Represent Interview: SiJi
Anyone old enough to shake it on a deep-house dancefloor round the mid-noughties in Jozi will no doubt remember the tender dance hit “Feels Like…nothing I have ever kno-oh-ohwn…”. We can put those handhigh moments down to the stirring vocals that had us all smooching in mid-beat, forgetting work the next day and any other silly responsibilities… Well now is the time to put a face to the latenight blame, meet SIJI: As you know, your track Feels Like mixed by Osunlade was a massive hit in South Africa a few years back (even Editorista has the vinyl!), it’s one of those songs that transports us to a good summertime feeling, being young and free in a changing ‘everything-is-possible’ South Africa. So obviously we are delighted to hear that you’ve got an entire album coming out, no doubt music-lovers all over Africa and the world will embrace your new tracks. Tell us more. SIJI – The new album “ADESIJI” was released out here (US) in November last year and we’ve had a lot of positive feedback from it. It‘s not too far of a departure from my debut album, ‘God-given’ but it has a more cohesive sound to it and I’ve incorporated a great deal more of my African influences and vibes into the sound. Rep: I watched your video clip “yearning for home” and it resonated with me quite strongly as a born-and-bred African who is currently not living in Africa. Before we get into this, would you mind sharing with us a bit about your youth and your journey. Your British accent hints that you may have grown up in the UK for a while? Where is Siji from? SIJI – I was born in the London to Nigerian parents, both of whom headed back to Lagos upon completion of their studies taking my brother and I along with them. Growing up in Nigeria had a tremendous impact on my outlook and growth. I returned back to London in the 80’s to further my education and discovered music. I left the UK at the turn of the century to try things out in the Big Apple and haven’t looked back since. I love the vibe out here in New York, the freedom, the boundless energy, the mix and variety of cultures from around the world….. but I have a nagging feeling that it’s about time I start to look homeward (Nigeria). There’s a generational change taking place on the continent and I’d love to be a part of the new wave of returnees making a difference that counts. Rep: In the video you play the keyboards/piano, tell...
What we’re listening to right now.
These two tracks have got us going C R A Z Y….. We just wanted to share them with you dear Representers. LISTEN NOW! Kanye West has outdone himself on the massive chart-climbing hit, AMERICAN BOY where he collaborates with British soul singer Estelle . It’s a gorgeous playful conversation between Kanye and Estelle that plays on the US and UK accents and references… Catchy, funk-driven, soulful, bringing out the dance moves… American Boy will without a doubt be one of the global hits of 2008. “Take me on a trip I’d like to go some day… Take me to New York I’d like to see LA…” Put it on to get the dancefloor bouncing! Click here to listen NOW or watch the video below. By the way,let the song play on into her second song ‘Wait a minute -Just a Touch’, how similar is the beat to TofoTofo by Pitch Black Afro??? Please educate us if it’s a sample they’ve both used. Then, we can’t stop whistling the refrain from the hit track Young Folks, coming from the simply named Swedish trio Peter Bjorn and John . Our only question is who sings the lady’s voice in this all male band? Visit their MYSPACE site and take a listen to YOUNG FOLKS, which bears the accolade of being Apple’s iTune song of the year in 2007. Or watch the video below. Kanye West and Estelle – American Boy [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IY5ILcKF3A[/youtube] Peter, Bjorn and John – Young Folks...
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