoid staan. Krimineel is ook op die line-up vir PUK JOOL 2010.

-----------------------------------------
LEDE
-----------------------------------------
Irinka Aspeling - Vocals & Rhythm
Christiaan Steyn - Electric Violin & Piano
Fish Schoeman - Lead
Marnus Wessels - Bass
Evert Mulder - Drums

-----------------------------------------
SOME BANDS WE PLAYED WITH...
-----------------------------------------
• Stealing Love Jones
• Prime Circle
• Parlotones
• Goldfish
• Watershed
• Cutting Jade
• Winterstasie
• Heuwels Fantasties
• Ef-El
• Zebra & Giraffe
• Glaskas
• Straatligkinders
• Hikatori

-----------------------------------------
To book this Band Directly - Get your Promoters Account.

Meri Ké

Meri Ké — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:02:52 +0100

1991 for me was a bumper year. I landed myself the role as Baby Bear in my pre-school depiction of Goldy Locks and the Three Bears (I had my smashing debut stage performance in singing the song “I am a small brown baby bear” - I think I can still remember the words!), and I also got my very first guitar: A pink Diesel-can guitar, complete with hand-finished wooden neck and white elastic strings. That it was the best gift my parents could have given me was clear in my elated miming of any (and all) songs that came onto the television. With rock star antics, I’d jump into the living room as if onto a stage. That was fun! Three years later, a half size guitar was yet all I could manage with the fingers of an 8 year old, but proved a fitting birthday present, and my skills and love for music started to develop. On finding an old chord book my mom had bought herself years back, I started to teach myself. By the end of the nineties, while the world was stressing about Y2K and the threat of global disaster, I started playing a steel string Yamaha F-310 and started writing my own songs. (I still have that guitar. It is my campfire-jam guitar now and I still love its rich, full sound!) Music has always been to me more of a diary than anything else. My stresses, passions, thoughts, and visions have so often ended up in the form of music. I feel amazingly blessed for it, because I get to repeat to myself the memories, as well as the wisdom grasped in moments of epiphany, thereby reminding myself of the things that mean the most to me... Growing my soul and remaining open to the world! In school I loved art and languages, especially English literature and poetry. Also, I feel my development in creative writing have helped mature my lyric style. I'd personally describe much of my music as poetically inspired, and in live shows I sometimes include spoken word. In the absence of music, poetic words carry a different weight and a magical charm which I'm keen on delving deeper into! The two art forms - music and spoken word - together, I believe, provide two angles from which to approach a topic, shedding more light and driving home rich thoughts and imagery. My debut album “In a moment” was released at the end of 2008. I'm selling it as I go along, and soon I hope to perform regularly in the Capetown scene and promote it along the way.

Please visit www.myspace.com/artistmke or www.reverbnation.com/kemeri for more info and to listen to some of her music.

HALFPRICE

halfprice — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:57:22 +0200

HalfPrice emerged on the scene in 2001 and immediately stuck out as being one of the few bands that could put together a good song, sustaining an impressive stage performance without ever compromising passion. The band members Peter Grey aka HOMO PETE,(voc./git.), Markus Becker aka DFG(bass/voc.), Rene Traut aka KING MANFRED(git.) and Kyle Curren THE MACHINE (drums) soon became well known for their crazy antics and outrageous attitude towards life both on and off the stage.

The main idea behind the band formation, besides their love of punk rock and ska music, was to create a platform where they could write creative entertaining music expressing their views about whatever issues they wanted to, be it offensive, completely ridiculous or plain light hearted content. At the same time they wanted to portray a 'not so serious' attitude towards life which they felt was sorely lacking in their everyday society and the local band circuit. In keeping with the idea of having as much fun as humanly possible, they decided to call the band HALFPRICE.

Their live performances leave crowds speechless and hungry for more because of their unique, psycho-holic approach to rock and roll, blending ACDC-style rock, ska, metal and punk rock into a whole new wall of sound.

After signing to Johannesburg record label RED AMBULANCE in 2004 ,HALFPRICE released ‘taking life seriously" in 2004 and BANNED in 2006. HALFPRICE remains one of Cape Town’s hardest working independent bands with no less than 14 national tours, 4 Namibian and 2 European tours under their belt including a spot at Berlin’s music Festival POPKOMM in 2006.

From Jan 2007 till December 2007 HalfPrice played no fewer than 3 club shows a month in South Africa with appearances at The Amphies New Years party in the Namibian desert, Carfax in May for the Rock the Cashbah part 2, opening for Fat Wreck band The Mad Caddies, playing at the Uprising Festival in Durban and performing to over 1000 fans for their first appearance at the Woodstock festival in 2007.

HalfPrice are also an integral part of the Cape Town independent music scene, with members heading up the newly formed Cape Town music collective Loud and Rude. HalfPrice have opened for punk legends like Germany's ie Mimmi’s and The Spermbirds and Scotland's The Exploited, as well as playing alongside independent international bands like Drei Flaschen (Germany), The Antimaniax (Austria), Bad Machine (Finland), Backstage (Slovenia), Attentant Sonore (France), Le Maximum Kouette (France) and Skin of Tears (Germany).

In recent months HalfPrice have begun working with European Punk Rock Legend Archi Alert , the former vocalist of Germany’s NOFX, Terrorgruppe, on the material for their up and coming album, due to be released in March 2009. Bass and drums for the album, titled THE MONOTONY OF MONOGMY, will be recorded at B# studios in Johannesburg and vocals and guitars will be recorded at Music Lab Berlin in Germany. Mathias Wendt and Harris Johns will be engineering the recording in Berlin as well as mixing, mastering and producing the album. They come well recommended and have worked with bands like Sepultura, Einstürzende Neubauten ans more recently Slipknot.

HalfPrice’s music is presently distributed in Southern Africa, Western Europe,

Eastern Europe, Japan, Australia, Brazil and Argentina.

Really Bad Actors

Really Bad Actors — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:26:30 +0200

Representing comedy and tragedy - there is no other music like it! Every show is slightly different - and anything can happen... You will laugh and cry with this quirky band.

Really Bad Actors was formed in January 2008. We are a two piece band consisting of Richard Southey (vocals, guitar) and Louis Young (vocals, guitar, and saxophone).

The name was chosen, because we wanted to give ourselves license to do anything on stage. Our sound represents the theatre in certain respects. We have sad songs, happy songs, silly songs, funny songs. The audience find the humorous aspect in our music refreshing. Some audience members have made mention that we have a “fresh” sound unlike any other.

We love our audience. We like to talk to them, laugh with them; cry with them, but most of all entertain them. We love everything about music and we want to share our love for music with the rest of the world.

In July 2008 we recorded a demo track called “Bottle of Wine” at “It’s Music” studios. Following this we recorded another track called “Funky Funny” in September 2008. The demo songs remain under review, and more songs are planned for recording.

In February 2009 we played our first gig at “Die Boer” theatre restaurant in Durbanville. The feedback we got from the audience was pleasantly positive.

Oceans_Cities

portraitof — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:10:43 +0100

coming soon..

DJ Tony Finger

heidi_1 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:40:14 +0100

Cape Town’s hottest new import is French-Italian DJ and producer Tony Finger.

After 20 years spinning records around the world, Tony has picked the Mother City as base camp, bringing his blend of cool electro and sexy Continental house to thrill local party people.

With residencies and guest appearances in London, Paris, Moscow, Lisbon and Eastern Europe, Tony has held his own alongside international house legends Bob Sinclar, Daft Punk, Superfunk, Ron Carroll, Junior Sanchez, Boy George and Deep Dish. And he was a firm favourite amongst fashionistas at the Paris Fashion Week for many years!

Tony’s nurtured his passion for electronic beats since the tender age of 16, when he bought his first turn tables. Since then he’s traversed many musical genres, counting his influences from Donna Summers’ disco to Kraftwerk’s synth 80s electro. Much of Tony’s musical genius grew from the sounds of Paris - Daft Punk, Etienne de Crecy, Bob Sinclar and Superfunk.

Tony’s legendary flair behind the decks has already landed him top gigs on the local scene, with Goldfish, Dino Moran, Craig De Sousa, Roger Goode and Coda. Tony’s also a regular hit at Cape Town hotspots FTV and the Mbar.

In the next couple of months, local party animals will be thrilled by this mix-master at Cape Town’s Boy George party on October 26th, and at the Guess party in Johannesburg on November 1st.

Tony’s latest venture is Touch It Records, a global record label specializing in Electro, House and Lounge. Founded at the end of 2006, the label has already released a string of dance floor hits including latest offering COME TO ME or FREE YOUR MIND, a super sexy electro tracks available for download on DJDownload, Junodownload, Trackitdown and many more. NO POP MUSIC (single from the upcoming album in 2008) did reach n.15 on djdownload.com Top 100 chart after only a week. GO, a funky electro tune with an addictive bassline features the sweet vocals of Ansa Theron. Two different mixes and a dub version have been published.

SAY YOU LOVE ME, Touch It Records’ first release, is a groovy piece notable for the sultry vocals by well-known Cape Town artiste Odidi. The track has been included on the "ZOO CLUB - Sundayz" vol.3 album.

Tony’s musical talent extends beyond the decks to his weekly radio show ROCK DA HOUSE (check out www.soundrepublic.co.za for details), and regular guest slots with The Nightwatchmen on Good Hope FM.

On top of all that, Tony is also finding time to design ring tones for Cadbury’s hot new media campaign as well as AXE Jet, a party airline heading for Ibiza!

South African party people and lovers of super sexy electro sounds, dust off your dancing shoes, because this summer, you’re in Tony Finger’s hands!

Bile of Man

Choroz — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:13:04 +0100

Bile of Man was originally formed by Riaan "Ondier" Els and Bennie Burger. Riaan played in Pretoria based Power Metal Band Shadowlord and after that a founding member of Funeral God(Death Metal). In 2007 Riaan contacted Bennie and they discussed starting a new project.

May 2007 this project is now known as Bile of Man. Next came the daunting task of finding the right members who would be committed and talented enough to keep up with what they had in mind. After tediously going through Guitarists and Bassists, they stumbled upon Choroz on Bass and shortly after, Gustaf as fellow Axeman. Then the frontman, Martin from Pariah Mary joined the band with very intimidating means on Brutal Death Vocals.

The sound of Bile of Man consists of Brutal Death Metal and some Black Metal styles, combined this brings forth a macabre feel of extremity. Not being limited to only one certain form of Death Vocals, but fusing different types of Death Vocals and Black Vocals complementing the variety of the music. Brutal Guitars, Explosive Drums, Aggressive Bass and Devastating Vocals is what to expect from Bile of Man!

The Band is currently working on new material and getting everything tight, and should hit the studio by Early New Year 2009.

Mapumba

Mapumba — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:53:03 +0200

Singing in French, English, Chiluba and Swahili, Mapumba has one well selling debut album entitled Mapumba, which the Cape Times describes as.."a brilliantly self produced and self composed album with a fantastic combination of beautiful ballads and some groovy upbeat African themes.
All Diversely blended by his rich soothing velvet voice. A sound that can only
be simply called world music..!" His music is a simple sound inspired by different styles from his ethnic elements to funk, Afro-pop, Reggae and soul music. All blended by his rich velvet voice and unique style of musical arrangement. Mapumba sings about personal stories of his life and moral issues most of all portraying the message of love and unity.

He recently returned from a solo North America tour visiting Puerto Rico, USA and Canada. He also travels all accross the African continent with his music.

Born Dieu Merci Mapumba Cilombo in a small town of Kolwezi in DR Congo, Mapumba’s childhood was one filled with political and social instability. Around the age of thirteen when a deadly tribal conflict broke out, Mapumba was sent to Zambia by his family where he finished his higher education. With such an uncertain life Mapumba found refuge in music by teaching himself in voice, guitar and piano through out high school and college. Eventually Mapumba embarked on a quest to find a place that could let him make music his career And so in the year 2000 he arrived in the city of Cape town South Africa with a guitar as his only companion.
Here Mapumba exposed himself to various styles of music and performances to learn as much as he could in becoming an inspiring singer, song writer, composer, producer and a multi instrumentalist whose creativity evolves with every single performance.

Visit mapumba's official website to read more: www.mapumba.co.za or email
info@mapumba.co.za for other info.

Keira Witherkay

keira.witherkay — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:50:17 +0200

Biography

Keira Witherkay is a South African “Solo Acoustic Fingerstyle Instrumental World Guitarist”

she has developed a unique style that allows her to play bass lines , chords and melody's all on one instrument...this polyphonic approach to playing the acoustic guitar allows her to create a full sound with as many as 3 parts simultaneously from only one instrument melodically then she adds in percussion using the body of the guitar as a drum.

Although predominantly a Solo Artist she sometimes also performs with a vocalist or ensemble especially in the Jazz genre

Keira uses a nylon string guitar to give a natural warmth not gotten from steel string instruments,

she has spent the last months composing a new” instrumental solo guitar album” and is hoping to tour her new show worldwide in 2009 /10... she has previously toured extensively in South Africa and internationally

She also composes film soundtracks her composition "long street" was used in a movie featured at the 2006 “Berlin film festival” , and recently 2007 she has composed and recorded soundtracks for a short art film and a documentary both of which are in Australia (jan 2008) and some of

Keira's music was used in a film by award winning film maker kali v/d merwe "Whole" at a South African film festival in June 2008 with nation wide showings and major launch’s in both Johannesburg and Cape Town.

I'M KEEN TO MEET OTHER MUSICIANS WORLDWIDE ALONG WITH ANY MANAGEMENT, VENUE OWNERS OR BOOKING AGENTS WHO WOULD CONSIDER BOOKING ME TO PERFORM IN VENUES AROUND THE WORLD.......

Playing instrumental music is awesome since I can perform anywhere in the world and my music has the same impact… I’m not reliant on people understanding the language in which the lyrics are written…

“PERFORMING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IS TRULY UNIVERSAL”

I love to travel and live by the old musicians credo....

'HAVE GUITAR WILL TRAVEL'

Keira's performances and travels have taken her half way around the world (South Africa/ United Kingdom/ France/ The netherlands/Germany/ Switzerland/ Italy/ kingdom of Bahrain/ Arab Emirates/ Thailand/ Singapore ) and she am so excited and looking forward to exploring the other half,with possible tours to Thailand/ Spain/ Mexico in the pipeline for 2009.

And she is dying to perform in New York at the 1st possible opportunity.

It's the independence about being a solo acoustic guitarist thats so wonderful ..... I can perform anywhere worldwide, anytime with minimal set up ,

I literally arrive at a venue and can perform 10 min later, it's as easy as plug in my amplifier tune up and play...since everything I need for intimate venues I can carry with me on the airplane,

Obviously bigger venues need more sound.... but this independence is a huge asset over say a pianist who has to rely on the venue to provide a piano , then each piano has a different sound or feel....

Also I can perform in venues that want live music but don't have the physical space for a pianist or the budget to buy and upkeep a high quality piano.

SO ACOUSTIC GUITAR EQUALS FREEDOM

(a quote from Gabriela one of her favorite acoustic musicians from Mexico)

ENJOY MY MUSIC , I DO

In a technological age I love being able to take a piece of wood with strings attatched to it and make beautiful music especially on an instrument whose design has changed little since the 1600's and not have to rely on computer backtrax or special effects to produce a full sound.

Everyone of us have hopes and dreams and I am fortunate enough to live my dreams,

What do I want out of life?

"I just want to travel the world and make music thats melodic and grooving, essentially finding love in music, art, and people."

Keira is currently october 2008 in johannesburg South Africa and has been performing in and around the city.

Recent shows include

Solo original Performances on the same bill as popular commercial acts like Josie Field Laurie Levine, Absinthe at the Rock Bar in Melville

And long term residencies at Monte Casino & currently Carnval City performing her Jazz/adult comtempory/world music repetoire.

And a residency at “The Gypsy Lounge “ in Sandton performing Flamenco guitar as a solo artist.

She hosts an “Acoustic & Original” show at Jonathans every Wednesday and gets to perform her Original material with most of Johannesburgs better acoustic musicians.

And also performances at Indulgence Café in Northcliff, Tanz Café, Thyme out .. Foundry Fly Lounge . Cesco’s , Back 2 Basix. And various private functions.

Below is the repetoire list of Keira Witherkay
As a “solo instrumental acoustic guitarist”

Original compositions by Keira Witherkay

Performed on solo acoustic instrumental guitar
All these compositions were inspired by her travels
around the world And have strong world influences.

