Infinite Boys

Duo brothers....Raphael Thulani Mabaso born on the 19th of November 1987 and his brother Antony Sandile Mabaso born on the 23rd of November 1988 grew up in a small village in Daveyton, Eastern side of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Life wasn't easy but they did their best to make sure that they would succeed in life. In 2005 they completed their schooling and decided to further their studies in music. They completed a music course in 2007 at the Academy of Sound Engineering with flying colors which made them realize that music was in their blood as they never thought they would learn so quickly.

There first attempts at production was tested in and around their township and at their school's functions. They also played their music at parties and in clubs with overwhelming response from people who heard it which inspired them to establish their own record label "Infinite Records" and called themselves "Infinite Boys". They used the word infinite simply from knowing that their passion for house music was never going to end. Their aspirations are to be the best producers in the South African music industry and they live life through their compositions.

They have been gaining a strong foot hold in the industry being recognized around the globe as one of the best production team in the Afro Tribal House genre, a feat that is not easily duplicated given the short time within which they have achieved this. Thus far they have work with some of the most prolific producers in South Africa including the likes of Mbuso, Ganyani, Jerah and DJ Colastraw. Internationally they've worked with Beppe Gioia from Itally and the Melt 2000 record label based in Switzerland and South Africa. They've remixed tracks such as "Uzongilinda" for DJ Qness, "Die, Cry & Kill" by Jerah feat Thantaswa and tracks from Meltz 2000. Some of their tracks have featured heavily on radio shows such as the Oskido dance show on YFM, the Urban Beat on Metro FM, Qh radio in Amsterdam and Web radio shows from Paris.

There are still loads of music to be heard from these magnificent boys and they still have a long road ahead of them. What drives them is passion for music, respect for other producers, honesty in all that they do, ambition to be the best, reliability and enthusiasm for music. They always make sure that people are anxious about the music they make and will never stop doing what they are good at ……… making people dance!!!!

Halo

Playing Deep Soulful House and melodic vibes that capture your spirit in minutes is the essence that is otherwise known as house music provided by an artist whose distinctive style is far from ordinary. "The key is consistency." So says Brian Varga - alias Halo - house music lover, DJ, producer and label owner. It's a simple yet highly effective policy that has guided Halo through 16 years of a successful house music career. To spinning at Europe's House music circuit or at one of his many international DJ residencies, to owning a thriving record label, City Deep Music, Halo always has something beautiful to contribute to the world of quality house.

His accolades aren't surprising, considering he was raised on soulful bass. "I grew up in Chicago, listening to people like, Larry Heard, Glenn Underground and Frankie Knuckles." He came of age with the Hot Mix 5 on Friday nights on radio station WBMX and was soon working in a record store by day and learning how to work a crowd by night in Chicago's underground rave scene. It wasn't until Chicago's post-rave loft scene blossomed in the mid-nineties, that Halo truly found his passion within the deep soulful house community. "It just felt right; the music, the people and I knew it was something I really wanted."

At twenty releases and a dozen remixes, he has gotten in, quite deep. From his aforementioned solo success on Siesta, to his legendary collaboration's with Hipp-e, to his upcoming releases slated for CityDeep, Halo's work is marked with the kind of consistent quality that has kept renowned DJs such as Louie Vega, Marques Wyatt, and DJ Deep constantly checking for, and spinning his productions. If consistency is the key, then challenge is the lock.

Halo loves a challenge. "I love going to places that I've never played before. Every city, every state, every country has its own special thing. You never know what it is, but what makes for a great DJ is figuring it out." This world famous DJ knows what he's talking about - he's traveled the globe and spun records at some of the world's best known parties on just about every continent except Antarctica and as soon as there's a good party there, he'll be there too.

"My favorite residency is Fabric, definitely." Despite living in San Diego, Halo maintains a bi-monthly residency at the shimmering gem of London's club scene, Fabric. "They let me get away with a lot there." Whether playing for 10,000 Brazilians at the annual Skol Beats party, Scotland's legendary "T in the Park" or Yellow, known simply as Tokyo's premier nightspot for house music.

