DISC 1 | DISC 2 | Compiled By
1. Phinda - “Sabela” [album: Yithi Paha - Sheer Sound]
[P.Matlala / S.Dyer – Matlala Music / Dyertribe]
www.sheer.co.za
A true songbird with a captivating stage presence - Phinda is powerful!
She spent two years in Canada playing the character of “Rafiki” in the Lion King Stage production; and it was as a featured artist on Steve Dyer’s acclaimed “Mahube” projects, that her profile soared.
2. Kunle Ayo – “Baba Rere” [album: A Taste of Home – Bula Music]
[Kunle Ayo - K.Cool Publ (admin: Universal Music)]
www.bulamusic.co.za
kunle@kunleayo.net
This Nigerian-born guitar wizard, worked with musical kings of his country, before settling in South Africa in 2002. Kunle is highly regarded across the continent; and with his invaluable contributions to the South African music scene, he has surpassed barriers, and been embraced in his new ‘home’. A dazzling live performer, a brilliant collaborator – Kunle oozes openness and polished professionalism on every level.
3.Judith Sephuma - “Thul’umamele” [album: Change is here - SonyBMG]
[Selaelo Selota – Live at the Shack Music Publ]
maria.kounelakis@sonybmg.com
www.sonybmg.com
Since the release of her first album in 2001, Judith has become the darling of South African song.
With an accessible sound, songs in many languages and exquisite performances, this highly adept vocalist is soon to gain international recognition. ‘Thul’ umamele’ the only Zulu song on her brand new release.
4.Julius Nkuna “Xirilo” [album: Xirilo – Minyanyo Productions]
[Julius Nkuna / Victor Maponyane]
minyanyo@ananzi.co.za
This highly versatile, award-winning Xitsonga artist has worked with a range of Gauteng-based musicians, as well as being appreciated for his DJ skills.
5.Kwani Experience – “Chant Down Fear” [album: Live After Birth – Sheer Sound]
[Kwani Experience / Kwani Experience Entertainment]
www.sheer.co.za // kwaniexperience.com
This 8-piece band has all the elements - a distinct look and attitude, conscious messages, great grooves, interesting experimental elements and a lot to talk about! Blending African Folk, Contemporary African, Hip-Hop, Soul, Jazz, Experimental Jazz (Drum & Bass) and Funk, they produce a fresh accessible sound, and best of all, KWANI EXPERIENCE educates, elevates and entertains both young and the old.
6.Mimi – “Africa Hlanganani Unido” [album: Essence of My Soul – Loc’tion Jams]
[Mimi Ntenjwa / Mdu Mtshali – SonyATV publishing]
www.mimisworld.co.za
Mimi talent extends far beyond her categorization as Afro-Jazz artist. She has versatility and a range and presence that far exceeds her young age, and she’s fast developing a reputation as one of South Africa’s most accomplished artists
She first gained attention as the lead singer for Afro-Latin fusion band Tucan Tucan, and now she’s gone solo with her independently recorded and released debut.
7.Jeff Maluleke – “Manano” [album: A Twist of Jeff – Sheer Sound]
[Jeff Maluleke / Sheer Publ.]
www.sheer.co.za
While always remaining deeply rooted in his Tsonga [Shangaan] bloodline, Jeff has the ability to incorporate global music elements and assimilate many styles; exploring and integrating them to produce an inherently South African World Music sound.
8.Tucan Tucan - “Tiko La Mina” [album: Make a Difference - Xiluba Music]
[Xixel Langa / Frank Paco /Chantal Wilkinson – Kinara Publ.]
tucan@telkomsa.net
Described as “A kaleidoskope of sound”, and “A vibrant melting pot of African rhythms” , Tucan Tucan is a proudly independent entity.
Founded by Mozambican-born Frank Paco, a renowned drummer, percussionist and singer, who’s worked with the finest stars of SA sound before establishing this outfit. With musicians from different cultures and nationalities, Tucan Tucan offers a fresh new sound, while using their art to promote cultural diversity, social interaction, social responsibility, integrity, respect, preservation of culture, individual freedom and gender equality
9.Olufemi – “Vuka Manje” [album: Just in Newtown - Olufemi]
[Olufemi Ogunkoya]
info@olufemi.co.za www.olufemi.co.za
Born in Nigeria, he began playing trumpet before finding his true voice in the saxophone. Now based in Johannesburg, he brings together West African and South African sounds in a unique style which he calls “Afro-Soul Fusion”
10.Musa – “The Chant (uMhlabelelo)” [album: The Chant (uMhlabelelo) – Native Rhythms Records]
[Musa Mashiani – Native Rythms Publ.]
sduduzo@nativerythms.co.za
An extremely talented and versatile vocalist 20-year old, Musa Mashiane otherwise known as just Musa, is being hailed as an Afro-soul sensation. His authentic soulful voice uses song to travel between Afro-soul, traditional African, soulful R&B, jazz, and a bit of blues with enticing ease and a strong texture of Afro-melodies.
11.Siphamandla ‘Spha’ Bembe – “Lobhalaza” [album: The African Groove Experience – African Cream Music]
[T.Khomo / S.Bembe – Thapelo Khomo Music]
www.africancreammusic.com
African Groove Experience combines the talents of one of Africa's finest flugelhorn players, Siphamandla "Spha" Bembe and producer extraordinaire and multi-SAMA award winner, Thapelo Khomo. As Spha Bembe's first original solo release, it’s the realization of a long-held desire of these two friends to collaborate.
12.Sliqangel – “Ikhaya” [album: Isizalo - Gallo]
[Ndixolele Mbali – My Roots Publ. – admin: Sheer]
www.gallomusicsouthafrica.co.za
Sliqangel represents the new funky sound of South Africa’s proud, ‘next-generation’. Best described on the poem that opens his latest album:
"Jazzy sounds of saxophones married me to landscapes, what I am is a young man with a jazzy heartbeat, funky toes and my soul is neo, but on the flipside I’m pimpified by all means dignified by all deeds and cultured from pure seeds"
13.WAX – “African Soul” [album: African Soul – Lolhiphop Records]
[Nde Ndifonka [aka Wax] - Lolhiphop Records]
email: wax@waxexperience.com
Wax is a young, dynamic South African-based Cameroonian artist, with an already jam-packed profile. From studying law at the age of 16, to becoming a successful playwright; he’s a self-taught guitarist who’s collaborated with a range of African stars. He’s a cultural activist and a producer who has already launched his own record label.
Blending Soul, Pop, Afro-Caribbean Percussions and a South African edge, he redefines his strong Cameroonian identity.
14.Phuzekhemisi – “Ekhaya Ngonyawo” [album:Sesihlangene - Gallo]
[Z.J.Mnyandu – Gallo Music Publ.]
www.gallomusicsouthafrica.co.za
With a string of platinum-selling albums, this Maskandi master remains ever true to his rural roots - still choosing to live in his traditional Zulu kraal in the rolling hills of Kwazulu Natal,
From the days of apartheid, through to today’s democracy, he has often angered those in power with his unapologetic lyrics that openly address issues of corruption, crime and social injustice.
Besides his energetic performances, and his driving guitar sound, he is truly deserving of the title, “Voice of the People”. He not only represents the concerns of the masses, but presents his message with the forceful vocal style of an original protest poet; reminding us that the roots of hip-hop lie in Africa.