1. Dreams of Madrid …..a distinct Flamenco/latin feel

2. Waiting for a bus …… an African inspired sound

3.One Lunch time in Africa …an African inspired sound

4. Two Days on a train…. A mix of African and Indian

5. Havana …… Cuban feel with extended solo’s

6.Streets of New Orleans … a Ragtime tune

7. Blue on a Tuesday…… Blues with laidback feel

8. Morocco ………….. Moroccan/arabic song

9. Laura’s song ……. Classical inspired love ballad

10. Calcutta ………. Indian inspired sitar type song

11. Mambo mambo … an uptempo Mambo/jazz influenced composition

12. Slap happy …… an interlude around a slap bass line

13. Celtic Grooves …. A traditional Irish sounding composition in two movements

14. Heather in spring.... A beautiful classical inspired piece, a love song.

15. La Vida con Gabriella ….a grooving Cuban inspired composition

The repetoire below is a list of Keira’a jazz/adult contempory music, which

she performs in her unique style.

And is well suited to Upmarket restaurants /hotels/cocktail parties/ events/ functions…. In fact anywhere where beautiful sophisticated and skillfully performed music is required…

Jazz Standards

Performed by Keira in her “solo acoustic instrumental guitar” style

1. (that’s why the ) Lady is a tramp
2. Blue moon
3. Take 5
4.Lion sleeps tonight
5. Mannenberg
6.Fly me to the moon
7. Summertime
8. Autumn Leaves
9. it’s only a Paper moon
10. Agua de beber
11. The Girl from Ipanema
12. All of me
13.Sugar in my bowl
14.How it feels to be free
15. on the Sunny side of the street
16.So what
17. African Medley
18. unforgettable
19. Georgia on my mind
20. Misty
21.what a wonderful world
22. my Favourite things
23.These foolish things,
24. Stormy weather
25. Some where over the rainbow
26. Dream a little dream of me
27. Mr bojangles
28. As time goes by

Evergreen Popular songs

Performed by Keira in her “solo acoustic instrumental guitar” style

1.Tears in Heavan (Eric Clapton)
2. The rose (Bette Midler)
3. Yesterday (The Beatles)
4. Redemption song (Bob Marley)
5. Sitting on the Dock of the bay (Otis Redding)
6. Wonderful tonight (Eric Clapton)
7. Killing me softly (Roberto Flack)
8. And I love her. (The Beatles)
9 Sorry (Tracy Chapman)
10. Imagine (John Lennon)
11. Alices restaurant. (Arlo Guthrie)
12 Don’t know why (Nora Jones)
13. Just the way you are (Billy Joel)
14.Stand by me (Ben E King)
15.Love is all around (wet wet wet)
16.Norwegian wood (The Beatles)

PEACE AND LIGHT KEIRA WITHERKAY

Abba Inferno

steve_5 — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:19:28 +0100

One of the UK's very best and longest established Abba Tribute bands.

Featuring classy all-live vocals, stunning costumes, dynamic choreography and a good helping of humour and audience participation. Abba Inferno bring a top quality PA and lights with front-of-house engineer and will have the audience on the dance floor from the first strains of Waterloo all the way through to the rousing finale of Thank You For The Music...!

An absolutely top notch Abba Tribute, available for weddings, functions, corporate events, parties festivals and more…

DJ AZUHL

DJ AZUHL — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:27:12 +0200

Cape Town born Ricardo Nunes, better known as
DJ Azuhl, has become a household name on the South African Hip Hop and entertainment
scene. He can be seen as a performer
with stalwarts and pioneer Hip Hop
outfit B.V.K (Brasse Vannie Kaap), a DJ with Africa’s iconic DJ group The Beat Bangaz
(alongside Ready D, E-20 and Shamiel X) or filling out various dance floors
across S.A as a party rocker. Known for
specializing in Hip Hop, he also has the ability to move crowds across genres
of music ranging from funk, soul, dub, house, rock and mashups. Armed with his
extensive knowledge and understanding of deejaying, he has become one of the
most sought out DJs for events ranging from corporate, promotional, launches,
club to community based.

Being
involved in the Hip Hop scene since the mid 80’s DJ Azuhl has progressed from a
dancer and emcee to DJ and producer/remixer.
His club appearances and performances are too many to mention ranging
from legendary South African clubs like Galaxy (Cape Town),
Cape to Cairo (Durban)
to venues like De link and Pomp (Belgium). He has graced stages of all the major South
African music festivals including; Up the Creek, KKNK and Oppiekoppie as well
as major South African events such as North Sea Jazz festival, South African
Music Conference, International Comedy Festival, Rand Easter Show, Redbull
Street Style, Down Hill Extreme, Redbull Music Academy, Black August Tour, Alex
Roll International Inline skating and many more.

This
seasoned traveller also has an impressive resume of International performances
such as; Pukkelpop Festival (Belgium), Hip Hop Logique (France), African Music
Festival (Germany), U.N Habitat (Spain), Music Festival (Norway), Cultural
Exchange Programme (Congo) and Dutch Exchange Tour 2007. He has also performed alongside international
artists like Jay Z, Kanye West, Black Eyed Peas, Coolio, Twalib Kweli, Jeru the
Damaja, DJ Kofi, Atrak, De La Soul, Coolio and many more.

In
2003 DJ Azuhl alongside Cape Town
based Tyrone Da Silva (DJ Eazy) and Richard Bradstreet hosted, produced and
presented their own radio show on U.C.T. radio called G.H.E.T.T.O. P.I.M.P show
(Giving Healing Through Teaching One Principle's Improving Mental Position).
The show ran for five years and in that time Faculty of Hip Hop (also known as
Hip Hop Education South Africa) was born. The Faculty has since become one of South Africa
leading NGO’s in the field of Hip Hop activism initiating events like the
annual Youth Film Festival, park jams, exchange programs, 75 hours Music
Marathon and other community based initiatives.
The Faculty was instrumental in the success of South Africa’s
first Afrikaans (one of the official South African languages) Hip Hop
television series, “HIP HOP.” The show
featured DJ Azuhl as presenter, co-producer and researcher alongside Mr. FAT
and DJ Eazy. The show enjoyed 6 seasons
of airing before the tragic death of Ashley Titus, aka Mr. FAT, in 2007. The Faculty has activities that DJ Azuhl
oversees and is an extension for his broader vision for the role of what Hip Hop
can play for the youths of South
Africa.

A
draw card for B-boy events across South Africa,
DJ Azuhl has also been working with Johannesburg
based company, Wreckage Pro for over 5 years. This relationship has given rise
to the success of two of South
Africa’s biggest annual b-boy events; the
2ON2 Battles and Solo Pro’s.

Currently
the official DJ for E.J Von Lyrik (one third of the legendary female outfit
Godessa) and teaming up with Teba Shumba as The Dreaded Banga Sound System, DJ
Azuhl one of the most sought after DJ’s.
He has also teamed up with Falko Starr and DJ Eazy as part of Cape Town’s newest DJ
collective, The Chief Rockers, who host a monthly event “Classics” at the
legendary Mercury Live. Listeners Space is another monthly event on the Cape Town calendar hosted
by his company, Platform 7 Productions, with partner Nadine Matthews.

Already
enjoying a cult status and strong following, he’s series of quality mixtapes
and turntablist expertise makes DJ Azuhl one of the most versatile and skilled
artists Africa has ever seen.

Dragana Jevtovic, DJ World music and Jazz

dragana — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:08:00 +0100

Dj Neil G

dj neil g — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:34:25 +0100

Neil G. I started dj’ing at the age of 17, and have been spinning records for 13 years, I started out as a bedroom dj, I had a couple of dads oldies which I played on his direct drive pioneer PL200 turntable AND tapedeck, I remember the days of trying to beat match with a tape deck and turntable, (LOL) Then one day, after school I just happened to visit a new classmate who’s father had exactly the same turntable like mine, I managed to buy it from my friend for R200 and seeing 2 of the same decks together it became my first love. I got myself a second hand old PHONIC mixer and started buying records from Dj Syndicate in Cape Town. . Back in those days I played mostly with vinals which only cost me 50 bucks a peice, those were the days. These days it’s more digital than anything else, alomost everyone is using CD.I still have all those classic LP'S stashed away.I must add that I will never part with my vinals.

After completing school I got a job and became a bit more serious about my dj'ing. I began to appear at some clubs in and around Cape Town as a guest Dj. This boosted my confidence very much as I soon found myself playing at one of the oldest night spots in Long Street Cape Town eg. THE LOUNGE I've worked at many clubs, bars and restaurants. To name a few CAFE BAR DELI, BARBOIA, COOL RUNNINGS, RYTHEM DEVINE.

I come from a very talented musical back ground. My grandfather could play just about any guitar, keyboard and synthesizer. My dad on the other hand plays keyboeards in a band and in the church. My uncles and aunts sings and plays musical instruments too. My family had the love for Jazz and Gospel music, this is what also inspired me to become a part time DJ. My ambition is to become a world class producer. I’ve also been taking keyboard and guitar lessons as It is one of the foundations of building good HOUSE MUSIC.

The awesome thing about DJ NEIL G is that he can entertain any crowd no matter how old. With years of experience in doing mobile gigs as well as corporate functions he knows exactly how to read and manipulate the crowd. Most Dj’s only stick to there core function “HOSUE HOUSE HOUSE” this dude can blend anything from 60’s classics to the latest House and R&B. He is simply for the people by the people.

One thing he’s really good at is HOUSE MUSIC although very underrated in Cape Town, he’s has a very professional approach, and a fetish for the DEEP, SOULFUL FUNKY AND ELECTRO BEATS.

PANDORI

PANDORI — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:07:07 +0200

PANDORI

A dash of gypsy glamour and fun!
Pandori entertains and enlivens the spirit with joyful, soulful klezmer and balkan melodies. Capturing the Eastern European sound, Pandori have added their original fresh flavour to bring this unusual and dynamic music to life here in Cape Town!
They will add fire to any event and reconnect you with the spirit of freedom...that is the gypsy!

Pandori are a Cape Town based, strolling musician ensemble, of violins, accordian and flute, perfect for any celebration, such as weddings, private and corporate dinner functions, anniversaries and bar mitzvahs. They are well suited to play outdoors, on lawns, among guests having drinks or around guests seated at tables. They usually play without amplification.
Pandori offer a quartet, but any combination is possible, from solo to duo to trio.

PANDORI also offer a marvellous French and Mediterranean repertoire, all the old Piaf classics, (where they play with a singer or simply instrumental), other favourites and well known Italian songs.

For Jewish weddings Pandori are perfect, as they know all the traditional wedding tunes, and can fit into the ceremony with ease if required.

Pandori have been seen at weddings, the J&B Met 2009, Sotheby's pre auction viewing, birthday parties dinners and more.

DJ DEBBOO

djdebboo — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:17:29 +0200

Bio – Abraham Porunobva
Born in 1984, Abraham Porunobva aka Dj Debboo.

My real name is ABRAHAM PORUNOBVA aka DJ DEBBOO the big spinner I'm the first born in a family of 2 children my young sisters Abie and big spinner. I was born 6 December 1984, two weeks before Christmas, in a city called Harare.

I moved to Bulawayo, the second capital city of Zimbabwe, at an early age. I attended primary school in Khami Primary School and I completed my high school in Gweru in a famous ghetto called Ascot. I was raised by my mother Sipiwe after my Farther passed away in 1994. I got into music at an early age, composed my 1st beats when I was about 10 years called “The Real Poams” which means “The Original Porunobva”. The Beat was inspired by friends Jahfire and FireKalonji in the ghetto hood Mkoba

Most of my inspiration came from my father David Porunobva Marecha who passed away in 1994. He was a Guitar player and he worked as a Guitarist with different kind of artist. When he passed away I started concentrating on making music in church, and formed a group called Poams Crew with my classmates in 2002, just after I completed high school. The group included Innocent Mapfumo aka Wyfeng, Nyasha Masaka aka Jahfire and myself

At this point, I knew my passion for music was growing day by day and Dj-ing loomed large in my life from the word go. Fooling around with just two CD players, learning how to beat match and playing at block parties and family birthday parties, my flair for music became a way of life!

I left Zimbabwe in 2002 for South Africa but I started visiting since 1997, with my mom. I started playing in SA clubs 2007 with my homeboy Dj Nyathi in various clubs around Rustenburg. Dj Nyathi got a contract with Mabaleng Sports Club and it becomes our home for house music from Thursday to Saturday. In 2008 I formed my record company Big-yard Records aiming to promote Zimbabwean music around the globe.

2008 the love for dancehall music blow my ears then I started mixing riddims after riddims getting the latest riddims from a friend in France
For the latest mix by dj debboo

http://www.myspace.com/bigyardrecords

http://djdebboo.blogspot.com/

At the moment Bigyard Records and Zimvibes have a Mix tape Zimbabwe Hip Hop volume One Mixed by Dj Debboo 2009 Pruduction.
Have fun and listen to hip-hop/Dancehall and still have God in your life, without being overbearing, without being preachy.
Rest in Peace Sipiwe Porunobva

John Bartmann

johnbartmann — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:12:50 +0100

John Bartmann is a South African singer/songwriter, guitarist and pianist who makes South African music for South African people.

It's not cool being disillusioned about your society, especially when that society is the small, insular Cape Town music scene. The solution? Be the change you'd like to see!

With a penchant for keeping it local, and with militant loyalty to the way South Africans pronounce words like "path" and "can't," John Bartmann is an original musician with a 20-year history in piano and violin theory, classical composing and feel-good acoustic rock.

I need hope
I need a sign of reconciliation
To ease my South African mind
So shelve your selfish nature
(Before we find)
Shelve your selfish nature
(Before we find)
History rewinds

- History Rewinds, John Bartmann, 2008

John Bartmann plays regularly at Zula Bar, Obz Cafe, the Barleycorn Music club and other venues in and around the Mother City.

Sounds like
Jeff Buckley
Radiohead
Joshua Grierson
Damien Rice
Bob Marley
Placebo
David Bowie
Doves
Flat Stanley
Counting Crows

Favourite Interpretive Quote
Seek first your happiness. All else will follow.

Justin Bergh

Justin_1 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:37:10 +0200

JUSTIN BERGH

Justin Bergh is a young, good looking, talented songwriter and guitarist with a voice of Striking proportions. He is an established solo artist in South Africa. His voice is a unique blend of Bon Jovi, Axl Rose and Bryan Adams. He has released 2 highly acclaimed albums through Sony/BMG in South Africa, as well as having performed all over South Africa in Major music events throughout his career, as well as performances at some of the world’s most prestigious stages. He Has received Numerous awards for his achievements, as well as enjoyed Huge amounts of Airplay throughout South Africa.

FACTS :

· 1st Album recorded in Australia, 2nd Album recorded In America (NY, LA, Vancouver)

· 2 singles off the 1st Album (love the sinner, no ordinary world) spent months in the top 40 making it to Number 1 on all major national and regional radio stations throughout the country.

· 4 singles off the 2nd album (out of my hands, not a day goes by, misunderstood, here with you) reached number 1 and in the top 5 throughout the country on all major national and regional radio stations.

· Latest Single “special” from upcoming album for 2009, reached Number 1 and within the top 10 on all major national and regional radio stations In South Africa.

· Performed and worked with American Super group Collective Soul

· Nominated for Best Rock Album At the South African Music Awards.

· Has appeared on many of the TOP Local Television Programmes from News to Magazine programmes plus Acted as a guest star on Local television Sitcom’s.

· Been reviewed and interviewed by Top Selling Magazines and Newspapers in South Africa as well as Abroad. (UK, US )

· Written and worked with top writers and producers around the world including: Luke Ebin (Bon Jovi), peter Zizzo (Avril lavign, Celine dion), Brian Howes ( Daughtry, puddle of mud), Randy cantor (Ricky martin) Saul Hudson (James) just to name a few.

· Performed at Twickenham in Front of 82 000 People

· Performances abroad include : Shepards Bush Empire(London), The Clapham Grand (London)Twickenham rugby stadium (London) The Bitter end (New York), Arlene’s Grocery (New York)

· Invited to Perform for SABMiller UK’s Millers Music Tour in Istanbul

· Recently was asked by personal Request to perform for Prince Albert of Monaco

· Latest Single “Special” used by American Cable Giant SHOWTIME to Advertise their satellite Network for the year of 2008

· “Special” used on American Sitcom “notes from the underbelly as well as by South African Sports Illustrated Swimwear and FHM television Programmes as the main Song for 2008.

