Zubz x Lavabeast = Birth of Wav_One

Aug 21, 2017 |

It is always interesting when one is a fan of a friend’s work, particularly in the creative spheres. The basis of a friendship, for me, is about personal connection outside of work yet the work can create an element of discomfort, if it does not resonate. Fortunately, with Zubz, this is not the case, and with his new project, Wav_One, he continues to demonstrate why I enjoy his music. Wav_One is a collaborative project between South African hip-hop legend Zubz The Last Letta and acclaimed producer, musician Peach van Pletzen. Both artists have made their individual mark on the musical...

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Morena Leraba: From The Village To The World Stage

May 6, 2017 |

Lesotho. The only country in the world landlocked by a single country, South Africa, and the country that raised me. Growing up, we were surrounded by music, but little of it came from within our borders, especially when it came to contemporary music. In fact, the only group that gained any kind of real prominence outside our borders was Sankomota, made up of musicians like Frank Leepa, Moss Nkofu, Black Jesus, Moruti Selate, Tšepo Tšola and Pitso Sera. In more recent years, there have been rappers like Hymphatic Thabs and Kommanda Obbs, musicians like Bhudaza and Tsepo Tsola as a solo...

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Digital Crates: NPR Tiny Desk Concerts

Sep 12, 2016 |

I love music. And I love great ideas around how to package and share music. The evolution of technology has both totally disrupted industries as well as provided the tools to be able to share great music. In creating Digital Crates on this site, I have tried to share what I come across while traversing the world of the interwebs, albeit inconsistently. The non-profit NPR hosts Tiny Desk Concerts, which is  a simple yet powerful concept – bring in artists to perform in a corner of their offices and film them. The intimacy of the performances place the spotlight firmly on the music...

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Ro James’ Eldorado, Random Thoughts

Jul 6, 2016 |

Our influences often subtly guide our decisions in and perspectives of the world. With musicians, being able to tap into influences without becoming imitations that fall short is a real challenge. Many an artist has floundered because they are unable to find their voice beyond the musicians that influence them. Ronnie James Tucker, known as Ro James, has been able to establish his space amidst the multiple and diverse people and sounds that have inspired him, from David Bowie, Prince, and Sly and the Family Stone to D’Angelo, Notorious BIG and Otis Redding. Born in Stuttgart, Germany to a...

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Shout, Build, Smile

Sep 1, 2015 | , ,

SHOUT, the non-profit organisation founded by Kabelo Mabalane and Danny K in 2007, has launched the third song to raise funds to help in the struggle against crime in South Africa. Established following the tragic murder of legendary South African reggae musician Lucky Dube, SHOUT has been focused on building and stocking of libraries in primary schools around South Africa. The first three libraries have been setup in Soweto, Mitchells Plain and Phalaborwa. The first song was a cover of the Tears For Fears song Shout while the second song was a cover of the song You’re The Voice, made famous...

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Digital Crates: Summertime Mixtape 6

Jul 11, 2015 |

In 2010, DJ Jazzy Jeff and MICK (then Mick Boogie) collaborated to release the Summertime Mixtape Vol 1, which fittingly opened with the track Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. It includes: Kool & The Gang – Summer Madness, Quincy Jones – Summer In The City, Ahmad – Back In The day, Ice Cube – It Was A Good Day, Roy Ayers – Everybody Loves The Sunshine, Bush Babees – The Love Song, Michael Jackson – I Can’t Help It, Carl Thomas – Summer Rain, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly – Before I Let Go and En Vogue – My Lovin’. Since then, they have released a new mixtape in the...

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