CityDeep Music, Halo's label, is his perfect outlet. At just one year old, they've managed to carve out a solid niche for sublime deep house and afro-beat vibes. Their four releases have found fans around the world, buzzing on internet chat boards and selling out quickly across the globe. 2006 promises more of the same as they eagerly prepare two releases for debut at the 2006 Winter Music Conference. Well known names like Dennis Ferrer, Mr. V., Franck Roger and Alix Alvarez will be featured along side Halo's own productions giving fans something to eagerly anticipate. For Halo, it's just the next natural step in his logical progression, "We just want to put out good music for the people to enjoy." Halo keeps it coming!

Jamie Thinnes & Seasons Recordings

Texas born Jamie Thinnes transplanted to the LA area as a young teenager and was quickly seduced by the intriguing sounds found in the wee hours, in the abundant warehouses, loft spaces and odd locations scattered throughout southern California. Early on, house music crept into Jamie's soul and has been his guiding light ever since. Quickly becoming an underground favorite in the early '90s, Jamie forged his unique and captivating sound in a wide variety of Los Angeles environs - from full scale nightclubs to many a dark and dirty after-hours, from sunny beaches to ultra exclusive, all-night house parties. His trademark deep, spiritual rhythms and low frequency grooves never fail to keep the dancefloor marching in time to sunrise and beyond. A master mixer and programmer behind the decks, Jamie's unwavering devotion to house shines through with every twist of the knob and every slide of the fader.

In 1996, Jamie's musical vision blossomed when he had the good fortune of becoming involved with the Long family, founders of the famed Higher Source Records establishment (arguably, the finest record store in the LA area from 1996 to 2003). With the generous hand of the Longs, Jamie and long time friend and collaborator, Dean DeCosta, founded Earthtones Recordings. After 10 highly regarded releases, Earthtones was forced to change its name due to trademark issues. As Dean became heavily involved in the record store, Jamie pushed on and Seasons Recordings was born. Nearing 13 years in existence, with a heavy catalog of class act releases featuring Franck Roger, Olivier Portal, John Cutler, Dj Spinna, Anto Vitale, Charles Webster, Boddhi Satva and Jamie himself, to name a few, Seasons has truly evolved into one of the premier house music imprints worldwide. While countless other labels have faded away or tried to re-invent themselves with a new sound every few years, Seasons, and its revered Seasons Ltd. sub-label, have stood the test of time with consistent, quality house music that's based on an unshakeable foundation of musicality, soulful delivery and infectious grooves.

DJ Nkokhi

DJ Nkokhi (Mlungisi Mlangeni) was born to make music. Sounds excite him, rhythms drive him and beats make him whole. It was as a Sound Engineer and Producer that Cupid's arrow, dipped in glorious house, turned a past-time into a life-long goal - to make music that the world has never heard. It was then that he realized that all he wanted was to entertain and use his God-given talents to share his side of the story.

Born in Bergville, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, DJ Nkokhi says that his career really began with the help of a little technology. In 2001 he fell head-first into the internet and consumed ever bit of information he could get his eyes on - about the music business and how to lavish beats on the world. It was during these years of intellectual hunger that he also began his studies towards a national diploma in accounting at Natal Technikon. Even then, DJ Nkokhi was planning. He knew with these skills, it wouldn't be long till be would need to run his own business.

2003 brought him to Jo'burg with sights on furthering his studies. By 2006 he has found a job working as a Sound Engineer. And so the love-affair with music began. He worked tirelessly producing demos, recording and mixing deep into the night. Later that year, while focusing on the art of DJ'ing, he was offered a post as a Music Production Tutor at Spinout Studios situated in the creative and economic hub of Rosebank.

Always one to explore new horizons, in 2007 DJ Nkokhi added another feather to his creative hat with a job at a multimedia company as a Web Designer and Developer. Blazing cyberspace during the day; turning the beats on their head all night. During this time he also set up and started running Dojob, a DJ and producer network.

DJ Nkokhi has collaborated with local and international artists, producers and vocalists.

2009 sees the release of Good Times, an album brimming with brilliance and sealed with meaning. His versatility in styles - moving effortlessly between house, electro and trance and dropping in afro on top - is clear on this album that has been years in the making. 100% proudly South African - 100% from the heart.

