Interview: Nduduzo Makhathini on his new album and the journey
1. Parents tend to be stricter as educators, than external professionals. How would you say having mother as your first teacher influenced the way you’re learning progressed when you moved on to other educators? This process happened very organic for me, I only discovered later that my mom had been teaching me. She believed music was a language, a way of communication. 2. Having toured internationally, how does the international audience compare to South Africa in terms of appreciation and taste in jazz music? The western audiences are obviously different to ours, mainly in terms of their reaction to music. Europe is more a trained audience they listen and only show their appreciation by giving applauses either at the end of a piece or at the end of the whole performance. Africans on the other hand are interactive and very spontaneous in their response. Over the years I believe the west has cultivated their audience in a particular way, I mean, even looking at how the venues are structured more indoors for a seated audience. In Africa the whole audience and performer thing is quite new we do everything in circles, everyone gets involved it’s either you play the drum or singer a counter that is who we are. In closing I enjoy both audiences for different reasons and I appreciate the support one has been getting from both over the years. 3. Do you see diversity in South Africa’s art & entertainment industry, and is it living up to the potential you believe there is? South Africa is one of the most diverse countries I know when it comes to music and I believe it’s because we are very diverse even in our culture and language. Musicians are also very open here and exposed to a lot of different music from all over the world. I’m happy and very content to be an artist here now, though I feel artists are always ahead of everyone. I believe to create an industry we need all parties to be in sync from our business people, venues, government etc. 4. You collaborate and work with a lot of other musicians and bands, how does that influence your art as an individual? This for me is the healthiest thing to do from any artists; it helps a lot for growth and evolution of sound. It’s always great for me to tap into other musician’s spaces and know their story. I am grateful for all the collaborations I have been involved in; everyone I have worked with is but part of the composition and decomposition of the artist I am today. I look...
Connecting with the world through music
Durban-based country pop duo Connecting Stars has taken the American country world by storm after smashing into the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts at number 30 with their single Stuck, just days before they set off to play several dates across America. Represent chatted to them about the whole experience… 1. You’re number 28 on the Adult Contemporary Billboard Chart, an accomplishment for a South African duo. What does that mean to you? Getting onto the chart has been an amazing achievement for us as band. It is difficult to put into words, because we know with radio play there are no guarantees and even getting a song play-listed isn’t easy. So getting on the charts has been mind blowing for us and we are just so thrilled that our music has been so well received. 2. Please tell us more about your American tour? We have just returned from our 2 week whirlwind mini tour of the USA from 14-28 August. After achieving our first chart success in the US we wanted to introduce our live performance to the US market and we were privileged to perform at 4 iconic venues in the US where many bands got their start. In New York we played at the Rockwood Music Hall, in Nashville at Tin Roof, in Los Angeles at Room 5 Lounge and in San Diego at Lestats. We received an extremely positive reception from audiences and venue management alike and were unanimously invited to return. During our performances we got to meet and network with many local US bands and plan to collaborate with a number of them in future trips. We were also able to meet with a number of influential music industry stakeholders to expand our strategy in the US market including record label, publishing, radio promotion, public relations, booking and management executives. We also managed to fit in a number of TV, radio, magazine and online publication interviews and appearances. 3. How’s the music that side different to S.A’s music scene? The main difference is the size of the market. There are literally thousands of radio stations and hundreds of cities you can tour to. There are also thousands of bands trying to make it in the industry so there a lot of competition. 4. Out of all the cities you visited during your tour, which one would you say was your favourite? It is difficult to choose one, but I think it would be a toss us between San Diego and Nashville. 5. How do you find a balance of being a couple and musicians? Does it all come together and become one? It...