Lungisa Ndabeni

blmusicproductions — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:11:06 +0100

Lungisa Ndabeni Wrote His First Song In May 1988 In A Primary School Classroom At Kwelera In East London. His Songs Were Both Religious And Political. When He Became A Born-Again Christian On The 25th January 1992 He Was Faced With A Challenge Of Changing His Songs In Order To Fit His New Call Of Spreading The Good News. In 1995 He Formed Doa Gospel Group As His Backsingers.He Continued His Performances At Church Functions And Talent Shows. This Made Him Popular With The Local Community.He Had Always Hoped That Somebody Would Discover Him And Launch Him Out To The Gospel Industry. In 1996 He Registered At Rhodes University For Bachelor Of Education Degree And One Of His Credits Was Music Appreciation. In 1999 He Recorded A Six Track Poetry Album And All Cd Copies Were Sold Out In The Launch.He Could Not Promote This Album Because He Was Still A Student. In 2001 He Became A Radio Presenter For Eastern Cape's Christian Radio Station Until The End Of 2005. While Doing His Education Degree, He Was Also Doing A Personal Research About The Music Industry. At The End Of 2005 He Formed His Own Gospel Music Label With The Name Brother Lungisa Music Productions "I Will Praise The Lord With New Song". The First Artist Of The Label Became Himself.Near The End Of 2005 He Started The Recording Of His First Music Cd Titled "Testimony".It Is A Testimony Of What The Lord Has Done In Him And For Him.The Cd Is A 11 Track Album And All Of Them Are Orginal Compositions By Lungisa Ndabeni. The Label Releases Only Original Gospel Music And "Testimony" Is Due For Release Before The End Of November 2007.Lungisa Believes That Some People Have To Be Discovered While Others, Like Himself, Have To Discover Themselves And Then After Launching Themselves Out They Discover Others. The Cd Is Very Inspiring And Uplifting. Lungisa Is Company Director, Composer, Producer And Songwriter.

Afro Soul

info_76 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:39:09 +0100

Afro- Soul! This dynamic group was formed in 2000 and comprises 8 musicians from various areas around the Western Cape, including Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Belhar and the Boland Towns of Worcester and Montagu.

The individuals were brought together by their passion for music and singing and many of them started singing at an early age, in school and church choirs.

Mpumi Dhlamini

zmalumo — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:44:34 +0200

The release of Mpumi Dhlamini’s debut album heralded the public appearance of a prodigiously gifted young artist on the South African jazz scene. Mpumi Dhlamini is a rare talent of true genius as you will discover through the compositions.

The SAMA and Metro FM Awards nominated debut album titled COMBINED ELEMENTS, is astonishingly accomplished for a 22-year-old – providing a platform for Dhlamini’s songwriting, arranging, playing, performing and producing talents, all of which have been recognized by his appearance at The Old Mutual Encounters Series 2008, playing alongside award winning artist Lira on several occasions, with 340ml at the 2009 Cape Town International Jazz Festival and several appearances on TV programmes, including SABC2’s popular Morning Live show and Afro Café.

At its heart, COMBINED ELEMENTS is a jazz album. However, listen to the songs that appear on it and it becomes clear that this is no run-of-the-mill record: in the music mix are elements of Latin and Afro Jazz, as well as traditional African music. Such is his range of musical interests and gifts that Dhlamini could just have easily turned in a rock or a pop or a hip-hop album. “But jazz is a field that I have been exploring fully over the past few years and so I wanted to put out an album that was within its confines,” he says. “It’s a passion of mine for sure, but I would hesitate to describe myself as only a jazz artist.”

At the time he was attending the Drakensberg Boys Choir – and when he left to attend the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg, Dhlamini extended his range by very rapidly picking up several instruments including saxophone, orchestral percussion and more. He now plays 11 instruments and also has passed his Grade 7 in opera studies.

That was just a handful of years ago – and Dhlamini has proved everyone wrong by recording an album that keeps his vocal talents under wraps, instead turning the spotlight on his producer, songwriting and playing gifts. As the set of 13 songs on COMBINED ELEMENTS reveals, Dhlamini has an instinctive gift for songs.

The fact is that Dhlamini is capable of mastering anything he turns his hand to – and on COMBINED ELEMENTS its jazz, at its most intuitive, captivating and compelling.

There is no doubt that Mpumi Dhlamini is a rare talent that will elevate South African music on a global scale and one that is here to stay for a long time.

amaAmbush 5-Piece Marimba Band

amaambush — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:55:01 +0100

The amaAmbush 5-piece marimba band has established themselves as the industry standard in high quality, energetic African marimba performance.

With over 700 gigs to their credit, clients include; Sasol, Media 24, Pick 'n Pay, BMW, and various governmental departments. The group has been recognized by winning an Arts and Culture Award for contribution to the performing arts in South Africa.

The group is perfect for live performances, corporate functions, and parties. They create an African ambiance, and can play as background music or as a centre stage performance.

Shimmer

shimmer — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:41:02 +0100

SHIMMER, the all girl Pop Rock trio hailing from Pinetown (Durban) are set to release their new Afrikaans Album on 24th February 2009. Their title track “Net een van daai dae” will be released to radio stations together with a music video for MK89 and other TV music stations, early in January 2009.

“Shimmer” consists of the talented and beautiful sisters Marlize (22), Chazelle (20) and Michelle (18). Already performing from a tender young age, the three sisters have always dreamed of becoming pop artists and have certainly come a long way with their talent and performance.

Shimmer initially released an EP (Mini Album) in 2007 to gauge the market response and see if their music would fit a particular niche. The EP gave valuable insight as to where to position their new Full Debut Album. Shimmer is also particularly proud to have penned most of the songs in this album. This album’s goal is geared to fill the gap not yet dominated by any one group or artist at present in South Africa, being an all girl Pop Rock group singing English as well as Afrikaans songs , that will target a broader audience.

The Album has an interesting mix of 14 upbeat pop rock songs in Afrikaans, but then also slows down the beat with two beautiful English ballads, reflecting in particular their shared life’s experiences and issues that most audiences can relate to.

For all the Shimmer fans out there, this Album is a culmination more than a year’s work in the studio and lots of hard work to show their musical talent as they enter the Afrikaans music scene.

FInal Groove

Telmo — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:23:59 +0100

Two producers, Telmo and Macheesmo, make up Final Groove. Although they come from different back-rounds, Telmo coming from Portugal and Machismo from Soweto, they have found a common passion for deep, funky house music. These differences have come in handy to create a new fresh approach to the current sound around. Final Groove is a blend of thumping beats, deep bass lines and funky rhythms and always maintaining a signature melody. When live, Final Groove bring along some artist and put on a show with Djing from Telmo, live keys by Macheesmo and a host of singers and a percussionist. These two guys are coming with a new style and are sure to make you want to listen to more.

Telmo has been involved in music since his young teens. Playing in bands and being involved in live performances was the beginning of what was to be his life and career, music entertainment. As the years went along he found a passion for electronic music. The next obvious step was to start DJing and in 2000 he acquired his own set of decks. He has a BA in music technology that he achieved at the London Collage of Music and Media, UK. After a long time away from South Africa, he returned to join Keystone Productions. He currently runs Equilibrium, the recording studio within Keystone Productions. This is the base for Final groove and it is where they do most of their productions and mixing and mastering.

Macheesmo has been making music for the past 8 years. At school he was trained as a jazz player. However, his love for house music was developing fast. He studied at DobsonVille Collage and was awarded the “Top Achiever Award” for the art of music. During this time, Macheesmo, was out Djing around Soweto too. In 2003 he started to produce his own house music using reason amongst other software. He then began to produce music, of most genres, for various artists in his neighbourhood. He says, “I still play an important role in producing music in my township, where I search for talent and expose them”. He is currently running a recording studio in Soweto, Solid Beat Productions.

S?mpleton Don

avantgardenstudios — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:04:54 +0200

WORKING HISTORY

1999: YARONA FM Jhb.

1999: BOILING POINT Jhb.

1999: TEMPERATURES RISING Jhb.

1999: RAP ACTIVITY JAM Jhb.

[Y FM] - Botswana Dj Instruction Gaborone

[Y FM] - Warhol’s Orange Grove Jhb.

Eargasm - Warhol’s Orange Grove Jhb.

[Y FM] - Auditioning & Screening Jhb.

2000: DEAD PREZ CHANNEL O CONCERT Jhb.

2001: BONGOMAFFIN ALBUM LAUNCH Jhb.

2001: BLACK AUGUST TOUR Jhb.

ARTS ALIVE / Eargasm - Newtown Jhb.

BONGOLUTION – Monsoon Lagoon Jhb.

Eargasm - Park Station Jhb.

2002: MAP OF SOWETO SESSIONS Jhb.

2002: SMIRNOFF EXPERIENCE Jhb.

2002: MKONTO URBAN REGENERATION Jhb.

2002: UNITY UNDERGROUND Jhb.

2002: KLIMAX SHOWCASE Jhb.

WITS - Melville(Cool Runnings) Jhb.

DJ SPINNA - Kyalami Race Track Jhb.

RAWKUS RECORDS DJ CHAPS: Club @ Pta.

2003: SMIRNOFF EXPERIENCE Jhb.

2003: INCOGNITO LIVE Jhb.

2003: IMBUMBA OUTERNATIONAL TOUR Jhb.

2003: URBAN FLAVOURS TOUR Jhb.

2003: TSUNAMI TOUR Jhb.

2003: GOD IS AFRICAN Jhb.

2003: OPEN MIND SESSIONS Jhb.

DJ JAZZY JEFF - Pyramid Centre Jhb.

BRITISH COUNCIL – Newtown Jhb.

LOOP TROOP (Sweden) – Newtown Jhb.

BLACKALICIOUS (L.A) – Newtown Jhb.

BLAZE / BIONIC / BIGGA – Brooklyn Pta.

SIMPHIWE DANA’S DEBUT - Open Mind Pta.

2004: URBAN VOICES Jhb.

2004: ZUBZ ALBUM LAUNCH Jhb.

2004: FINGATHING + BLAK TWANG BRITISH ARTS COUNCIL Jhb.

2004: SEED[GERMANY] + BONGO MAFFIN GERMAN ARTS COUNCIL Jhb.

LINTON KWESI JOHNSON – Newtown Jhb.

LISTENERS DIGEST – Songwriters Club Jhb.

2007: OPPIKOPI DASSIE FEST Pta.

2007: UJU Jhb.

2007: DJ KRUSH LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA Jhb.

2007: GILES PETERSON LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA Jhb.

2007: HYMPHATIC THABS ALBUM LAUNCH Jhb.

2007: 340ML LIVE @ TINGS ‘N TIMES. Pta..

2007: REDBULL MUSIC ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOPS Dbn.

GROOVE ARMADA/MAX NORMAL:LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA Jhb.

2008: ANITA BAKER :LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA Jhb.

2008: NAS LIVE HEINEKEN EXCLUSIVE :LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA Dbn.

2008: JOY DENALANE, ASA, SPINNERS :LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA Jhb.

2008: JOSHUA REDMAN TRIO LIVE :LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA Jhb.

2008: ARRESTED DEVELPOMENT :LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA Jhb.

2008: CAMEL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2008 Pta.

2008: ELIAS OCHOA, TAMIA, DJ KRUSH :LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA Jhb.

2008: LAKE OF THE STARS :LIVE IN MALAWI Africa.

2008: SAUTI ZA BUSARA MUSIC FESTIVAL ZANZIBAR,TANZANIA Africa

2009: FESPACO FILM FESTIVAL OUAGADOUGOU,BURKINA FASO Africa

2009: ZIFF FESTIVAL OF THE DHOW ZANZIBAR,TANZANIA Africa

2009: DJ QUESTLOVE [ROOTS DRUMMER] :LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA Jhb.

2009: SLUM VILLAGE :LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA Cpt.

2009: MOS DEF :CAPE TOWN JAZZ FESTIVAL SOUTH AFRICA Cpt.

2009: RED BULL SOUND CLASH :DIRTY SKIRTS vs TUMI & VOLUME Jhb.

Throatball

info@top-itsolutions.co.za — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:03:41 +0200

4 piece band, hail from Cape Town.

Delivering Punk/Metal in anarchy style.

Consists of:

Ian James Watson - Guitar & Vox

Paul Opie - Bass & Vox

Simon Portlock - Drums & Vox

Gavin Essel - Guitar & Vox

Debut CD due to be released independently in November 2009.

Imbokodo

monde — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:10:13 +0200

There are musicians or artists who,

in spite of prevailing fashions, at

one time decide to nail their colours

to the mast and in the process

resurrect genres that, in the general

opinion of the times, are thought all but

dead. And such is the effect of Imbokodo,

a newly-formed girl-trio paying to the

power of three, in their debut offering

Qobosha [The Wedding Dance], a dervish

collapse of Afro-pop meets R&B.

As the politico-culturally loaded name of

the group suggests, Imbokodo proudly

hauls off the diverse South Africa’s pop

tradition into a funky, chunky-guitar laden

Qobosha, the 11-track strong album plus an

interlude like an express train carrying

freight diversified goods plus precious

metals. The result is unlike anything that

has been seen since the US quartet girlgroup

En Vogue in their first two albums,

Born To Sing and Funky Divas. But the

difference, however, is that the trio can all

sing unlike in En Vogue where Dawn

Robinson was clearly the cherry on top of

mouse chocolate cake. Here Imbokodo is

the wedding cake stuffed with cheery and

cream and topped with three delectable,

impossibly perfect Barbie-sque figures.

Yes, the girls are just that gorgeous and

youthful, which is the quintessence of

being Imbokodo, the deliberately chosen

politico-culturally charged name:

“We chose the name Imbokodo because

we wanted to show that not only women

in politics or business can be imbokodo.

Women in the arts, too, are imbokodo. We

also know that many people when it is

spoken about imbokodo they tend to think

of adult women with imposing figures.

But we’re young, beautiful and sexy and

want to show girls that it doesn’t mean

that they can not be imbokodo if they are

not in politics,” explains group the quiet

member Nondumiso Hadebe finishing her

colleague Sakhile Mthethwa clarification.

In a relative short space of time together

the girls tends to finish one another’s

thoughts as though they have been friends

since childhood.

The comparison between En Vogue and

Imbokodo is significant as both groups

were creations by producers out of diverse

female singers previously unknown to one

another: in the case of Imbokodo the

group is the concept of long-collaborators

producers Robbie Malinga and Mojalefa

Thebe, who along with gospel singer and

now record exec Rampa Masoko are now

part owners of the first truly independent

black-owned record label Hit House

Records, that is, a record label that does the

whole nine yards – from recording, printing,

marketing and distribution – for itself

without ever slightly relying on the big

four majors. The music of Imbokodo can

be imagined as a combination of Malaika

and Bongi Dube streaked with En Vogue,

and the funkiness that obtains from such a

dexterous juxtaposition is load of

chunkiness. These three girls are now the

funky divas.

The girls of Imbokodo Sakhile

Mthethwa, a Swazi national from

Imbokodo

Qobosha

Mbabane who arrived in Durban in 2003 to study

finance at Durban University of Technology but found

herself in the music scene and backed such gospel

musicians among others such as the Nqubeko Mbatha,

the part-time Joyous Celebration musician and producer,

and Ntokozo Mbambo, a former Joyous Celebration and

now solo artist. After obtaining her B-Tech degree she

obtained full time employment in the northern suburbs of

Johannesburg working in the financial departments. She

still keeps her day-job, just in case.

Nondumiso Hadebe, a northern KwaZulu-Natalian

from Ladysmith who dropped out of Durban University

of Technology in 2004 quite accidentally as she found

her singing talent and acting lending her such roles as the

theatre medley of Sarafina at The State Theatre in 2004

which subsequently toured with her The Market Theatre

and Grahamstown National Arts Festival. She soon after

found herself in TV producer and theatre director Duma

Ndlovu’s the Game and was a performance artist as well in

the musical revue UMoja as it premiered in Emperor’s

Palace Casino. She proceeded to back such singers Vicky

Vilakazi, Robbie Malinga and Siphokazi.

Nomsa Moya, a Sowetan of Protea Glen suburb who is

a former retail manager with an upmarket chain retailer

from a deeply religious and musical family with which

she had recorded last year’s debut album Heavenly Beauty

by Grace, a family gospel group consisting of her mother

on singing, her father who plays bass, her brother on

keyboards and her two sisters on singing. She has backed

many singers as diverse as Mzwakhe Mbuli, featured in

Benjamin Dube’s Praise Gospel Explosion choir and backed

Kwela Tebza. The awesome trio were brought together

by Malinga and Thebe after working with the Hadebe

and Moya in his music video Lilizela Mlilizeli last year, but

the production of Qobosha was finally set down from

January to March in 2008.