Rowick Deep

Rowick Stevens "AKA" Rowick Deep's passion for music started at an early stage and it was influenced by visiting his uncle during school holidays. His uncle was a DJ and manager of a popular club that was based in Mabopane at Morula Sun. He had an opportunity to learn how to DJ, by playing around with his uncle's equipment. He got his first gig at a year-end function which was organized for the Morula Sun staff members. He developed a love for house music by listening to his uncle's disco and dance records. He started playing at a lot of major gigs that were organized at Morula Sun and also in and around the Mabopane and Ga-Rankuwa areas. Here he met one of the big name dj's of the area called "Positive K". Positive K showed him the final touches of how to perfect his dj'ing skills. After a few years, Rowick got the opportunity to get involved in mixing and compiling two major music projects called 45 BPM by the Heavy D Krew and House vs. Latino with fellow DJ friend - Vernon. 45 BPM became one of the biggest selling dance compilations. He held a residency at one of Pretoria's hottest night clubs, Voodoo Lounge with Sisco, Bubbles and BlackCoffee. After a few years of Dj-ing, Rowick took a break from the industry for 4 years, where he ventured into other fields. Music was still his passion. After he met with his long time friend, Sisco and attended the first South African Music Conference, Rowick decided to give up a fruitful career and go back to the music industry. He joined Multi-Racial Records to follow his dream and because of his DJ experience producing was a logical step. After working for a year as a lecturer for Multi-Racial's DJ course, and looking at Sis 'n' Jones and a few other producers producing their tracks, he eventually started producing his own tracks. The first two tracks he ever produced were featured on DJ's at Work - Love Generation - mixed and compiled by Christos and Vinni Da Vinci and another one was featured on Phezulu Selection Vol. 1, mixed and compiled by DJ Mbuso.

He continued to produce and compile mix tapes featuring his own tracks on them. He gave his friend one of his mix tapes and that friend gave it to one of the partners of Loxion Kulca (A fashion label). Wandi from Loxion Kulca enjoyed the music and liked his mixing style, and booked him for one of their private events. Rowick went on to DJ at all Loxion Kulca's functions. Rowick and Wandi formed a good working relationship, where the concept of mixing music and fashion was formed. They decided to release the first Loxion House Kulca compilation that was mixed and compiled by Rowick. This is were Rowick got his real platform to showcase his production skills, and got the opportunity to work with his old friend Blackcoffee and other well known producers like Artjones, Blackwhole, Nasty Nev, just to name a few.

He went on to do the second edition in the Loxion House Kulca series, which gained him a lot of respect in the music industry, with tracks like "People with Bullets"-Rowick Deep Remix, "That thing" which did well overseas, "I Want you" was a big track as well as "Make It" which received a lot of radio air play on stations like YFM, Metro Fm and other big radio stations. Some of his tracks started to be licensed by other well known DJs for their compilations. With all his achievements in the music industry, he is now one of the hottest and well respected house music producers in the country.

This brings us to his journey, "MUSIC IS LIFE"...

Winnie Khumalo

Winnie's first steps into the music industry were at the tender age of 15 when she released her debut album "Hey Laiti" (slang for small boy) in 1988. Like a good wine, Winnie Khumalo has matured with age and her new album simple titled "Just Wanna Live My Life" is a banger and a testimony that good things come to those who wait. Since joining Kalawa Jazmee Records in 2005, Winnie has been patiently waiting for her album to be released as "Oskido" Oscar Mdlongwa wanted to make sure that it will be delivered in style, personally taking control of the whole production process. This album comes seven years after self imposed exile from the industry due to various dissolutions with the industry and after some deep soul searching, but it was well worth the wait and will not disappoint.

The first track titled "Drift Away" is a house track which she personally wrote reflecting on her past experiences that has lead her to drift away from her old life and into new heights. For her second song, titled "I Wanna Live My Life", also the title of the album and debut single, Winnie enlisted the writing skills of her stable mate Zonke and building on "Drifting Away" she sings that all she wants to do is live her life to the fullest. The song has already dominating the charts being play listed and on high rotation on a number of South African radio stations as well as being a huge club hit. The range of the album covers various genres such as House, Afro Pop and the more traditional South African music. So far the album has received rave reviews and kudos for a unique approach that brings out Winnie's talents to the fullest. Long may her beat go on!

