“‘Wildones’ expresses the notion of seeking personal freedom. In a more abstract light, it expresses the fact that we are all branches of the same tree. The visuals were inspired by the duality of youth in action guided by a deep sense of wisdom and knowledge that’s almost otherworldly.” Mwanjé, 2022. From the first moment…
Kanye West, or Ye, as he goes by these days has dominated the headlines for the last few months for — mostly — everything but the music. The current version of him seems a far from the hungry Chicago producer depicted in the new Netflix doccie series jeen-yuhs. The trilogy is shot, directed and co-produced…
“Abantu Bakithi is my first artistic/music project of the year that I started back in 2020 amidst the start of the pandemic. An innocent and childlike story told through music.” Writes the Cape Town based creative polymath, Keith Sphiwe Mpumelelo Dliwayo, better known as Keith Virgo. The artist shares that: It is a story about…
I think that speaking about South African music in the language of genre and its accompanying absoluteness, often works to reduce the complexities, fluidity and creative play of our sonic traditions and creations. To be honest, this line of thought isn’t just isolated to South African sonics, but I am of the mind that it…
“I am both grateful and overwhelmed. It is a privilege to be able to curate sonically pleasing journeys for people. As a Black South African intersex woman, I weigh very little on the privilege scale. The odds are stacked against me, yet, here I am pursuing my dreams and turning them into something fulfilling. I…
Moonga K is a captivating figure in South Africa’s music scene. The Zambian born and Botswana raised singer, songwriter and activist captured the ears and hearts of many with his soul soothing and ethereal voice. His 2020 single, ‘i know (i do)’ taken from his an ode to growth, pt.1 album released in the same…
About six months ago, towards the end of July, an email happened across my inbox introducing me to Langa born and bred SimulationRxps and his new single “Phez’kwezinto” — a hustler’s anthem straight outta Langa. The album’s lead single — which also happens to be one of the first songs on the track-list — introduced…
Leonard Simbarashe Rwodzi or S1mba as he is more widely known, grew up in Ruwa, Zimbabwe. Raised by his grandmother S1mba showed a strong interest in music from a young age, learning how to play the djembe, piano and marimba when he was a kid. His grandmother would also play all kinds of music in…
“Music is the sum total of individual and collective experience.” Lindiwe Mngxitama for Ghostland. A methodology. A sonic cultural aesthetic. A built through sound world. Welcome to Ghostland — apartheid’s afterparty and our after-tears gathering — where Sorrow, Grief, Hope and (im)possible futures gyrate on purgatory dance floors. Ghostland is a Bubblegum Club production that…
Fave — born GodsFavour Chidozie — is one of many outstanding artists who have harnessed the power of social media to propel themselves into audience acclaim and admiration. Fave rose to prominence after her verse on a free beat produced by Jinmi Abduls became an internet sensation. The viral freestyle — which addressed the parells…
The geographical location of a musician can mould the sound of the music and the feeling it gives. That is at the heart of Gemma Griffiths‘ music. The singer/songwriter was born in Cape Town, raised in Zimbabwe and studied in America. Her nomadic experiences have bled into her artistry, giving space for a rich and…
Brazil has always been and always will be surrounded by music. It is a great musical reference, through references, inspirations and mainly because of its contagious rhythm. Brazilian songs have the incredible power to stay in your head for days – believe me – but also to improve everything around you. A strong sun and…