Though a common thread of gospel runs between

Mthethwa and Moya, the three also participated in the

singing of the choir Gospel Alive wherein they met.

Clearly, the trio bring together a diverse resume of

experience and vocal prowess which is evident as it

enlivens Qobosha with a soul quality not found in their

moribund peers. The three engage in harmonisation and

exchanging lead vocals in turn on each verse depending a

la hip-hop rhyming. They also exchange lead vocals on

each song depending on who best suit to sing the leads:

“The three of us sing together in all the songs. You can

not say who leads which song,” says Mthethwa. “It

depends on what the song calls for. For instance, if the

song is mbaqanga I tend to lead that song ‘cause I sing

mbaqanga well. However, if it’s requires an R&B

treatment both Nomsa and Sakhile tend to lead. But we

all sing together,” finishes Hadebe.

Proudly aware of their tradition, especially as it has

been evident with Malinga’s music that feeds off and

breathe deeply within the mbanqanga soul, Imbokodo

retains all the elements of Afro-pop but infuse them with

house in an album that seamlessly holds all the elements

together without ever being a mere collection of songs.

Qobosha perfectly mixes Bongi Dube’s Ngifuna Wena and

Malaika’s self-titled debut album with generous servings

of Funky Divas. There is the pride in funky, sprightlyguitar

tradition signified by such tunes as Kwenzenjani

[What Is Happening] and the opening track Isesheli [The

Suitor], The Soul Brothers-esque tender ballad Sithandwa

Sami [My Love], Soka Lami [My Lover]; the groovy urban

house of Too Good, Mr Shellington [a Dickensian pun on the

Zulu verb shela [to court/to woo] and a would-be typical

English name], Nix Maphaphelana [an Afrikaans slang plus

Zulu for Let’s Not Be Bothered] and Baby, I Love You.

Qobosha is packed with gems that find a way out of the

creative rut that Afro-pop unexpectedly found itself in. It

delves deep into the vaults of the guitar-laden sprightly

‘60s tradition where Mahotela Queens, Izintombi

Zesimanjenje, Dark City Sisters, et al checks late ‘80s

Winnie Khumalo’s Platform One and jubilantly

celebrates the club-going girl-youth culture found in

Bongi Dube’s Ngifuna Wena. Nix Maphaphelana, for

instance, reprises Mr Shellington by announcing a proudly

club-going girl who is being chaperoned by her brother.

Extending Bongi Dube’s urban girl-youth language, Nix

Maphaphelana celebrates the girl’s right to dress up in

mini-skirt, cleavage-revealing low-neckline tops and

general boozing. It possesses whizzing bass reverbs, daft

keyboards and girl-power vocals: Nix maphaphelana,/ Mina

angizelanga ukuzojola lana,/ Bengizo groove lana;/ Angizelanga

ukuzofisha,/ Awuyeke ukuzogiphazamisa. [Please, don’t bother

me,/ I didn’t come here to get on with men,/ I came

here to groove,/ I didn’t come here to fish,/ Please, don’t

disturb me.] It opens with a thunderous drum-and-bass

and this pride in African female beauty: Ngiyazi ukuthi

ngijayiva kamnandi,/ Ngakhekile ngiyintombi yom-Afrikha/

Stomach out siyangifanele,/ Isigcebhe, angisafuni nokuyikhuluma.

[I know that I dance finely,/ I’m well-proportioned as an

African woman,/ Showing-off my tummy suits me just

fine,/ As for the minis-skirt, well, I just don’t event want

to mention how fine it is.] With such self-affirming

sentiments of girl-power, one can bet that this is going to

be the female anthem of summer across the land. It’s

impactful self-affirmation of women’s choice.

As if to showcase socially relevant song-writing rarely

seen in South African youth pop, Imbokodo take on

current economic stress suffered by citizens since June

2006 of ever-increasing interest rates and yet ever

diminishing incomes on Kwenzejani. The song represents

the halcyon tradition of mbaqanga updated to showcase it

as a founding template and the true spirit of Afro-pop. Its

intelligent production is as though Mahotela Queens

brightly frantic, red-hot guitar tunes were flesh exposed

through a mouth-watering sausage-skin or, rather more

accurately, through a high-powered, corporate mini-skirt

as the sexy thighs of a hot chick. And its sparkling

dervish frenzy would make Mahlathini proud. Its query

of diminishing incomes eaten by interest rates would

knock-off Reserve Bank Governor Tito Mboweni as it

should make COSATU chant it proudly while marching

down on downtown streets. It’s that urgently current. But

Qobosha is more than the sum of its parts; it’s a powerful

debut that injects new energy into Afro-pop and showing

the possible creativity that can be mined in order to

sustain its liveliness and interest.

Sunnyboy and The Band

phiwokuhles — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:42:09 +0200

Sunnyboy is a lead guitarist who has worked with various national artists. He has done recordings and live performances with the likes of Thandiswa Mazwai, Lira, Bongo Maffin, Mafikizolo, Theo Kgosinkwe, HHP, Tuks, MXO, Gang of Instrumentals, JR, Lesego, Jaziel Brothers, Bantu Soul, Swazi Dlamini, Keke, and many more.

Sami Wood

sami-wood — Wed, 13 May 2009 23:12:14 +0200

Sami Wood is South African singer-songwriter based in London, UK. Taking influence from growing up in Durban (South Africa) and life in London; her music is a blend of folk, indie and rock

Verona Walls

andrewcoleary — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:31:00 +0200

Verona Walls formed in early 2008 with Evan Maclear Reid (drums), Marne Gelderbloem (guitar), Andrew O'Leary (guitar), Dinell Behari (bass) and Marco De Sousa coming together to write music at Mercury Rehearsal Studios now called Killcity Blues. After a few months of writing and rehearsing, we played our debut show at Roar on the 7th of June for Dual Entertainment and have had an overwhelming response so far. Our style is very hard to describe but our songs are based on good strong melody but add heavy energy and hope to share the music that we love playing with as many people as possible.

You can hear our debut demo track at myspace.com/verona walls

Ashtray Electric

Rachelle — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:28:09 +0200

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Winner of the MK Award 2009 for Best Newcomer, Ashtray Electric, brings you a fresh new sound that is a delicate mixture of foot-tapping beats and rolling riffs. Not adhering to commercial beats, Ashtray Electric is set to take the SA Music Scene by their very own handshake of music that is inspired by a large selection of musical styles and genres.

Ashtray Electric launched their debut EP “The Dave Sessions” on 19 October 2007. They were spotted by Levi`s Original Music and performed at a high profile Levi`s Young Guns event in Cape Town in June 2008.

Their first single “The Swing” reached the no 1 position on Tuks FM`s SA Top 10, as well as the no 3 position on the Tuks Fm Top 40. a Video of “The Swing” reached no 3 on MK`s Top 10 Chart.

In 2008, Ashtray Electric recorded a new single “Quite Overstared” for the Bellville Rock City compilation that was released by Rhythm Records in December 2008. “Quite Overstared” was playlisted on campus radiostations nationwide and reached the no 1 position on Tuks FM Top 30 and no 1 on Tuks fm SA Top 10. The video of “Quite Overstared” reached no 1 on MK Top 10 and is also playing on MTV Base.

Ashtray Electric released their first full length album “Bonjour” on 29 April 2009. The album consists of 10 new tracks, a 15 minute documentary of the band titled “Lead me to Sea” (filmed and produced by The African Attachment), as well as the video and making of “Quite Overstared.”

More about the band:

Vocalist André Pienaar grew up in Wellington. He finished his B.Sc degree in Biochemistry at UCT in 2008. Guitarist Rudi Cronje is from Bellville and studied BA with a specialized degree in Copywriting. Rhythm section Regardt and Rupert Nel are brothers and are also from Bellville. Regardt studied sound engineering and Rupert did a course in photography. They have been jamming together for years and both of them have played for various smaller bands over the years.

Rudi, Regardt and Rupert were in the same Highschool (Stellenberg). Rudi met André on a Fokofpolisiekar tour and Ashtray Electric was formed in 2007. Apart from the Nel brothers`piano lessons in primary school, none of the bandmembers have had any formal training in music. André writes the lyrics for all Ashtray Electric songs.

Media:

“This new, young indie band has the same energy as Adam and the Ants, the sleaziness of the likes of Slade and the sex appeal of T- Rex. They`re much more than these influences, though, evoking sentiments that are entirely local.” Chris Roper, Best Life.

Newspapers and magazines: Reviews and articles appeared in Beeld Jip, Die Burger Jip, Volksblad Jip, Kampus Beeld, SL and Best Life magazine.

TV Interviews: Nicky Greenwall`s ETV Showbiz Report, MK Studio 1, MK Celeb and AMP, SABC 2 Ka-Da. Pasella (SABC2 June 2009)

Radio interviews: KFM, 5fm, Highveld Stereo, MFM, UJFM, UCT FM, Tuks FM, Puk Fm, Kovsie FM, and performed live on RSG Draadloos.

Festivals and tours :

Ramfest, Worcester – February 2008

KKNK, Oudshoorn - April 2008 and 2009 Oppiaarde, Aardklop, Potchefstroom – September 2008

Bonjour CD launch Tour – May 2009.

Johnny Cradle

johnny_cradle — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 06:46:27 +0100

Johnny Cradle is a result of an acoustic guitar bumping heads with a flute and an upright piano in Port Elizabeth 2005. Soon after that noise began making waves in Cape Town late 2007 and turntables wanted in on the action. To be continued...

Arlyn

arlyn — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:27:47 +0100

Arlyn is in a genre all of its own, and it’s called ‘folk-minimalism’. Combining elements of folk, jazz, and 70’s melodic rock with distinctively minimalistic instrumentation, a new music has emerged, and it’s turning heads. Mystical lyrical themes, complex acoustic playing, falsetto vocals, and a rather mythical agenda concerned with the recollection of innocence makes for a unique music.

Arlyn has supported legendary English folk band Magna Carta on two consecutive national SA tours (www.magnac.com), played Splashy Fen and the White Mountain Festival repeatedly, and has made a distinctive contribution to the emergence of South African new-folk, before releasing a debut album.

In a time where brute force rock catharsis is the banality of the day, and subtlety and musicality are seldom seen, Arlyn is set to ignite audiences with its distinctive, moving music.

Arlyn’s debut single, Young but Growing, has been released, and it can be downloaded for free from www.loadtheshow.com/show/arlyn.

It is taken of the forthcoming album, The Innocence of Myth.

Puck

Puck — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:41:47 +0200

Puck is an eclectic electronic band from Cape Town who describe their
sound with the phrase: “The battle between nature and machine set aside
their differences and come together in alluring mix of voice and
electronic”

To pigeonhole them would not be a suitable nest, alas this vocal description for their sound;

The
Live electronic three-piece combine heavy bass lines, atmospheric
synths, breaks and eclectic beats. Puck’s sound is driven by dark
undertones with the vitality being the drama and agility through opera
vocals that add warmth and character to the beats. Included in the
ensemble comes a keyboard to compliment the vocals and guitars being
the raw filling enchanting the melodies.

Puck was founded by
Antonio Cencherle and Robin Botha who realized their similar interests
whilst at the SA College of Music. They were soon joined by Dirk de
Kock adding his darker touch on guitar. The fourth and newest addition
to the band is Mark Scholtz on Bass guitar.

Their influences
range through genres including opera, classical and modern bands such
as Radiohead, Faithless, Muse and Portishead. Coming up with the band
name, they derived “Puck“ from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s
dream”, using the nickname of the character appropriately also known as
Robin. The lyrics of the song “Puck’s Theme” are taken mostly from
Shakespeare’s text.

Puck's sound is original, time-less and
progressing forward as they get ready to release new material in a more
forward direction.

High Definition Show Band

kevygmusic — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:48:38 +0200

High Definition Show Band is one of South Africa’s foremost private and corporate music acts. A combination of highly skilled and talented musicians, musical director Kevin Greenberg and lead vocalist Alicia Comer, outline the radiance of the High Definition team. They perform as a duo all the way to a beyond belief eight-piece band!

A successful combination of fine music and entertainment, there can be no doubt that High Definition will endow an inclusive entertainment package to suit your individual needs.

High Definition Show Band boasts with the distinction, professionalism and zest your event requests. High Definition has the competence of performing well-over 100 songs and most importantly performs them with style and authenticity. From early evening music which revives your musical soul, Motown, Pop, Top 40, and always those itching-foot dance numbers, the High Definition group has a rich blend of tastes for everybody from yesteryear and current music.

An air-tight 4 piece rhythm section, 2 exotic horn players, 2 chic vocalists coalesce to bring a one of a kind show and band for your occasion.

Kevin Greenberg has positioned himself, across a full spectrum of music, to insure the smooth success of your event. From the ample arrival of his proficient set up crew, through the recital of that special song to make the day an unforgettable memory, High Definition delivers a vibrant quality of visual and audio, so energetic and so professional to your entertainment needs that you’ll certainly recommend your family, friends and peers who to book time after time, year after year.

Mixed Brew

paulq — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:07:35 +0200

Two brothers with a lot of foot and fret work, dismantle the pop genre with improvised standards and original tunes...15 years experience collectively reveals a polished and energetic performance.

Regular gigs - weekly; Noord Hoek; Muizenburg; Simons Town

Liberty

libmaister — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:34:36 +0100

Liberty Bwanali born 15 September 1986 in a little town Rimuka in the
city of Kadoma.Grew up without the taste in Music only loved sports and
playing in the mountains eating fruits and a lil bit of hunting.At the
age of 13 i felt music for the first time and it wasnt HipHop or Rap,
it was Sungura genre which is very popular in my country Zimbabwe.I
listened to 2pac's song(Brenda's got a baby) and (Dear Mama) and for
the first time i fell inlove with Rap.My situation then made me switch
from Sungura to rap music.I had many hardships growing up and that led
me to writing my own music and started Rapping.Most of my lyrics are
deep,emotional,talks more about my struggle and My people dying and its
part of who i am.When i say my people i dont mention race to me black
or white it dont matter we all human.My first album which im currently
working on is a dedication to my Mother.She played a role in my life
and guide me all the way and now i am wat i am coz of her.I started
writing 6years ago but only last year is when i started putting my
lyrics together and recorded some demo tracks and etc.Life is never
easy and wat we can all do is try to make the best out of it and thats
wat im doing and ill always write music and rap is part of who i am and
nothing can take that away from me

F-eezy

Unreleased — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:29:04 +0100

Born and raised in Zola, Soweto, F-eezy
is a spectacular musical talent so precise with his craft
that no matter what persona he adopts, the results are guaranteed to prove compelling.

Skelem For $ale
F-eezy’s hot new album, is evidence of the metamorphosis he has undergone since
releasing his original debut Gate Khahlela with Native Rhythms/EMI in
2007.

Then, F-eezy, who had picked up the mic
a mere 15 months prior, rhymed like his tongue was a jagged blade, spitting
sharp, cinematic punchlines delivered with a fervour so relentless you almost
missed the tongue-in-cheek moments.

Although the album was solid, and
luminously illustrated the desolate landscape of Snake Park, his West Rand
hood, you’d be forgiven for thinking that his life was all grey skies. By his
own admission the album was, “a tad too hardcore”, limiting the wide appeal
that his ferocious skills suggested for his career.

Skelem For $ale,
his first release with Unreleased Records, is a major evolution for this
vernacular hip-hop specialist. This
collection finds the artist rocking a more palatable and matured style, geared
for the radio and the clubs but with plenty of meat for the streets, the heads
and fans that first fuelled his hunger.

Skelem 4 $ale includes collaborations from recording artists
Imbube, Bongo Riot (Gang of Instrumentals), 985, Young Nations, Shotgun,
Whosane and Skebza and also involves producers Draztik, Dome, Ameen, Tags and
Proff.

The album’s lead single, ‘4 Lezaka’, is a Dome
production which was recently sampled to radio stations nationwide. The single
itself is also available for digital download on MTN Xploaded.

Watch this space for album launches of Skelem For $ale showcasing at venues across the country
including Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Pretoria.