Sisco Umlambo

Sisco (Umlambo) also labeled by fans as Mzansi Capitols son of house music and co-owner of Multi-Racial Records (a prominent South African urban music label), has had a vision of building a platform and sustaining the urban music culture in South Africa since been recognized by Red Bull Music Academy and participating in their academy in Sao Paolo in 2002, which has been followed by also appointing an Ambassador for Pretoria urban music. He has been involved in the music industry for over 15 years. His production days started with a production trio called Soulful Roots consisting of Bubbles, Sisco and the That Guy Larry.

From this his production skills grew from strength to strength. He was also listed as one of the top 10 South African DJ's in 2002 by SL Magazine, during this time he had been involved with international studio projects (while in Sao Paolo) with producers such as Adrian Sherwood/Nick Coplowe and Zed Bias. Under the production duo Sis'n Jones, with the late Art Jones they secured top honors in the Western Music search with two of their singles being selected for the international release a first in the industry. They've released a multitude of hit singles locally and internationally, including their singles with UK based record labels Asante Records & Defected. 2007 saw Sis'n Jones release their debut album "No Barriers" which set precedence in the Mzansi house music scene, as well as setting a precedence for remix offers from various prominent international remixers.

He has worked with many local DJ's and producers including Christos, Fresh, Mbuso, Black Coffee, Shota, Vinny da Vinci, Oskido to name a few. He has been rated as one of the hardest working DJ's in the country by his peers and colleagues which is also a true testament to the following and pulling power he has at filling venues nationally & cross-borders.

Capitol House Movement 3

As a growing figure Sisco sees the need to continually build and contribute to a platform for establishing as well as up and coming talent, be it performers, producers and DJ's, which sees him working on various projects such as Capitol House Series which is in its third installment in the series now Capitol House Movement 3. The Capitol House series has set a standard in the house music scene in South Africa and is highly anticipated by people in the industry as well as consumers. This compilation sees him scouting hits and collaborations with people such as Rowick Deep, Tasha Baxter, international artist Jozana & Wajumba, Culoe de Song just to name a few. The third installment sees the compilation setting further award winning boundaries in appeal & quality.

Multi-Racial Records

Established in 1999 this record label has set out to establish a well balanced sound within the urban dance market by focusing on developing new artist with talent and bringing a fresh new sound into the urban dance industry. The repertoire of releases have made a substantial impact in the urban dance industry.

Audiences now stand up and take notice of this fresh record label. By gaining large airplay of their releases on urban youth radio stations around the country as well as the globe including: Capitol House Series, Sis'n Jones, Loxion House Kulcha Series. The company has grown over the last 5 years to produce hits and is gaining large amount of respect locally and internationally.

DJ Bongz

Sometimes it takes someone living outside the mainstream, an individual seeing things from a different angle, to shake up a music genre that at times seems in danger of stagnating.

So it is with Durban's DJ Bongz who has released an album that is fast causing waves on the house music scene with its fresh and invigorating take on this well-worn music form.

Titled (justifiably boldly) No Retreat-No Surrender, the 16-track offering stands out from the start because it's far more than simply a DJ mix album. Sure Bongz could have gone this route - after all, he's already a hugely popular DJ in his home city, and knows his way around the tracks igniting the dance floor as we cruise towards the closing months of 2005.

But 29-year-old Bongz is not known for taking an easy ride into anything. Since 2001, when he first came onto the DJ circuit in Durban, Bongz has worked unrelentingly to ensure he's top of the list when it comes to gigs in-and-around Durban and when it comes to sourcing DJs for major events like the Miller's Tour and others.

"I started playing at house parties in 2001," Bongz says, "and from there I guess word of mouth meant that I began getting calls to DJ at beauty competitions and other events. From there I moved into clubs and I haven't looked back."