Reason debuts new single, 2Cups Shakur, off upcoming album, Audio HD
South African Hip Hop artist and lyricist, Reason, has released a new single titled #2CupsShakur and has had the country buzzing over the past 36 hours since its debut. #2CupsShakur is Reason’s latest offering off upcoming Audio HD album. This single follows the very popular Bump The Cheese Uptrack which found its way into the vocabulary of many young, urban, trend setters across the country. Listen to #2CupsShakur here: http://bit.ly/1kaE9mD After nationwide debuts on 5FM and Metro FM, it is clear to see why #2CupsShakur has had such great reception. The tongue twister of a song is very catchy and has a lot of people intrigued about its meaning and supposed association to 2 Pac. “It’s a song of celebration” expresses Reason. “I want people to celebrate all aspects of life with this track. Even celebrate the observers and haters. It’s an indication that you are doing something right.” The track will be available for free download tonight during SABC 1’s Live Amp where Reason will perform #2CupsShakur live for the first time on television....
BET Awards 2014 Winners List
It was a night full of electrifying performances, emotional speeches and unforgettable moments at the “BET Awards” ’14 — also known as the “Black World Cup,” according to hilarious host Chris Rock — which aired live from the Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE last night. Pharrell Williams opened the show with an energetic rendition of “Come Get It Bae” surrounded by a bevy of cheerleaders, and was joined by surprise performer and fellow Virginia native, the amazing Missy Elliott, who brought the crowd to their feet to “Pass That Dutch.” Williams became a familiar face on the stage after winning both “Best Male R&B/Pop Artist” and “Video of the Year,” and again coming on to present music icon Lionel Richie with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Young Money andBeyoncé took home the most trophies with three awards, as did acclaimed film “12 Years A Slave” which swept the film award categories. See the winners below: Best International Act: Africa Davido (Nigeria) Best International Act: UK Krept & Konan Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Beyoncé Best Male R&B/Pop Artist Pharrell Williams Best Group Young Money Best Collaboration Beyoncé f/ JAY Z – Drunk In Love Best Male Hip Hop Artist Drake Best Female Hip Hop Artist Nicki Minaj Video of the Year Pharrell Williams – Happy Video Director of the Year Hype Williams Best New Artist August Alsina Best Gospel Artist Tamela Mann Best Actress Lupita Nyong’o Best Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor YoungStars Award KeKe Palmer Best Movie 12 Years a Slave Subway Sportswoman of the Year Serena Williams Subway Sportsman of the Year Kevin Durant Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award August Alsina f/ Trinidad Jame$ – I Luv This Centric Award Jhené Aiko – The Worst FANdemonium Award Beyoncé Images from Getty...
ProVerb chats to Represent about fatherhood and music
You’re one of the few rappers that tell authentic stories using music, was that a conscious decision? Absolutely, I’ve always believed that music should serve a purpose beyond just to make you dance. I am of the school that music should inspire, build and intrigue all while entertaining you. It is for this reason that I share stories, opinions and ideas through my music all in the name of leaving an impression on the listener. What’s your creative process? I have no particular formula or process for that matter. Each concept has it’s own unique inspiration whether personal or otherwise, then the writing and recording process also depends on unique elements. At times I create or hear the music first and these yield an idea or inversely I have a concept in my mind then create or seek the best sound on which to relay and convey. What does music mean to you? Music is a vice a tool and a bridge between our subconscious and our conscious. It’s a manifestation of our thoughts, fears, aspirations, opinions, ideas and experiences. Music is also an escape and a transfer or feelings. Music to me is life. Which international artists would you like to work with? Given a chance I’d love to work with a legend like Quincy Jones. You presented Channel O before you became a rapper, have you always wanted to be in entertainment? Without a shadow of a doubt, I believe entertainment is my calling and for along time I wanted nothing else. As a youngster, I didn’t think of entertainment as a career and always thought I would be a doctor and then do some entertainment on the side. Only when I was exposed to it that I realised I could make this my life and I haven’t looked back since. If you had an opportunity to say something to your younger self, what would it be? I’d reassure myself to just relax, stop being so anxious, you turn out alright. Tell us more about teaching children to save? TCTSSA – Teach Children to Save SA is a wonderful initiative by the banking association of South Africa, which strives to cultivate the culture of Saving amongst young people. It’s an initiative that I not only endorse but also subscribe to being a father myself. I think it’s imperative that we empower youngsters with the necessary set of tools to create an economically sound society in this future and hence I gladly lend my voice and face to help spread the teachings of this campaign. Can you share 5 top tips on saving with our fans? Pay all...
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