For more info please see – www.unreleasedrecords.com

<http://www.unreleasedrecords.com>

info@unreleasedrecords.com

www.facebook.com/feezyfezile

www.reverbnation.com/feezy

www.myspace.com/feezymusic

www.twitter.com/f_eezy

Kwani Experience

kwela.sekele — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:02:41 +0200

2nd Album Out! :

KWANI EXPERIENCE has just dropped their new second album titled ‘Live After Birth’, and what a resounding release it is! Top South African producer Sibusiso Victor Masondo (produced Freshly Ground and Miriam Makeba amongst innumerable other success stories) alongside South Africa’s premier percussionist and maestro Tlale Makhene helped refine and define the unique and interesting sound that Kwani Experience offers on this second offering.

Who Is Kwani Experience? :

KWANI EXPERIENCE is a 6-piece live band hailing from the inner city of Johannesburg - gritty yet sophisticated with a distinct edge in their attitude, their messages, their look and their sound. KWANI EXP or K.E. certainly yet creating another stir with this new release as they did with their debut album- “The Birth of the Mudaland Funk”.

Think successful, entertaining, liberating, hip, musical-journey, African Urban Culture, post-apartheid, motivational, educational, South African cultural transition and [re-] evolution; think KWANI EXPERIENCE – this is what the band is, and represents, in no uncertain terms.

Kwani’s unique and eclectic sound is no less difficult to pigeon-hole and categorise now, as ever, with elements of funk, jazz (traditional, African and acid), soul, hip-hop, African traditional, African urban and African pop genres all coming into play in an exciting and groundbreaking mix and accessible wall of sound.

The band members all have different identities, styles and areas of expertise. Kwani comprises: a soulful actress/lead female vocalist (Nkoto Keitu Malebye) coupled with lead rapper/poet (Kwelagobe Sekele); behind them we have an industrial-percussionist (recycled & light percussions) (Bafana Nhlapo), drummer (Monde Mkhizwana), bassist (Frank Magongwa), second percussionist on congas, bongos and djembe (Gontse Makhene) and keyboardist (Mahlatse Riba). A truly unique visual feast aside to the musical one already described!

The History:

Winners of the STANDARD BANK/ KAYA fm 95.9/SHEER SOUND “Totally Jazzed” showcase in late 2004, (which is also the year the band was established) won the contest because of their innovation, fresh ideas and concepts; the band is now signed to record company Sheer Sound.

The KWANI EXPERIENCE educates, elevates and entertains both young and the old, pays tribute to their legacy and heritage and chants the future. They label their overall style and musical style, MUDALAND FUNK.

JACK RADICS

visions2009 — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:30:28 +0100

JACK RADICS

The man and his music C Danielle McNish, Observer writer Friday, February 06, 2004

JACK RADICS "As we try to find solutions, equations don't compete. It's a journey of deception to the moment of truth." Jack Radics, 1996
Rarely seen and sometimes rarely heard, Radics, a prominent voice arising from Jamaica's Reggae music arena, with mega hits like “This Time I'll Be Sweeter”, “Affairs Of The Heart”, “Josephine” and “Twist And Shout” in collaboration with Supercat and Chaka Demus and Pliers respectively, is the quintessential, passionate crooner with a recording career spanning more than 20 years. His voice is a jaunty mixture of Isaac Hayes, Peter Tosh and Barry White, with the pep of Louis Armstrong and soulfulness of Otis Redding, who happens to be one of his greatest musical influences.
For Radics,' singing is [often] easier than breathing'. The 46 year-old who was not at all apprehensive about sharing his age, claiming "numbers are for license plates, interest rates and dates", was born December 31, 1957 - "when the world was having a party, so what other business could I be in?" He has always remembered himself being around music and singing through his early piano lessons and years as a member on various school and church choirs.
Radics soon decided to pursue his passion and ultimate source of contentment in a more meaningful way. This would take him on touring stints with the likes of Freddy McGregor, UB40, Tiger, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Joe Cocker and disco denizen, Blondie, to places like Japan, Australia, New Zealand and various parts of Europe where he has established strong fan bases.
His first studio recording, which became popular, was a cover of Kool and the Gang's hit “Get Down On It”, produced and released by the late Valerie Cowan as a 45 single on her UFO label. That was 1980. However, before that, he had begun heating up the sound system circuit with a number of specials, covers, and dubs and even did a stint with a band in the Bahamas.
Notwithstanding his minor success with “Get Down On It”, Radics has formed a number of bands on his trek to stardom. Firstly, Roots, Rock Radics (not to be confused with Roots Radics) including drummer Nicky Henry of Mystic Revealers fame. This band was dismantled following the flight of the keyboardist. Next was Cool And Dreadful, formed around 1983, which included guitarist Kim Shaw and for a while Billy Mystic of Mystic Revealers. Another was Jalan, named after a town in Singapore. Though it showed obvious potential in the act of almost being signed to UB40's label, the band split.
Radics then migrated to Europe in 1984 and worked as an administrator in a music co-op in England. He was and still is inspired and moved by the concept of a school, which integrative taught all aspects of the music and the music business, and yearns for such an establishment here at home. As is typical of most artistes, Radics soon grew tired of the nine-to-five desk job and moved on. He formed yet another band, Jack and the Herb Stalk, which was also short-lived. That was 1985.
In that same year, while moonlighting as a cab driver in London, Radics happened one day to pick up the then A & R of Island Records, who heard Radics' voice coming through the speakers at him and asked Radics who the singer was and if he knew him. Shortly after, Radics was signed to Island Records only to have to negotiate his release from the label because of the tug-of- war takeover of the company by Polygram, which left the prospects of his album release hanging. Therefore, it was back to the drawing board for Jack Radics.
By 1990, he released a cover of Jerry Butler's “Dream Merchant” which had the distinction of being one of the first tunes played on IRIE-FM, which signed on to the airwaves that same year. Later this single was negotiated on to the 1993 album; “What About Me”. Around the same time came the release of the popular dancehall hit, “Set My Heart On Fire”.
However, that year proved even more profound as it was the year of Jack Radics' debut album, “Radical” on Castro Brown's New Name Records. This was followed by releases of the singles “Moving Away”, produced by Bobby Digital and a cover of Stacy Lattisaw's (This Time) “I'll Be Sweeter” which was released on an album of the same title by Penthouse in 1992.
In 1993 Jack Radics experienced true chart-topping ecstasy with the release of the ever-popular “Twist And Shout” recorded with Chaka Demus and Pliers. What is interesting to note about this single are the important facts of its release.
RESEARCHED AND POSTED BY: MELANIE PURVIS-FOLETI

ViSiOnS

http://www.myspace.com/foleti

http://myspace.com/jackradicsofficial

South Coast Soul Revue

southcoastsoulrevue — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:33:58 +0200

South Coast Soul Revue is an eight piece
band playing the best of classic and contemporary soul music with a
little bit of funk thrown into the mix. We have two singers and a full
brass section and create a very authentic soul/funk experience that
appeals to all ages.
Quality musicians, great songs and a
commitment to the audience means we can help make your wedding, party
or corporate function a memorable occasion and one your danced-out
guests will never forget!

Counterstrike

justin.scholtemeyer — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:34:39 +0200

COUNTERSTRIKE, also known as Animal Chin and 500 Mills, have been active drum 'n bass DJ's/producers since the mid Nineties. Collectively producing since 1998, they've sold over 70 000 records on various high profile labels such as Rob Playford's Moving Shadow, Dieselboy's Human and Dylan's Obscene.

Algorythm Recordings, their own imprint, was re-launched in 2005 and include releases from artists such as Current Value, Limewax, SPL, T.Z.A, The Panacea and Donny. Apart from their busy production schedule they still find the time to regularly perform in Europe and the USA. 2007 saw them DJ in 16 countries.

Kesi

sbuthelezi — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:57:10 +0100

S.C.A.M

matthewcs — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:50:47 +0200

S.C.A.M Biograpahy

19-Year old white rapper S.C.A.M hails from Pietermaritzburg Kwa-Zulu Natal. A true child of the New South Africa, S.C.A.M was born on the day former president Nelson Mandela was released from prison. He appeared on an interview with Gareth Cliff on the 5FM breakfast show in 2009, as well as having his track "Lines Rhymes" release in Britain and Russia.

While S.C.A.M lists a number of influences from Tupac and Nas to HHP and Proverb, his greatest influence is the life altering experience of his father dying from lung cancer when he was a young teenager. A devastating loss at any age, but too much to bare at 14, S.C.A.M went off the rails, ignoring his childhood friends and hanging out with thugs and dealers. Daily life soon became about looking for fights and smoking marijuana with things reaching an alltime low when S.C.A.M tried to end his life. Thankfully he was unsuccessful, but with his anger consuming him, he realised that needed to channel his destructive behaviour.

When somebody suggested he try writing lyrics, he attempted it, and really enjoyed it. S.C.A.M's first song, "Heaven at 57,"(about his beloved father) gave him a sense of fulfilment that had been missing since his father's death and encouraged him to write more. It was at this point that he was sent to boarding school to start a new life and soon his focus shifted from fighting and drugs to writing lyrics in every spare moment he had. Because of what people had heard about his past, S.C.A.M didn't have many friends. However, instead of falling into old ways, he kept on writing and kept on rapping, despite the fact that the more he rapped, the more he was victimised and put down by the people around him at school.
Finally school ended and S.C.A.M went to Rhodes University to study law in 2008. It was here that S.C.A.M met Thabo Choshane and Ash Ngonyama. Their friendship was found on a shared love of Hip Hop and a natural progression saw the three working together with S.C.A.M doing most of the rapping featuring Thabo and Ash creating the beats.
In the S.C.A.M's own words, "Ever since I was a little boy I have been performing, whether it was in the school choir or school productions, I was on stage and loved every moment. My dad dying changed my life, and I felt so much pain and anger. My friends at the time got me to start writing lyrics, which at first was to just release my frustration, and my lyrics were very personal and deep. I was complimented on my lyrics, and this inspired me to write more, and so I just wrote and didn't stop, and by the end of 2005 I had completed a total of 30 scripts, telling a different story in every one of them. Some of my scripts I wrote specifically to gain brownies points from girlfriends, while others developed into topics on current affairs, my everyday life and just my view on the world in general.
Although I do regret getting into the life of a thug, I must thank the men that got me into Hip-Hop, because it has definitely benefitted me. I never would have been rapping or writing lyrics if I had never met those boys. I've have taken a lot of chirps and people putting me down about being white and rapping, but I will stay true to the saying that Hip-Hop never left me and I will never leave Hip-Hop.
S.C.A.M is my rap name. It has a very simple meaning. My initials are M.A.C.S which stand for Matthew Augustus Callcott-Stevens, S.C.A.M is my initials backwards, and this is to ensure that my name and who I am stays with me forever."

Nolan Chiat

nolan — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:20:40 +0200

Nolan Chiat produces a uniquely expressive form of electronic dance music that undeniably has strong electrotechno leanings. He is as interested in creating melodic and harmonic compositions as he is in funk, groove and electronic sound design.

A/D

daura5 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:38:33 +0200

When soulful hip-hop has become obscure and urban rap is too commercial and materialistic. A self-motivated lyricist steps up old school style with a blend of traditional and experimental methods to produce a distinct sound in the hip-hop underground set in the U. Currently building a buzz across the pond and back with his Tirimo Tirimo Riddim which has over 20 International Dancehall MC’s doing versions from the US, Jamaica, Canada, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malaysia and the UK. A/D has also been commissioned to Executive Produce the Kettering’s Got Talent 09 album, with a select group of young crooners and verbal purveyors.

Cheekily poking at pressing social issues from racism, politics, family values and relationships, meanwhile abstaining from the preachy, obscene or derogatory scene. With definite party starter Jump Off’s and urban commentary A/D walks the fine line between respect for the art and mass appeal with finesse and ease. Oozing charm and metaphors on Chimbomira, A/D has a point to prove with impressive flows and grinding bass lines the world have not heard in a long time.

RIFF FAM

molemo23 — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:59:07 +0200

Riff Fam is Hip-Hop group that fuses vernacular rap with a twist of soul and R&B. Riff Fam music involves influential messages in Setswana and English yet largely comprehended lingo. Riff Fam brings different element and sound not only to this type of music but also to the South African music scene. Riff Fam is the group to represent South African hip-hop music industry on an international level. Our main objective is to encourage and inspire an international appeal into South African music scene.

Our love and passion for music give us a massive fuelled drive towards climbing the ladder of success. We intend and want to build RIFF FAM as a brand and a Household name, recognized and known nationally and abroad.

Our message: Anything your imagination can conceive, can be possible. Dream, and make them come true.

As for the favorite song/s….i would say Wa Mpona na? and O ntswela…basically they closely relate to what we’ve been through since the Birth of Riff Fam.

RIFF FAM full length soul soothing and laden offering debut album, titled question mark?...coming out soon. Check this space and your ears glued to your favorite radio station. This is what you’ve been waiting for.

Cold Hand Chemistry

chantel4music — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:22:38 +0100

Members:

Chantel Smit
(Vocals & Guitar)

Dave Benzaquen
(Keyboards/Percussion)

Dean Jacobs
(Bass)

Donovan Laughton
(Guitar)

Robert Fick
(Drums)

Ameer Saban
(Lead Guitar)

Cold Hand Chemistry was founded in November 2006 by Dave Benzaquen who grew dissatisfied with his Latin music career and began scouting for likeminded musicians in bringing this project to life. The name Cold Hand Chemistry is an exact representation of the band, mixing each individual's music knowledge, background and taste in to one unit. Cold Hand Chemistry recorded their first single in March 2008 "Angel Suicide". Their first single receiving Radio play on UCT Radio and MFM Radio, they also received an overwhelming response online. The band is currently in Studio working on their Début Album due for release early in 2009.

Band highlights for 2007:

African Burn Festival
Rock and Roll Circus
December 2007 Tour with 12th Avenue along the East Coast

Band highlights for 2008:

Recording their single Angel Suicde at LMX Studios
Playing Zimfest 2008 in Cape Town
Angel Suicide Receives Radio play on UCT and MFM Radio
Recording of their Début Album

Press Quotes

Tabletalk – Thursday September 6 2007
“Listening to them play one can hear their individual musical influences coming through, they gel as one solid unit. A clear indication that the chemistry between them makes it work.” “It’s energetic and it’s passionate and it’s good. At times melodic at times heavy and aggressive, the music takes you on a journey of catchy hooks, and heartfelt lyrics.”

Tabletalk – Wednesday December 5 2007
“When Cold Hand Chemistry take to the stage there is no second guessing which band is in the house.” “Their music is an eclectic mix of symphonic rock, percussion, a hint of the blues, punk, metal, a grip of grunge with a slight gothic influence. They created a symphony of sound that has their signature written all over it.”

TERMINATRYX

TERMINATRYX — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:43:46 +0200

TERMINATRYX 2009 BIOGRAPHY

April 2008 saw the release of the much anticipated TERMINATRYX album, followed by their "Terminatryx / Nosferatu" DVD.

While the South African musical landscape consists of varied styles and genres, TERMINATRYX couldn’t find one catering to their specific taste. So, in 2002 they decided to set out and create their own by blending their love of hard- and electronic music, with that of the moods created by sci-fi / horror / extreme movies, and a touch of sexually charged danger to initialize their own dark edged Industrial rock movement.

Since then they have slowly cultivated and sculpted their sound, systematically shaping these creations which encapsulate a wide range of moods and subjects, from socio-political & protest grievances, the media & consumerism, to alien visitation, an alternative to the traditional love song, instrumentals and fictional / fantasy trips. A strong sense of individuality, free speech and free choice filters throughout. Categorization has been difficult with the band’s dark flavoured blend of female-fronted, electronically infused industrial metalscapes – they’re quite content with this non-labeled state.

The rock community has never looked favourably upon bands with female vocalists, but in the case of TERMINATRYX SONJA projects sensuality while delivering the musical message, without weak attempts at being the “rock goddess” – she simply is without trying!
Furthermore she does not endeavor to emulate the voice of any other singers out there, as her vocals join forces with the music to become a part of its essence, as opposed to fighting for attention.

The other key component of the TERMINATRYX collective is PAUL. Drummer of South Africa’s most influential Metal band V.O.D - VOICE OF DESTRUCTION.

V.O.D’s Bloedrivier album got a 10th Anniversary re-release with extras incl. demo tracks and videos directed by Paul.
The band lived in Europe for a few years in the mid ‘90s, recording Bloedrivier in the UK for their German record label and also embarking on a full European tour with Katatonia and In The Woods during 1996. While on this tour, PAUL purchased a bass guitar with which to give life to the songs in his head. This led to the forming of his solo project F8 (pronounced “fate”) in 1998.