Ask Bongz what makes him stand out as a DJ and he points to his incredible energy which takes him from behind the 1,2s to the dancefloor, joining the punters in being at one with the beat. "I often leave the decks and get onto the dancefloor and I think that people notice that - they can see that I am just as much into the music as they are and that I am not just doing this for money."

It's also Bongz's uncanny knack for knowing what a particular crowd wants to hear and his feel for a superb beat, melodies even, that have turned him into a drawcard in Durban.

But when it came to creating his own album, Bongz dug deep to ensure it stood out from the rest of the DJ releases that crowd retail shelves at the moment. "I was playing at a friend's wedding and was introduced to Vusi Leeuw from CCP Record Company. My friend had told him about me but Vusi wanted to hear something before he would sign me and so I did some demos and got them off to Joburg. Vusi liked what he heard and so I got the green light to do the album."

At the core of everything Bongz does is his connection to the place where he lives. And so No Retreat. No Surrender is a house album comprised of 16 tracks of original songs; cuts that are wedded to a firm house beat and yet reverberate with all the originality of music brewed in a hot city that hugs the Indian Ocean Coast of Africa.

"I grew up in Durban - this is my city and I love it," Bongz says. "It's great to have made an album that reflects that and yet also crosses over to the rest of the country."

In this, No Retreat-No Surrender is fantastically diverse.

Johannesburg DJs (including YFM's DJ Fresh) are feeling the album's title track, an atmospheric cut that carries with it a Flamenco-influenced house beat, and has surefire hit and dancefloor filler written all over it. Durban, on the other hand, is under the influence of the brilliant "Sobabali" which is a natural and hugely successful mix of South African traditional music and house beats. "That track appeals to a different audience, people of different ages, young and old," Bongz explains. "It's a real cross over track that music fans of different ages and races love."

Working with standout producers like Themba Dhladhla (DJ Casper) and TKO and Dust, among others, and with his own production input on tracks like Kwaito-style "Siyabonga" (one of Bongz's personal favourites), No Retreat-No Surrender is a lip-smackingly great listen.

And as we head towards the festive season, many other tracks off the album, among them the uplifting eKasi-style "Marimba Lounge", are set to join "No Retreat-No Surrender" and "Sobabili" as hot favourites, both at radio and the dancefloor. The result is likely to be a huge number of devoted DJ Bongz fans countrywide and great sales for this landmark recording.

Mesh Potato

Mesh Mdlasekhe Ntuli was born & raised in Daveyton, eKhureleni, South Africa and had a passion for music from an early age. Initially being a keen listener of soul and hip hop he found himself searching for a sound or style of music to make his own...

While Mesh pursued his studies at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria he got exposed to a multitude of different genres and found his true calling, Deep House music. His passion grew when meeting and listening to DJs like Vinny Da Vinci, Christos, Sisco and Blackcoffee. They inspired him to pursue a career in DJing which through many hours of sweat and tears he managed to teach himself, starting him on the road to collecting vinyl and frequenting various record stores. At the same time he hustled his way into playing at every party around his Township, enabling him to build a following and hone his craft. While perusing his dream Mesh found an opening at well known record store Camino. This was a great opportunity to perfect his skills and develop better relationships with prominent DJs and club owners, opening doors to playing at prime spots and at various events in and around Pretoria. When Camino Records closed Mesh continued to pursue his dream and survived by working odd jobs and DJing at every opportunity.

Finally trough perseverance he landed the coveted position of managing the Deep House counter at Multi-Racial Records which included placing orders and helping others in their endeavors to break into the DJ market by teaching the art of DJing. His passion and skills grow developing a burning desire of purpose that set him up to work alongside the bigger names in the industry such Vinny Da Vinci, Christos, Sisco, Blackcoffee, Oskido, Mbuso, Bubbles, Lady Lea and Roger D'lux, just to name a few. Finally his hard work has paid of with his first compilation release apply named Mesh Potato comprising of the finest productions coming out of Multi-Racial Records and South Africa, featuring the likes of Art Jones, Rowic Deep, Simza, T-Man, Culoe Da Song, Dee M@c, Mr Deep, Latehour and SK95. A suburb collection of exceptional Deep House that is destined for greatness.

