Bongeziwe Mabandla is more than just a singer…he’s the voice of the new generation
By Lebogang Mgiba He’s more than just a singer but an artist that uses his own voice to stand for what he believes in. For me, when it comes to music, there should be some emotions involved in order for me to get deep into it, otherwise there’s no point. I don’t mind listening to some ‘Ok” songs once in a while but I really appreciate artists that are story tellers and Bongeziwe is one of them. I was left in awe the first time I heard his debut album, UMLILO and wanted to find out more about him as an artist living in South Africa today. 1. You performed with Joss Stone when she was here in S.A, how did that come about? I got a call from a guy in Cape Town who was handling Joss Stone’s S.A tour concert and he told me she would like to do some cool things with South African artists. So I sent my music to him and he told me if she likes it, she will then invite me to do something with her. A week later I got a call saying Joss Stones really likes my music. Zahara and I did a performance at Balcony TV and second day we went to Soweto together which was nice and then she also invited me to Carnival City for her concert and we performed Isizathu together. 2. Interesting. How was the experience though? It was absolutely wonderful; Joss Stone is such a kind, warm and friendly person. I really like people like that. 3. How is your song writing process? I’m actually busy writing now and that’s why I got these musical instruments. This time I’m working with a band to kind of develop the song. It’s one of the things I didn’t have on the first album, UMLILO. I just did things, but I’m happy that it happened that way. With the first album, I didn’t really understand what I was doing. I wrote the songs in a guitar chilling in a studio and then they would be interpreted from there. Now I’m aware of what’s happening around me and I understand music more than I did when I was 24, making the first record. 4. What is Ndibonisiwe and Isizathu about? Let’s start with Ndibonisiwe. What I was trying to communicate was that, sometimes you can be in a situation that is not good and the song is about escaping and running away. When you see that things are not working out, it’s better to escape to something better or try something that works for you. It was also written about me trying...
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...
SAMA Award Winners 2008
Sadly we couldn’t be at the SAMA‘s in Sun City last night but from what we hear – they rocked yet again! See the official press announcement below filling you in on the evening’s entertainment and the winners. Well done to the PR team behind the event… great online presence! The only award that really puzzled us was song of the year… please share the appeal of “Maputo Song” with us… we’re not getting it. Otherwise, we’re touched by the Lucky Dube tribute and that Lira and Tony Cox were recognised and of course that SA’s king of music HHP got propped yet again… Now can we please take Jabba and Lira global? It was all that the fans had expected – and more. The Main Awards Ceremony on Saturday the 3rd of May at the 14th Annual MTN SA Music Awards was a triumph for the local music industry, an opportunity to showcase our country’s extensive talent to the audience in the Sun City Super Bowl and to the millions of fans who tuned in to watch it live on SABC 1. This was truly South African music’s biggest night, an event that has come to be considered as one of the highlights on the local entertainment calendar. The event was hosted, for the second year running, by kwaito kingpin Kabelo, and the energetic artist proved that he’s much more than just a musician – he’s an all-round entertainer. The nominees were announced, the winners were called up, the acceptance speeches were delivered and the audience got involved in an absolutely electrifying evening of blinged-out lighting, phenomenal dancing and uplifting animation. And then there were the live acts, a selection of SAMA 14 nominees who proved how richly diverse our musical landscape is. The show kicked off with an emotive performance by Jub Jub and Jaziel Brothers before the party really got going when dance-floor doyens DJ Sdunkero and T’zozo en Professor got a massive response to their kwaito hits. Kurt Darren showed his range with two hits – one for the feet and another for the heart – before a very moving tribute to much-loved deceased singer and Lifetime Achiever Gé Korsten. MXO and Zonke got together for a power-packed collaboration that celebrated their shared roots before The Parlotones took to the stage to entertain the exited audience with their melodic rock. Freshlyground performed next and the got together with Kwela Tebza and Lucky Dube’s band One People (the house band for all live performances) to pay a touching tribute to the late reggae legend, the evening’s second Lifetime Achiever. The party got going again when DJ...
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