In 2002 however, together with SONJA, the seed for TERMINATRYX started germinating. Between 2002 and 2005 several guitarists came and went. During this period (key songwriter) PAUL took up the guitar himself, handling all of the musical aspects, from bass & guitar, to drums, programming, keyboards (and backing vocals).

In 2003 the first ever TERMINATRYX live shows erupted in support of German Darkwave gods Diary Of Dreams on their South African tour.
For live performances the core configuration of PAUL & SONJA can be joined by various additional members, from extra guitarists to live drummers to add to the programmed tracks & loops. The live set-up can range from 2 – 5 members (or more if need be – this opportunity arose with the live soundtrack performance TERMINATRYX delivered for the screening of the 1922 silent classic NOSFERATU at the South African HORROR FEST).

South African live shows were put on hold in preparation for the TERMINATRYX performance at the South Africa day of POPKOMM 2006 at the DUNCKER CLUB in Berlin, Germany – September 2006.

On their return to home soil, TERMINATRYX performed a live original soundtrack to F.W. Murnau’s silent 1922 vampire classic NOSFERATU at the annual South African HORRORFEST over the Halloween period (27-30 Oct), incorporating additional guest artists, violinist Matthijs Van Dijk, Francois Blom (of V.O.D, DIE KRUIS, and K.O.B.U.S.) on keyboards, and from LARK, Sean & Simon on everything from samplers and upright bass, to flute and the theremin. It was an awe-inspiring experience which led to the creation and performance of another soundtrack at the 2007 HORRORFEST for the screening of THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI with collaborators from LARK). The show was not just sold out, but extra seats were brought into the theatre and many people had to be turned away.
(Paul & Sonja are also the key organizers of the HorrorFest- and the X Fest extreme film festivals).

The first live performance for 2007 was at the Ramfest over the first weekend of March.

The TERMINATRYX music video for the song "Midnight" (directed by Paul), also utilized clips from the classic NOSFERATU. This and other videos can be viewed on the band’s official, YouTube & MySpace sites. More music videos are in the pipeline, incl. "Siek+Sat" which will finish post-production in June 2009.

Pre-produxion samplers, First Fix v.1.0, First Fix v.2.0 and First Fix v.3.0 has been circulated since 2003. April 2008 saw the release of the much anticipated TERMINATRYX album, and late 2008 the TERMINATRYX / NOSFERATU DVD was released, featuring live footage, music videos, European footage, photo galleries, a short film imPERFECTION (by PAUL, starring SONJA, featuring TERMINATRYX music), and the full classic 1922 vampire film NOSFERATU (with its new original soundtrack as performed at the 2006 South African HORRORFEST by Terminatryx and special guests).

June 2009 also marks the mobilization of the TERMINATRYX remix album, which will feature an exciting range of artists remixing the Terminatryx album.

August 2009 TERMINATRYX and guests will perform their original NOSFERATU soundtrack to the movie's screening at the OPPI KOPPI festival, also giving the DVD (containing the movie and Terminatryx content) a proper launch.

TERMINATRYX is an evolving entity and its philosophy partially comprises the following:
It is compelled to create music with which they can identify, even if it is not generally accepted by the wider community / Its inherent intensity is a natural one created by their perception of the world around them / It tackles issues without being preachy / It kicks hard without drowning the key purpose in sheer volume / It utilizes technology without being overtaken by it or losing its humanity and organic essence / It contains catchy elements without attempts to scam listeners into a blatant commercial trap / It exudes a confident sexuality and sense of empowerment as part & parcel, not a mere overblown selling point...
Taking the abovementioned into account and the fact that TERMINATRYX takes both subjective and objective standpoints, it is everything but neutral.
A paradox? Perhaps...
An enigma? Maybe...
A phenomenon? By far…
You be the judge.

Soweto Opera Quadro

soweto opera quadro — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:00:42 +0200

SOWETO OPERA QUADRO WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2003 BY A GROUP OF MUSICIANS FROM SOWETO AND ITS SURROUNDINGS. THE GROUP CONSISTS OF FOUR SINGERS AND DISPLAY LOTS OF TALENT WITH WONDERFUL SOUNDS THROUGH VOICES AND INSTRUMENTS.

SOWETO OPERA QUADRO REPERTOIRE RANGES FROM CLASSIC, OPERA, CLASSICAL JAZZ, AFRICAN, AFRO POP TO CHRISTMAS MUSIC. IT HAS GAINED A GOOD EXPOSURE AND PUBLICITY FROM PERFORMING AT FESTIVALS, CONCERTS, CORPORATE GIGS, SCHOOLS, TV (weekend live and kids news), RADIO (classic fm and lesedi fm), MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS

Edward Mabunda

Born in Soweto and started singing at an early age, He sings Tenor and joined a private music clinic and did basic performing art where he majored with voice and stage acting under Petros Mofokeng. Edward sings in variety of music genres from traditional African music to opera. He joined Promusica Opera Company as under study in 1999 and performed Opera productions such as Verdi’s Latraviata, Regoletto, Unballo in machara, Beethoven sympony no 9, Madama butterfly, Tosca, Laboheme, Le nozze di Figaro, Mahler’s symphony no 2, Gounod st Cecilia mass, Requiem and also part of chorus celebrating Promusica Theatre and silver jubilee concert. He played a role of First man in Armoured and first priest (Magic flute Opera) as his debut as a soloist for the Promusica opera company under Weiss Doubel. He is also a freelance soloist for SABC choristers where he recorded a CD with them, and also recorded a movie sound track as a lead singer with London Film production a movie called Red Dust. He performed Opera concerts around South Africa and toured Botswana, Zimbabwe and Germany. He is a founder member of Soweto opera quadro.

Elliot Koena

Elliot is a tenor singer and started singing at primary school and later joined private clinic under Petros Mofokeng a vocal teacher. He was auditioned by Promusica Opera company where he performed opera productions such as Regoletto, Unballo in maschara, Tosca, Beethoven symphony no 9 with them. He did concerts for SAPs choir as a soloists and toured Botswana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. He performed with Soweto symphony Orchestra concerts and performed at the opening of Gomma gomma awards at Sun city 2004. He is also a founder member of Soweto opera quadro.

Bokang Sehau

Bokang is a tenor singer and studied basic theory and voice at Fuba School of music in Johannesburg. He has performed for school projects and did solo concerts with them. He also did concerts with Soweto symphony Orchestra and toured South Africa with them. He was invited to perform at the opening of legislature in Johannesburg, ALso performed at Rand water choral festival as a soloist. He toured Botswana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. He is a founder member of Soweto Opera Quadro.

Xola Mpola

Born in Port Elizabeth and sing baritone, he studied for a performer’s diploma in opera music at the South African college of music. He did opera productions such as Iltrovatore, Barber of Seville, laboheme and later joined University of Cape Town where he majored with stage production and voice productions under Professor Angelo Gobbato. While in Cape Town he performed baritone roles in operas such as Romeo and Juliet, Cossi fun tutti and many more operas and did concerts with Philharmonic orchestra as a soloist. He later moved to Johannesburg and performed at Mass choir festival 2003-2004 under Professor Mzilikazi Khumalo and Richard Cock. His experience in music landed him positions in adjudicating choral competitions. He is a also a founder member of Soweto opera quadro.

SOWETO OPERA QUADRO HAS PERFORMED:

Opera productions with Promusica Opera Company

Invited by SABC news department to perform for Noxolo Grootboom 20 anniversary (SABC 1 news)

Big 5 Jazz concert for animals in Asia held in Fontainebleau (jhb) 2005

Christmas carols in Botswana with BC Orchestra 2004

Classic FM and bright water concerts in Randburg 2006

Moshito music conference 2006

GIBS summer festival 2006

Black Eagle fundraising dinner

Arts alive jazz festivals 2006

Momentum Awards in Namibia 2007

Christmas carols with SABC 2 featuring Gloria Bosman (2007)

Queen musicals at Sun city featuring Vicky Simpson (2008)

MTN Barefoot festival

Brothers in song theatre show at UJ Arts theatre

Brothers in song Baxter theatre in Cape Town and Michael House in Drankensburg

Quadro is Performing in different Corporate functions and events around the Country

China (Nanning international folk festival)

IEC presidential pledge

Naledih

joseafrica — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:16:33 +0200

BACKGROUND Naledih is a singer and songwriter born in Swaziland in a Charismatic Evangelist family, so she was singing gospel music almost before she could speak. “Everybody had to sing at home before dinner, everyday, for 30 minutes or more!” Naturally, it wasn’t long before she was leading the church choir on Sundays, in an environment that takes its music seriously… At 19, the town of Mbabane became a little small for the dreams and aspirations of this young artist and she moved to Johannesburg. Reliably, her solid musical grounding kept her performing regularly to ever-growing audiences (including performing solo at Rhema Church arena for over 10,000 people). Independent life in the big city wasn’t easy and Naledih did a lot of growing up both personally and musically. Her style started expanding to other genres, reflecting an innate musical talent too rich to be kept in the straight gospel formula.

THE STYLE Naledih is the most down-to-earth diva you will ever meet. She is intelligent and very intuitive, self-taught on top of a very fertile talent. Her personality and deep spiritual roots are revealed in her music, which transpires African soul and a strong but gentle woman character. She is gifted with a truly special voice, in terms of power, texture and range. “I did nothing to deserve it, so I always knew I had to give something back through music” she believes. And so she does, with deep and full lows and hair-raising highs, without being overwhelming: “less is more” she is fond of saying. At once shining and subtle, her voice provides a consistent feel through a variety of styles. But don’t be fooled by the lack of artifice: this is world-class singing, the kind that only takes one listening to make instant converts!

FUTURE PLANS Currently in studio, working on her debut album, the CD will include songs she has created during many years, as well as recent material that comes from collaboration with artists such as Bonani Mambi, Cosmiq, SteadyRock! and others.

PERFORMANCES After her succesful performance in Durban Jazz Festival, Naledih will be performing weekly in Johannesburg, at a venue to be confirmed, from October 2008. She is also available for concerts, corporate or private functions, worldwide.

For more info visit www.naledih.com

Voodoo Child

halfal — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:17:47 +0200

It is a generally-held belief that first impressions last. It’s also widely accepted that introductions are best kept brief. However, having taken the best part of five years to officially announce their arrival, Voodoo Child have taken the lengthier (and more scenic) route to recording and releasing their debut album “Attack. Don’t Panic.” Firmly believing the maxim that good things take time, they have carefully paved their way along the notoriously rocky road that is the local music industry and this 2009 offering is a fitting flourish at the end of what has been a very merry song-and-dance.

Live venues around Gauteng have borne testament to the growth of the Voodoo Phunk, grounded firmly in their energetic performances on any stage. Through a combination of design and default, the band has cooked their sound up in a melting pot of funky bass-lines and rock guitars laced with catchy piano lines sprinkled over soulful, hip-hop-inspired vocals. The result is often met with confusion, but even the most hardened skeptics find themselves unwittingly drawn into a tapping of the foot or a shaking of the proverbial booty by Voodoo Child’s “get-up-and-dance” tunes. This steady conversion of followers around the country has given the outfit the honour of rocking some of South Africa’s premier music festivals, most notably Woodstock, Oppikoppi and Splashy Fen.

Not content to rest of their laurels, and buoyed by an inherent need for growth, the band has made the recording studio a second home in recent times, reaching heights with their funky cover, “Come Together” a remake of The Beatles’ Classic by the same name. The hit single was one of a number of stand-out tracks from the well-received EP “Good Times are Killing Me”. Keen to build on these early steps, they spent 2008 at Pop Planet studios recording the full-length album under the watchful ear of multi-award winning producer, Marius Brouwer. What has emerged is a holistic overview of the bands sound since they were established, threaded together by the unmistakable elements that leave one heady off the cocktail of sonic flavours.

The album itself consists of fourteen original tracks, and actively seeks to stay true to Voodoo Child’s live sound. An eight-piece string section, though, lends fullness to the overall product, and is put to use beautifully on the ballad “Child of the Sun”. The rest of the album is a smooth rollercoaster ride of rhythms and emotions, highlighted by songs like “Megalomanic Attack”, “I stay up all night” and “Good Times”. This funky list is headed by “Centre of Gravity” a sing-along ballad that is also the lead-off single from “Attack. Don’t Panic.”.

Next on the agenda for Alan (keys), Brendon (lead guitar), Fuzz (bass guitar), Hendrik (drums) and Lebo (vocals) is the dual task of looking ahead to the next album while touring the current and spreading their sound as far as it can possibly go… a job made easier by the band’s obvious love for live performance. And if the feedback from a growing fan-base is anything to go by, there is a world waiting to share that love with them for a while to come.

V.O.L

miggs.a — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:54:42 +0100

V.O.L is a band spawned out of the love for creating interesting and new music. Intent on producing an eclectic mix between old and nu-school metal, V.O.L are fresh and willing to fight to get their music out there.
The band was instigated in 2003 by original drummer Artur Pereira who felt there was a gap in the SA music scene and that V.O.L would be the band to fill it. Since then, the band has been surprising everyone they perform to with their explosive style and performances.

V.O.L is a band that just wants to have FUN and ROCK THE WORLD!!

Mission Statement: Never take anything for granted. We are all here for a reason.

www.volmofo.com

http://www.facebook.com/business/dashboard/?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=235654...

Allegra

allegrastreettheme — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:02:36 +0200

ALLEGRA STREET THEME - Allegra Street Theme, set on becoming South Africa’s most significant rock band. With the South African leg of the Global Battle of the Bands 2007 title under their belts, this talented foursome is making heads turn.

Years of training in all genres has had a significant influence on their musical style. Having a repertoire with a diverse selection of songs and a dynamic stage presence is what keeps the audience entertained from the beginning to the end of their performance.

In the latter years of high school the band consistently honed their talents playing at school functions, assemblies and entering and winning a Battle of the Bands competition in Pretoria (2006). It was during these years that the band developed their unquenchable passion for music and their desire to become a top South African band.

Since 2006 Allegra Street Theme has performed at many functions, festivals and clubs and had the privilege of playing alongside Watershed at the Stonehaven Festival in 2007 and alongside the Parlotones in 2008. Allegra finished 2008 performing main stage at Woodstock alongside Aking, Crash Car Burn, Zebra and Giraffe, Prime Circle, Wonderboom and many other great South African acts. Allegra headlined the 2009 WITS RAG street party performing in front of a few thousand people. Allegra performed alongside Jamali and Prime Circle at the 2009 Lusito Land Festival.

After winning the South African leg of the Global Battle of the Bands in November 2007, they flew to London to compete in the world finals, yet another highlight on their events calendar which is growing by the day. Allegra Street Theme spent 3 months in Sun City performing 6 nights a week in Trader Horns to national and international audiences.

Allegra has performed live on national television. They made their appearances on KTV and YO TV in 2008 and 2009

Having been on Highveld Stereo’s Homebrew chart for over three months in 2008, the band has officially made a name for themselves. As a result they are being aired regularly on Highveld Stereo and Ofm especially during peak hours with their first single “Maybe”.

The band is currently working on their debut album due for release in 2009. Their songs are their own original material and the tracks sound very promising indeed.

“They are very cool – I was impressed. Good luck to them.” – Gareth Cliff

“This group rocks – see you in Dallas.” – Marcos Hernandez

“I predicted that the Parlotones would be the next big thing in SA, now I predict that Allegra will be the next big thing.” – Alex J

WATCH THIS SPACE… THEY ARE HERE TO ROCK!!!

Luna Paige

Luna Paige — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:04:15 +0100

This independent artist is known as one of those South African gems that’s been working and performing on the periphery of the South African industry and slowly but surely stealing the hearts of South African music lovers. Music lovers have come to respect this singer / songwriter over the last decade and have curiously been following her career, anxious to witness the moment this artist reaches her full potential.

At the age of 23 she released her first self-titled album (2003). This album consisted of only 7 songs which were recorded live over 3 days at Sunset Studios in Stellenbosch. In spite of this album falling into a niche category – the songs were play listed on numerous radio stations and two of her songs were chosen for Going nowhere slowly (SABC 3). An American world music site (who reviewed Luna’s first album) described Luna as follows, “If she were from New York, she’d be the latest rage!”