DJ Clock

DJ Clock's name is on everyone's lips. His tracks have been released on highly successful compilations and are found in the boxes of the industry's most well respected DJs. Within his slight frame lies gigantic talent. This shy, unassuming and upbeat 21 year old is music-obsessed-behind his reserved exterior lays an animated, down-to-earth musical mastermind.

Perhaps it's his aptitude for chemistry that gives him the insight as to which elements to combine to make club hits-the process is powered by passion and the end result is an album that's right off the Richter scale.

Clock hit the decks 9 years ago at the tender age of 12! A few years later he was rocking school socials and house parties. People in the industry started taking notice of his knack for making people move and it wasn't long before high profile bookings started flooding in. Since the beginning, spinning records and making beats for Clock has always been about transformation-making the room move, taking the groove and making it elevate the mood.

While maintaining a busy schedule behind the decks, DJ Clock's attention shifted to production. His background on piano combined with his experience as a DJ gives his music a unique "club" sound.

"The First Tick" is DJ Clock's debut album, and it is best described as a fusion of deep, tribal and funky house- several are layered with sultry vocals. His signature sound fuses thumping bass lines, clever chords and perfectly-timed percussion. As a quietly spoken soul he found his voice with music, "I love it. I like to pass my message through music because I'm not talkative", he says.

As a DJ and producer DJ Clock is turning the heads of many- making them nod and proving to the local dance music community that he is a mainstay. If the past is any indication of what lays ahead, 200 holds promises for DJ Clock to take a step closer towards worldwide domination.

Phumeza

There are singers whose deceptive simplicity is belied by a depth of story that it has to be heard in order to be believed but whose soul may be revealed by a vocal performance in a single song. Sometimes it may take that one simple song to bring the artist into the attention of the public: sometimes musicians may unintentionally reveal too much, laying their souls all-too-bare, without themselves knowing that they have just done so. It is that with debutante artist Phumeza has revealed the naked soul of a one whose has known too much in life on her new album Breathing Out. She will be immediately familiar to people who watched the last year's season of Desmond Dube's Dube on 2 SABC 2 as she was one of the cast members there. Her face is also recognisable as the stunningly beautiful model that has graced many print ads in the last three years and also just shot a shot film called A Place Called Home. Following the lead of her erstwhile companion in Amajika - Ayanda Phumeza Dlwati, to give her full name, also was a contestant in South African M-Net Idols where she was in the top 32 during the year when the competition saw such well-known singer as Zamajobe also fall. She is one of those extremely rare souls at 21 who can truly say that she comes from far with a voice full of uttermost woe that one has ever heard.

Her ambition as musician or the development of this perfect singer whose direction and phrasing is perfectly matched by the soulful, somewhat upbeat, House-like treatment of songs by producer Mnqobi Mdabe, working under familiar pseudonym Shota, one part member of the soulful, tuneful Afro-pop trio Shana. There is a distinct composite identity of singer Phumeza in that she uncannily resembles the unity of the triad of Lisa Stansfield and a Des'ree, yes, the British singers. Phumeza has the original, authentic soul-as-bare-soil folk sichathamiya [a la a cappella] tradition that the exotically rarefied Des'ree had to import to her music by hiring Ladysmith Black Mambazo in order to approximate to that authentic sound. But this is the nurturing tradition to Phumeza that comes naturally to her. Phumeza comes from the song-and-dance school-of-hard-knocks Amajika, Malvern, Johannesburg, where she received an early education in vocal performance from the uncompromisingly authentic, ultra-traditional Tu Nokwe.

But, above all, this is the album for diverse crowds as some songs are mellow for the more mature but have the vibey ones that are also appealing to the younger at heart.

Phumeza's story of knocking upon the doors of the music industry is worrisomely similar as she ran around for two years for recording deals with no success in particular from a certain company until she got into Universal Music where she released her debut album called Feeling Brand New with a Hit song called Oweh Owah then a year later decided to be more in control of her career and joined Shota Music her producer where, as fortune would have it came out with one of the biggest Hit song on the dance floor titled Indoda Yakho and what does she have to say for herself about the album:

"The album is about new experiences learnt along the journey. I deliberately chose to focus on the positive in life. I didn't want to dwell on the negative."

