Zaki Ibrahim presents Every Opposite.
Apr22

Zaki Ibrahim presents Every Opposite.

Recently we had the opportunity to interview Canadian-born South African singer/songwriter Zaki Ibrahim. We found out what makes her the ever soulful singer that she is and to our delight, she is one musician you’d want to spend your money on. Here is what Zaki had to say… Zaki, what was it like growing up in Canada? I lived in a small town on Vancouver Island, Canada’s westest coast.  My family seemed very different from the other families on the island. We were a “bi-racial” unit or “multi-racial in many ways, with a very African percussionist and social activist Father, a blond, blue eyed school teacher Mother. We stuck out like a sore thumb.  Different families from different places in the world lived with us at any given time; Korea, Russia, Japan, Nigeria, Jordan, Afganistan and Bask Country. We always had tenants that my parents “hosted” as they emigrated to Canada, as they started programmes through the local College for refugees and families seeking a better life for their children.  Home life was always filled with stories from all corners of the world.  As a teenager, I found it to be the most boring place on earth.  But looking back, it was the bomb. Your dad Zane Ibrahim is a radio legend, what role has he played in you choosing a musical career? He’s always encouraged me to express myself, but has been wary of     encouraging me to sell that expression.  My Dad is very anti consumerism.  He believes in humility and sensibility.  I think as his baby girl, he’s always tried to strengthen me and protect me at the same time.  I think my career choice as a musician was nerve wracking for him as he knew it’s something that flows out of me, but also shows vulnerability.  The day he gave me his stamp of approval was the first time he saw me perform here in South Africa in 2009. About her Career. What motivated you to choose a career in music? I suppose I’ve been motivated most by the encouragement of my peers and found that music began to take over once I gave it a fair chance.  I always felt that I wanted to protect the thing I loved doing most and not depend on it to live just so I could love it forever. What do you think every artist [new/old] should know about the industry you are in? The thing that I’ve found is like with anything in life, there’s something new to learn. Just when you think you know it all, there’s something else to get your teeth into. It’s worth staying open to the...

Read More
Zakes Bantwini & Flavour To Rock Durban With Snoop Lion.
Apr18

Zakes Bantwini & Flavour To Rock Durban With Snoop Lion.

Durban/Lagos, 18 April 2013: South African house sensation Zakes Bantwini (@ZakesBantwiniSA) and Nigerian high life guru Flavour (@flavournabania) are to join the “all star” line-up at MTV Africa All Stars – KwaZulu-Natal, the sensational open-air concert brought to you by MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and KZN Province. Bantwini and Flavour will join US entertainment icon and multi-platinum hip hop star turned reggae artist Snoop Lion (@SnoopLion) aka Snoop Dogg, at the 5-hour open air concert at the stunning Moses Mabhida Stadium, People’s Park Durban on 18 May. After his continental smash hit “Nwa Baby Remix” and his massively successful collaborations with Tiwa Savageand Fally Ipupa, high-life artist Flavour N’abania, aka Chinedu Okoli, continues to be Africa’s most requested artist, regularly collecting frequent flyer miles whilst jetting across the continent and as far afield as USA and Europe.  He’s also become a regular fixture in Dubai and the Far East. Zakes Bantwini is without a doubt South Africa’s most prolific live performer: there is not a single stage in South Africa that this music mogul and leading light on the SA music scene has not killed! His songs “Wasting My Time”, “Bum Bum” and most recently “Karolina” have been burning up airwaves across the continent and have all been remixed by some of the biggest names in house. Speaking on behalf of MTV Base, Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, commented, ‘We are delighted to welcome two such popular artists as Zakes Bantwini and Flavour to Durban’s shores for MTV Africa All Stars – KwaZulu-Natal.  With Snoop Lion already confirmed, all eyes are going to be focused on KwaZulu-Natal as we put our hearts and souls into making this the music event of the year!” MTV Africa All Stars – KwaZulu-Natal will air on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and partner TV stations in Africa from Saturday 25 May 2013 (Africa Day). More details of MTV Africa All Stars – KwaZulu-Natal, including additional performers and ticket prices and outlets will be announced shortly. To find out more about the MTV Africa All Stars, please go to www.mtvbase.com, join us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MTVBaseVerified, or follow us on Twitter @MTVBaseAfrica, using the hashtag#AfricaAllStars. Gagasi FM is the official radio partner of MTV Africa All Stars...

Read More
Everybody’s ♡ing BLK JKS
Apr01

Everybody’s ♡ing BLK JKS

I remember the first time I saw Blk Jks was the night our *shy* little band Pesheya shared the stage with them at ROKA in Milpark early 07, we were both opening acts for the always AWESOME Uju… That night I thought *damn* these guys are crazy, their eclectic blend of rock ‘n roll madness was enough to confuse any neatly playlisted South African. Now, proudly listening to their set at SXSW, I can confirm, they are totally loopy… crazy … and loving it! The best part is, hungry for something fresh and tasty, the rest of the music world seems fascinated by these boys mashing up styles all the way from Johannesburg and are lapping them up in big dollops. Join them on their ride on and upwards – read all about Blk Jxs in this month’s Vanity Fair and listen to their mad beats at SXSW (thanks Quicy for the link). Could this be the debut of SA music on the international stage – AT LAST? REPRESENT! PS: SO UJU when is the rest of the music world finally going to get to listen to you??? We still have our money on you. *kisses from...

Read More
Every last Wednesday at the Blues Room…
Nov26

Every last Wednesday at the Blues Room…

it’s is the only place to be if you love homegrown soulful sounds and hanging with like minded hiphop heads and minds… Click on the flyer for all. GO GO GO....

Read More
TUMI and the Volume live and in photos
Nov25

TUMI and the Volume live and in photos

Well we’ve been waiting for a loooooong long time to give you a close up with Tumi in words, but for now, you’ll have to settle for this gorgeous photostory of the band playing at Party People in Johannesburg a few weeks back. Watch this space, who knows, maybe we’ll have better luck. Beautiful photo story by Banele Rewo for Represent. Click...

Read More