Luna Paige released her second album, Missing Pieces in 2005. This album had a slightly more produced sound and audiences found Luna moving away from her unique style into a more poppy genre. Luna’s song “Sticky situation” was chosen for Fair Lady’s compilation album, her song “Somewhere beautiful” was play listed on numerous national and community radio stations and reached Nr 1 on OFM. Some of the songs from Missing Pieces are still regularly played on community stations through out the country.

After the release of this album, Luna found it necessary to rethink her music career, develop her sound and take things into her own hands. She started working independently, funding her own music projects and producing her music in collaboration with friends and colleagues whom she respected. Luna actively planned and worked on an alternative way of promoting and releasing her new music in this competitive market.

Luna also actively started working in the welfare and community development field and incorporated her passion for music with community service. She is the founder of the New Love Foundation aimed at the prevention of the abuse of women and children.

The media and the public heard of Luna’s new album for the first time in February 2009. Luna launched her new name, Luna Paige, her new website and three of her first tracks during this time. Fans could download these songs for free from her website, www.lunapaige.com. One of these songs “Won’t be leaving you behind” was play listed on numerous radio stations and once again climbed the charts at OFM. Rock ballad “Addicted” was chosen as one of the tracks on Splashy Fen’s 20 year compilation album (which was released in May 2009).

Another special song Luna released during this time was Luna’s activist song “New Love”, which acts as the theme song of her non-profit organization, the New Love Foundation, which will also be launching during the 16 days of activism against the abuse of women and children (25 November – 10 December 2009). Luna performed with the amateur farm choir from her generous sponsor, the Bellevue Wine Estate at her Cape Town launch in Stellenbosch, where she also showcased a documentary made by Chris Wait, about the New Love song and her collaboration with the Bellevue Choir. This event was very special to the Bellevue choir members, as it was their first professional appearance in front of an audience. Their performance had the audience in tears and created much interest in this emerging new organization aimed at preventing the abuse of women and children. Soon hereafter Luna was featured on “The power within” on SABC 3 as well as Artcha (SABC 2) as inspirational artist making a difference in her community.

The second phase of Luna’s album launch was in July 2009. The media once again heard of the third album by receiving her next three releases. These releases included a song titled “Fly” (pop) which is in high circulation at various community stations throughout the country. “Restless soul”, a beautiful rock ballad with emotive string arrangements by Melissa van der Spuy has charted on various campus radio stations and subsequently reached Nr 3 on MK 89 SA top 5 charts. An interesting collaboration in this release is Luna’s song “Sunday in Japan” – which is an ambient song featuring a guest appearance by Chris Chameleon. These songs were made available for purchasing on Rhythm Records Online to the public.

Now, finally – third time round – the media and the public can hold “Wonderful life” in their hands after attending Luna’s two launches in Stellenbosch and Centurion. Fans can enjoy another exciting collaboration and duet with charismatic blues singer, Gerald Clark. Luna launched the music video for this duet, “Right kind of love”, at her both of CD launches.

More beautiful and mesmerizing songs such as “Green eyes”, “Wonderful life”, “Ebb & Flow” and “If you will come” can be discovered when purchasing this album.

With this album, Luna Paige proves that she is a versatile artist who can write and perform songs in various genres, that she is a songwriter to be reckoned with, that she grows and develops with every music project that she tackles and that independent artists can produce music of high quality and achieve success –perhaps at a slower rate – but nevertheless.

Luna Paige is proud to present to South African music lovers:

A Wonderful life

the v.i.c

charles ngola — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:12:20 +0200

the v.i.c is an international artist from america ,he just finish lauched is album on the 13 september 2008 over 5000 people at the pretora show ground at one of the biggest dance event called strictly hip hop .sold almost 5000 copies in his first mixtape.born and originated from nigerian ,he music speak for him. pl feel free to listen to his music at facebookpage .the mixtape called backdown.

The Wedding DJs

The Wedding DJs — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:36:15 +0200

Possibly the best club night with the worst music. Join this group for updates and upcoming gigs.

BASSIC.SOUL

2nyce4u — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:59:51 +0100

BASSIC.SOUL

“Take a little bit of Freshly Ground mixed With 340ml and throw in Tumi & the Volume and somewhere in the middle you'll find BASSIC.SOUL” – Campus Volksblad Bloemfontein

Bassic.Soul is a 9-piece band of students who love music. This neo acoustic afro-soul/hip hop sound, with a hint of African influence is comprised of elements possessed by each of the 9 members, ranging from the classical violin, to an African drum and some catchy hip hop lyrics. They write their own original pieces in English mostly but often venture into Zulu, Xhosa and other African languages to fully express their sense of belonging in modern-day society in South Africa and in music. All the members (with exception to Daniels on the violin) have never had any sort of formal musical training and are all naturally musically inclined which acts as the glue that keeps the creativity flowing to manifest a rich soulful sound with each one of their pieces.

The Band is currently enjoying live performances around Bloemfontein where they’re based but hope in future to tour to every campus and other venues in the country. Although founded in Bloem the band members originate from all over mzansi. Zola Valashiya (guitarist/singer) hails from Johannesburg . Sphindiwe "unlimitHead" Sobayeni (Rapper) brings in the upbeat local hip hop element to the group. Zweli "The Zwelist" Daniels (Violinist) from East London polishes each song with his amazing talent coupled with skill on the violin. No band is complete without a riveting baseline to vibrate the crowed into dismay over a track, for Bassic.Soul this sole task is reserved for Mudodzwa "Mdo" Ishmael (bass guitarist) from Limpopo who is an experienced part-time jazz/gospel musician. Bloem local boy Jabulani “Javas” Malindi (vocals) contributes with his incomparable vocal style balancing out Dudu "1st Lady" Nyokong (vocals) who is the only lady in the band, is also from Bloem & has the voice of an Angel that could calm any turbulent spirit. Brothers Kwadwo (Djembe drummer) & Kwaku "Quax" Boateng (Poet) are from HartsWater in the Northern Cape but can trace their origins to Ghana where Kwadwo can derive is natural dexterity & rhythm on the djembe drum and younger brother Kwaku attributes some of his poetry to Tswi (pronounced chwee) a common language in Ghana. From Pretoria Sibusiso "McGags" Magagula (guitarist) gives accent to the songs with articulate guitaring precision.

Band inspiration ranges from Freshly Ground, Tumi & the Volume, Moloko, 340ml, Jason Mraz, Jill Scott, Black Sunshine, The Script and many others.

“... The double ‘s’ in the name is drawn from the musical term "bass" and music hits you at the basis, at the basic level of being a human being, regardless of your colour, where or who you are. - Bassic.Soul

Catch Bassic.Soul on Facebook & YouTube

Zola (078 285 8537)

Kwadwo (073 570 6350)

Hihatsdedj ''A turn table Genius''

0729790392 — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:10:11 +0200

A Turntable genius, for years practicing the craft. A radio producer and the second member of beat mechanixz, from 99 when he was founded an mc turns to vinyl touch and fader smashing. Home base the crew he used to share stages with, Discypal and Yohiness. Known around the Jozi area, Hihatsdedj the street recognize the name, the list of stage appearance Include sharing a stage with The Last days fam, Pro kid, 76, Robo da technician, Dj Ready D, dj Clive, dj Eazy, Snazz da dictator, the Cutt, Da Beatmechanixz, Recess Poetry, Dark spark and Jazz, Base mental Platform, the list of venues: Reherbs-Yeoville, Slaghuis-Diepkloof, 1808-Pimville, Slash jam-Dube, Battleground-Protea, Dungeon shack-Meadowlands, Kota Tour/Fore front-Thembisa, Hype Award winning Backpackers vol03 cd Launch-Kempton park, the Legendary One love movement-Newtown(Horror Café), Verbal mercury(Founder)-Alexandra, Kasimental 360 degree-Protea glen, Sustance cd Lauch-Boksburg, The Last days family cd lauch-Newtown(Capellos), Residencies are Reherb-Yeoville, Mentos 3 on 3 basket ball tour-Across Gauteng, Couch and Coffee-New town, 6feet-Sandton, Kasimental-Protea glen, Alx fm Dungeon style, Mix tape-Saturdays 12 til 3

Karma Sutra

roxy.pursey — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:01:47 +0200

We are an all girl trio, Roxy on drums, Kim on Vocals and Yolande on guitar.

We play an array of cover songs and are working on original material, we started a few months ago, and have played in upmarket restaurants and clubs.

Being an all girl band , brings a sense of sexiness to the music, we are all masters of our own intruments, and play them with passion and excitement... seducing the crowd with our talents...

We liked the name Karma Sutra because it means the enjoyment of appropriate objects by the five senses of hearing , feeling, seeing, tasting and smelling, assisted by the mind together with the soul. The word Karma Sutra promotes attention to mood, atmosphere and the senses. It is a picture of the art of living, completing in the sphere of love, and the pleasures of life.

Gavin Coetzee

coetzeegavin — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:52:51 +0200

Gavin Coetzee is a singer-songwriter living in Cape Town,South Africa. Gavin started playing guitar at the age of 12. In 2006 he recorded and produced his debut album, "Ideas Adrift", most of which was recorded a the basement of a old red brick building where he spent the day working as an animator in Cape Town.

NeonTetra

NeonTetra — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:18:06 +0100

NeonTetra is an alternative rock band from Pretoria. Controversial? Maybe... Fresh & Exciting? Definitely... Zef? You better believe it, baby!

NeonTetra is:

Raymond Horn - Vocals & Guitar
Deon Roos - Backing Vocals & Guitar
Pierre Duvenhage - Backing Vocals & Bass
Jean Duvenhage - Backing Vocals & Drums

NeonTetra started as a 3-piece early 2008. The band felt there was a need for an extra member and after months of searching they found Deon. Deon proved an asset to the band from a very early stage as he makes a great cup of coffee (and oh yes, his guitar playing skills is not to bad either!)

After this the name NeonTetra spread like wild fire through the industry as the new kid on the block and soon everybody was asking the same thing: "Where did these guys come from?" But the question is not where they are coming from, the question is: "Where are these guys going?"

All the venues that the band plays at, request them for follow-up performances. The reason for this would be the energetic performances and good solid rock music.

Step into their world and become part of the Tetra generation.

Rock On! Tetra Style!

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Neontetra/20121608643?sid=7708d7552cf93d18...

TUKS senganga

tuks senganga — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:27:21 +0100

Tuks Senganga - Vernac Hip Hop Innovator

Jislaaik, Tuks Senganga can talk. Give him a centimeter of leeway and he’ll chew your ear off about life, love and everything else. And if there’s even a whisper on the subject of hip-hop his eyes will start sparkling he’ll pontificate till the early morning. Beneath it all beats the heart and soul of a true music lover who will sacrifice all for his art.

Tuks Senganga was born Tumelo Kepadisa on 2 May 1981 in Mafikeng in the former homeland of Bophuthatswana. He started writing in 1993, drawing inspiration from everyday issues in his immediate environment. Just a year after he started writing, 1994 rolled around and brought with it a new way of living. Democracy had arrived and Tumelo went from living in a homeland to living in the brand-spanking new North West Province.

It was in high school that Tuks fell in love with hip hop. He started two musical groups with friends from high school but soon felt the need to go solo. “I was more in love with [my] music, while the other members hallucinated about fame and fortune. I don’t mind too much. I’ve always been a bit of a loner,” he says.

This rising star's career took off in 2005 with his debut album Mafoko a me, produced by Thabiso 'Thaso' Tsotetsi. The album was ground breaking and booty shaking. The intro, Manifesto is as compelling a opening line as “They were the best of times, they were the worst of times...”, the lyrics of Vice Versa sound brutal, but make me want to chant along blindly to the Setswana poetry I am too naïve to understand, and the beats in The Need show listeners what it means to be Proudly South African. This was the album that earned Tuks the South African Music Award (SAMA) for Best Hip Hop Album in 2005.

But getting to where he is now was no stroll through the low veld for this hip-hopper. “When I started out, I had no money. Nobody bank rolled my first album. I had to hustle my way to the top,” he ruefully attests. He was initially signed to Ghetto Ruff Records but after the release of Mafoko a me and his acceptance of the SAMA, EMI snatched up this next big thing. The move from Ghetto Ruff was the catalyst for some eyebrow raising in the music industry, and EMI wasn't slow in getting the process started for a follow up album to Mafoko a me. Tuks suspects that EMI feared that he may be a one hit wonder, but as it turns out he is anything but. “With my second album I had proper management, marketing and distribution. The people are loving it, and its just flying off the shelves.”

For the second album, MC Prayer, Tuks teamed up once again with producer Thabiso 'Thaso' Tsotetsi. But this time the beats are more progressive, and the styles more varied than those of Mafoko a me. Artists such as Ken-I, Shati and Thab'sile feature on the new album, and the song Monate thwaa takes Tuks to a new musical level, while creating a social consciousness. But MC Prayer isn't all about heavy hearted social awareness. There are some fun tracks on there too that gently hint at a lighter and brighter side of Tuks Senganga. Other awesome tracks to look out for are Ticket to Jozi, Remember where, and the title track, MC Prayer.

Above all Tuks is thankful, and MC Prayer is his way of saying so. And an album with such positive intentions can only reap positive rewards. Within four months of its release, the album had gone gold, and got a five out of five star rating in Sunday Times Magazine. But all this has taken time. “The most important thing I have learned in this business is patience. Even if you finish a project in a year, the whole process takes much longer,” he says.

All this and not a hint of a swollen head. Winning the SAMA is not even the highlight of his career thus far. “Every time I play at Bassline in Newtown is the highlight of my career. We always get a full house, and it’s always a great crowd. It’s why I do what I do. I stay grounded by keeping my friends close and my family closer. I don't believe my words will necessarily change the world. I'm not Nelson Mandela. I'm not trying to save the world. My life's ambition is to make my music and interpret life as I see it.”

What the future holds for this hip hopper is a secret between him and God. “He will direct me where he wants me to go. I'm not going to tell you I'm gonna be a billionaire, or a successful businessman. You just don't know.”

Graeme Watkins

kim_1 — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:54:48 +0200

In the year 2007 Graeme graduated with a BA: Theatre and Performers, from UCT. This fresh young Talent, Hot off the Hit television program, Idols, has recently relocated to Johannesburg and Ready to wow all audiences.

Throughout his time at UCT, Graeme was cast in performances such as: Othello, Macbeth, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Hamlet and Mirror Mirror.

In 2008, Graeme received a nomination for the 2008 Fleur De Caps under the category of “Most Promising Student”.

Once Graduated, Graeme began working as a host, MC and Performer at many corporate and private events in and around Cape Town. Some highlights include Women in Wine Awards 2006, Michelangelo International Wine awards 2006, Steenberg classic 2007 and 2008, and a Private commissioned performance for The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in 2008.

Graeme has also become favorable amongst the South African commercial industry, boasting commercials such as KFC, Bulmer’s Cider and Panasonic.

In 2009, Graeme entered the fifth installment of much loved South African Reality show Mnet Idols, Coming in at 3rd place of what was deemed the most controversial season yet. Graeme exited Idols on stellar performances, much favor from the judges and the public’s hearts. He has emerged from the competition in high demand and within the first month securing him high profile events such as performing at the Mpumalanga Fashion week, The Vodacom Durban July and the Bells Night of a Hundred Stars..

Throughout his career as an entertainer, with vast experience and knowledge of the professional entertainment industry, Graeme has acquired a large repertoire ranging from the classic hits of the Rat pack/ Sinatra, the swinging sixties, all the way to modern day super hits. Whatever your event requires, Graeme has the adaptability to perform any Genre, the ability he showed with ease on the Idols stage. Graeme won many supporters hearts by speaking openly about his struggles overcoming ADHD and dyslexia, which has allowed him to motivate both young and old in exposing ways to deal with such obstacles both in the schooling phase, tertiary education and professional working environment. His warm and endearing personality is a must as an MC at your corporate or private event.

Madhatton

206505746 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:07:19 +0200

All four members share a passion for music and performance which stems from their high school days. At school they were extensively involved in musicals and concerts. With common interests they remained friends even after school and in the beginning of 2007 decided to form a band. At first their repertoire was only covers, playing at private functions as well as restaurants. As the year progressed they started adding their own material into the mix and what resulted is the Madhatton that you discover today.

Reh Dogg

rehdogg — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:49:37 +0200

Known for his unique style. Reh Dogg brings a sense of realness that his fans relate to. He raps about everyday things that people could understand.

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Vitjo

hdc704 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:00:06 +0200

Currently Unsigned but i will BRING IT LIKE NEVER BEFORE.. I was born in RUSTY and i love what i do so much... So That's what's up

TangoCapeTown

Overtone Admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:00:41 +0100

Mark Hoeben and Ina Wichterich of TangoCapeTown are both highly talented dancers and performers in their own right but together they produce a unique Tango magic, full of emotion and tenderness, often with sparks of humour and surprise. Their dancing is musical and full of flow as they improvise to the music at each of their performances. The complexity and difficulty of what they are achieving at each moment is disguised by their style and seeming ease of movement.

They can perform in most spaces inside or out but are at their best in a room with a wooden floor and with enough space for them to show their versatility. They can demonstrate and describe briefly through Mark's acting skills the Close Embrace Tango, the Tango-Vals and the Milonga: three discrete dances in the tango lexicon and bring an exotic and classy contribution to each event at which they perform. They can also offer a brief teaching session for party-goers to accompany their performance.

Tucan Tucan

Overtone Admin — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:01:45 +0100

TUCAN TUCAN Community Projects TUCAN TUCAN - A kaleidoskope of sound

World music. A vibrant melting pot of African rhythms such as Kwasa Kwasa, Marrabenta, Mbaqanga, Maskandi and High life with South American elements from Samba, Salsa and Chacarera with a strong jazz influence and lyrics in African languages, Spanish, Portuguese and English.

The desire of a group of musicians from different cultures and nationalities such as South Africa, Argentina and Mozambique, to unite and fuse different styles of music, resulted in the launch of World music Afro-tropical band TUCAN TUCAN.

The show is an enchanting journey that captures the audience with soulful sounds to energetic up-tempo compositions, colourful dancing choreographies and band-audience interaction.

Past performance highlights include:

• North Sea Jazz Festival 2002
• Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival 2004 in Rome, Italy
• Appletizer Summer Concerts at Kirstenbosch Gardens 2002, 2003 & 2007
• Oude Libertas Amphitheatre Concerts 2005
• Jazzathon 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
• Salsa Festival 2005 at Signal Hill
• Jazz on the Rocks 2005 at Oude Kraal
• Verao Amarelo International Festival in Maputo 2005
• Johannesburg International Joy of Jazz 2006
• Sekunjalo Jazz Concert 2006 - Baxter Theatre
• Tribute Concert to Gito Baloi 2006 in Maputo, Mozambique
• The Woordfeest 2007 in Stellenbosch
• Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2007
• Standard Bank Jazz Festival Grahamstown 2007, 2008
• Healthy Heritage festival 2007
• Vodacom summer sounds 2008
• International Festival of Chariots
• Heart 104.9’s Damn Fine Birthday Bash
• Cape Town Festival - Company Gardens 2008
• Africa Day festival- Company Gardens 2008
• Kirstenbosch Winter concert Series 2007- 2008.
• KKNK National Arts Festival 2008
• Levi's Vintage Sundays 2008
• Namibian Tour- Warehouse theatre 2008

TUCAN TUCAN has performed at numerous private functions including:

• Opening of the Cape Town International Convention Centre
• J&B Met 2005 & 2006
• Commonwealth Educators Conference's -Moyo Restaurant 2006
• Tourism International Association function- Moyo Restaurant 2006
• Pfeizer Awards Ceremony- Table Bay Hotel 2006
• NY Eve function at Commodore Hotel- Waterfront
• Gary players Golf Awards 2006- Arabella Kleimond
• President cup Golf Awards 2006- Somerset West.
• Mayors party 2006- 2007 CTICC
• Nike Function- Two Oceans Marathon Awards 2007
• SABC News Function at Parliament 2007
• Vodacom mothers day -Waterfront 2007
• Sanlam Cape Town International Festival function
• Capitec functions
• Grand Parade function at Grand Arena 2008
• KPMG - United Kingdom function
To mention a few...

TUCAN TUCAN has released 2 Cds:’Xiluva’ and ’Make a Difference’.

• Tucan Tucan song ' Esa Morena’ was chosen finalist in the International Songwriting Competition 2008. The finalists were chosen from over 15,000 entrants from all over the world, making this an extraordinary achievement on Tucan Tucan’s part.
‘Esa Morena’ was garnered an Honorable Mention in the world music category.

• Song 'Slow Jam' reached the top 10 on Heart 104.9 FM, one of the most popular commercial radio stations in Cape Town, and maintained this position for several weeks. 'Slow Jam' was included on the "Heart and Soul of Cape Town" 104.9 FM compilation. Song 'Conga Loca' was included on the "North Sea Jazz Festival" compilation 2002. These two tracks have also been included in the Baileys Salsa CD compilation 2008.

• Songs 'A re yeng' and 'Ratanang' have enjoyed extensive airplay on popular radio station Kaya fm and have been included on four Sheer Sound compilations.

• Video Clip on Song 'Ratanang' was nominated for the best Jazz Video on the Channel O music video Awards. This song and its video have been broadcast extensively on Mozambican TV and radio.

• Track ’Hold on’ from TUCAN TUCAN’s new release is currently on the Heart 104.9 Fm top 10 charts and is receiving airplay on Gauteng Radio Stations. Its video is currently broadcast by Channel O, SABC channels and MTV base.
This track has been included in the Fair Lady CD compilation to be released this year.

• Song ’Sizani’, also from TUCAN TUCAN’s new release, has been included on the Cape Town International Jazz Festival compilation 2007.

• Song ‘Tiku La mina' from our latest release, has maintain position number 1 for several weeks on Kaya Fm's world chart in June - July 2007.

• Track ‘Slow Jam’ and ‘Conga Loca’ have been featured as soundtracks for the movie “Confessions of a Gambler” to be premiered in Dubai, South Africa and USA in February 2008.

The band is also known for its involvement in community-based educational projects around Cape Town's previously disadvantaged locations . The ”Music Mindset Outreach Project” (MMOP) is a TUCAN TUCAN initiative to promote an interest, respect and appreciation for music of diverse cultures through interactive workshops and perfomances conducted in schools.

TUCAN TUCAN’s has helped the community over the years by performing for numerous community projects and fundraising events such as ”concerts in the park” Organized by JCQ, Turfjamp fundraising concerts, concert for children with AIDS at Westridge Civic Centre 2006, Gito Baloy’s tribute concert 2006, and Camps Bay Primary fundraising concert to mention a few.

Frank Paco - Band leader, Drummer, vocalist, composer

Renown drummer, percussionist and singer FRANK PACO, has developed
a unique style after working with bands like Sakhile, Loading Zone, Virtual Jazz Reality, Sheer Sound All Stars and great artists such as Jimmy Dludlu, Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie, Judith Sephuma, Hugh Masekela and Jonathan Butler amongst others.

Frank is an experienced session musician having played in more than 20 albums from artists like Jimmy Dludlu, Mc Coy Marrubata, Sheer Sound All Stars, Musa Manzini, Wanda Baloyi, Jonas Segwangwa and Gito Baloi to name a few.
He has also participated on major festivals such as the North Sea Jazz Festival
at the Hague for four consecutive years and the New Orleans Jazz Fest amongst
others international festivals. Frank has taken part on the 46664 Mandela
AIDS Concert playing alongside the band Queen backing artists such as Jimmy
Cliff, Anastacia, Angelique Kidjo, Youssou N' Dour, Dave Stewart, Andrews Bonsu,
Johnny Clegg, Roger Taylor, Brian May, Peter Gabriel and Bono amongst
other international artists.

Besides his drumming, Frank's charismatic voice
can be heard on the Coca-Cola Add "I am going home" on a worldwide broadcast.
Frank also holds an Honours' Degree in jazz Performance with distinction from
the University of Cape Town.

He is the leader of TUCAN TUCAN and has written or co-written and co-arranged Tucan Tucan's original music.

Muriel Marco - keyboards, singer, composer

Innovative pianist MURIEL MARCO, embarked on a journey as young
woman from Argentina to South Africa with the desire to explore and discover the roots of rhythm. She studied at the University of Cape Town completing her degree in composition and arrangement with distinction in Ethnomusicology.

Muriel is also a founding member of TUCAN TUCAN and has written or co-written and co-arranged most Tucan Tucan's original music..

Muriel also creates jingles for radio stations and has experience in movie scoring having scored, together with Ghalik Jacobs, the music for "Confessions of a gambler" movie premiered in Dubai, North America and South Africa in 2008.

Muriel's silky voice can be heard on TUCAN TUCAN's latest release "Make a difference" as well as in the "Hope for Aids" album.
‘Esa Morena’, composed by her and Frank Paco and sung in Spanish by Muriel, was chosen finalist in the International songwriting competition 2008.

Helder Gonzaga - Basist, composer

When it comes to laying a solid bass line for a band to groove on, allowing
creative ideas to flow, HELDER GONZAGA indeed is the man to call.
Having recorded with various well-established South African artists
including the sensational guitarist Jimmy Dludlu, and Saxophonist
Moreira Chonguica, HELDER displays the ability to gracefully turn the music
into a magical experience. He has completed a Jazz Performance Diploma at the University of Cape Town.

Xixel Langa - Vocalist, dancer, composer

XIXEL LANGA, Mozambican singer, composer and a very dynamic
entertainer, started performing professionally in 2002. In 2004 she
did backing vocals for prominent Mozambican band Kapa Dech and
renown Brazilian artist Gilberto Gil.She opened with her own band Gito
Baloi's concert in Mozambique and participated in the Nelsprite Jazz
Festival together with Ray Phiri and Kapa Dech. In 2005 Xixel took part of
a concert by Senegalese group Awadi.
Xixel is also part of Mozambique Noise Project: a Mozambican-Austrian
colaboration.

Buddy Wells - Tenor and Soprano Saxophonist, composer

Saxophonist, composer, and arranger BUDDY WELLS has had the pleasure of performing and recording with numerous well-known South African and overseas musicians.
Projects in which he has been involved in band leadership, composition and arrangement include Tribe 2001- present (performed at North Sea Festivals in Cape Town 2002 and in Den Haag Netherlands 2002, and Swedish Jazz Celebration in Stockholm 2006, Grahamstown Arts Fest 2006), Kusasa 1994 - 1997(Winner of the 1995 SAMIX Best Unsigned Band Competition), and The Truly Fully Hey Shoo Wow Band 1995-1998(Nominated for the 1997 SAMA Award for best Contemporary Pop Album).
He has performed with the likesFeya Faku, Judith Sephuma, Moses Mololekwa, Manu Dibango, Miriam Makeba, Bheki Mseleku, Simpiwe Dana, Joe McBride, Musa Manzini, Carlo Mombelli, Marcus Wyatt, Victor Ntoni, Voice, Adamu, Interzone, Dondo, Gerald Veasely, Loading Zone, Flat Stanley, Vusi Khumalo, Ernie Smith, Thandi Klaasen, Abdullah Ibrahim, Gloria Bosman, Thandi Klaasen, Tina Schouw, Allou April amongst many others.

Angelo Syster - Guitarist, composer

ANGELO SYSTER, a promising young guitarist, started playing guitar
at the age of 13. He has become a season musician, playing for numerous
bands including N2, Live Wire and Cross Over to mention a few.
Angelo has also done some stints with some of the well-known acts around,
including renown bassist Sammy Webber. With him, Angelo played as
the supporting act for ‘Earth, Wind and Fire’ in their tour to South Africa, at the Jazzathon 2005 and at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2005.

Cindy Gibbons - Vocalist

Cindy has extensive experience as a performer having sang in numerous shows as a backing as well as lead vocalist. She did lead vocals in two Mike Mcullagh shows: “That 80’s Show” and “Myths and Legends”. In 2002 she sang for the Tibute to Boney M in the Canary Islands and in 2004 Cindy was contracted by On Broadway Theatre in Spain and Germany where she did backing vocals in a Tribute to Robbie Williams & Christina Aquilera and lead vocals in a Tribute to Donna Summer. She also performed in the “Crazy Elvis Show” and with the Fusion Hip Hop Crew at Ratanga Junction in 2006.
Cindy is also a co-owner of Global Shack, a company whose main objective is to use performing arts as a life skills communication medium.

Fresh2Death.BLING

Yung Bling — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:04:24 +0200

Bling is a young rapper on the coming that has a mixtape called FRESH2DEATH which will launch on the streets and on the net anytime from now. Bling started rapping at the age of 11/12 but got really serious at 14 when he realised he really had talent. Now just turned 17 on july 8th he wants to get even more deeper in the game. Bling does hiphop/rap writes all his songs and is really talented... He has had some internet radio plays since last year 2008 as well as now 2009 he been played on zimnet as well as thazonet... Bling is really working hard so he can make it and get a record deal. Bling's words: i enjoy this music business, with me it aint even about the money. I do this for the love, on the otherside with my mind on my money but deep down it's for the love that i've got for music... Rapping is a way to express myself, to let the world hear my hunger, my pain, my struggles, what i go through or been through and what i still am living on...

P.H. Fat

debi — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:09:36 +0200

After a keeping themselves secret for a while. P.H.Fat is finally ready to emerge from the obscurness and wade forth into the big wide world of performing at parties that allow them to help people simultaneously forget and remember that they exist. Consisting of three members; Nazieg Iseppi, Mike Zietsman and Marc Potgieter. P.H.Fat are the bass heavy maniacs who are out to get you to stand on people's toes and make you believe.

Autumn Sun

dbccomms — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:55:57 +0200

Members:

Pepi Petkov – Guitar, Vocals.

Jeff De Gouveia – Drums.

Shaun Oliver – Bass, Backing Vocals.

Shelley Smith – Keyboards, Backing Vocals.

Formed in the beginning of 2006, Autumn Sun consists of four talented and committed individuals with aspirations of world domination. The music is fast, energetic, technical and heavy, without any compromise of melody whatsoever

HISTORY OF THE BAND

The music started at the beginning of 2004 when Pepi decided that, after 3 years of playing guitar, it was time to start a band. Unfortunately a drummer was nowhere to be found… So he bought a drum set and asked his friend Jeff (who at the time was also playing guitar) to fill in on the drums until a replacement was found. At that time the bassist was David and the lead vocalist was Jules. The band was called Skapegoat and played a mixture of so-cal punk and old school ‘Iron Maiden’ type music. The band went on to win the King David battle of the bands for a R5000 voucher to be spent at Marshall Music and was played on 5 FM, one of the most popular Radio Stations in South Africa during the Kevin Fine show. Skapegoat also participated and won other talent shows and recorded a 3 track demo. The band has played with acts such as Tweak and In Dreams. Jeff was no longer considered a stand-in drummer as he quickly picked up speed and agility; he is now a full time drummer. Unfortunately David, the bassist at the time, had a slight altercation with Pepi and decided to pursue a solo career. The lead vocalist, Jules was then dismissed because of change in musical direction.

Enter Shaun, the new bassist. With three times the speed, agility and creativeness that David had, Shaun was a welcome relief to the band. He gave the band more depth and life creating the illusion of an even faster type of music. The band then decided to recruit Shelley on keyboards. This gave the band so much to work with that songs seemed to flow as smoothly as ever….

The Arrows

christiedes — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:15:32 +0100

Once upon a time, near the end of 2005, Pamela De Menezes and Bongani Zondi were walking the streets of Albania and Pamela had a fantastic idea. She looked at Bongani and said, 'Let's start a band when we get home. We must email Christie and tell her.' At that same moment in time Christie Desfontaine was walking the streets of Hawaii, but was not thinking about starting a band at all. Needless to say, 'The Arrows' were born when the 3 of them were reunited in their hometown of Durban, South Africa, and the rest is history. They've been playing their music all over the place since then and are still doing so with much excitement . Yamaha really likes them and gave them lots of free stuff - yay!

Enough Weapons

ixa — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 06:19:19 +0200

Enough Weapons are an electronic dance production duo putting out glitchy chopped up funky breaks and tech with deep grinding bass lines!

From Cape Town, they've begun an assault on the dance scene – and it's hard to find beats that can rock a dance floor quite like these!

12 Years dj-ing and production experience between the two, world travels and experience in genres ranging from breaks and house to psy trance - they thought it best to mesh their talents and platform their skills through “Enough Weapons”.

These two make intelligent, well produced, underground music with a mysterious mass appeal. With the intent to elevate the industry standard, they are pushing the bass lines and going beyond what is considered ‘the norm’!

Enough Weapons perform as a live act and have a style that can be likened to the Plump DJs and Bloody beetroots - definitely an exclusive act!

*DJ sets by SIX-SIX-ONE from EW- Breaks. Tech. Electro