Zano

Most people slip into a world of wonder when they hear Zano's voice on radio and everywhere. Seeing his face reveals the identity that a lot of people can identify with as he's gracing our screens every Tuesday evening on SABC 1 in a show called "Ba Kae".

Zano's debut album under Shota Music unfolds the uncompromising talent that this young man is blessed with. The Multi-talented Zano has an angelic and melodic voice that just gives you goose bumps and those butterflies in the stomach. This has been hidden for a while then blossomed gradually through other people's projects but now has reached full maturity and ready to be heard. South Africa will be taken aback with the tremendous talent and someone who can express himself vocally and lyrically as he's written all the songs in the album himself.

His voice and talent resembles that of the well-known "Blaze" group. It's very rare to find someone in his twenties that has so many accolades under his name. Being involved in many facets of the musically inclined and creative career, Zano has been involved in many projects, to name a few:

• TV - Ba Kae and Mthunzini.com
• Theatre (Lead Male Vocal in most) - Soweto Story, Rent, Diamond and Dust, The Full Monty, etc.
• Corporate Theatre - Sun City, Schwarzkopf, Pero Diaz
• Performances - Strictly Come Dancing: SABC 2, Black Eyed Peas Benefit Concert, SA Music Week, etc.

The young muso's songwriting and voice talent has also been demonstrated in some of the well-known SA artist, to name a few: BlackCoffee, Phumeza, the late Lebo Mathosa, SoulCandi Sessions, SHANA, and DJ's@work.

Mnqobi Mdabe owner of Shota Music recognized the talent while he was lecturing him in a Music College and took him under his wing. The years have seen this duo cultivating Zano's skills and collaborating on the masterpiece that's showcased on this debut album.

The music in the album is timeless, a fusion of good sounds that brings lyrical messages and melodies to the universe. This will revolutionize South Africa's house music as it has a unique element than the current offerings.

"Let the nation witness real music and judge for themselves but remember - Hate Me Not but lay back and enjoy the journey that we're about to embark on".

Airto Moreira

Making his U.S. debut on the Miles Davis classic BITCHES BREW, Airto went on to perform with many jazz greats including Stan Getz and Lee Morgan and became of founding members of the pioneering fusion groups Weather Report and Return To Forever. Airto was born in 1941 in the small village of Itaiopolis - south Brazil, and was raised in Curitiba. Even before he could walk he would start shaking and banging on the floor every time the radio played a hot song. This worried his mother, but his grandmother recognized his potential and encouraged him to express himself. By the time he was six years old he had won many music contests by singing and playing percussion. The city gave him his own radio program every Saturday afternoon. At thirteen he became a professional musician, playing percussion, drums, and singing in local dance bands. He moved to Sao Paulo at the age of sixteen and performed regularly in nightclubs and television as a percussionist, drummer and singer. In 1965 he met the singer Flora Purim in Rio de Janeiro. Flora moved to the USA in 1967 and Airto followed her shortly after. When in New York Airto began playing with musicians such as Reggie Workman, JJ Johnson, Cedar Walton and bassist Walter Booker. It was through Booker that Airto began playing with the greats - Cannonball Adderley, Lee Morgan, Paul Desmond and Joe Zawinul, to name a few. Zawignul recommended Airto to Miles Davis for a recording session in 1970 for the "Bitches Brew" album. Davis then invited Airto to join his group, which included such jazz icons as Wayne Shorter, Dave Holland, Jack De Johnette, Chick Corea and later John McLaughlin and Keith Jarrett. He remained with Miles for two years, and appears on such releases as "Live/Evil", "Live at the Fillmore", "On the Corner", "The Isle of Wight", "Bitches Brew" and later releases including the "Fillmore Sessions". Following his stint with Miles Davis, Airto was invited to form the original Weather Report with Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, Miroslav Vitous and Alphonse Mouzon with whom he recorded "The Weather Report". Soon after, he joined Chick Corea¹s original Return to Forever group with Flora Purim, Joe Farrell and Stanley Clarke and they recorded the albums, "Return to Forever" and "Light as a Feather".

In 1974 Airto formed his first band in the U.S., "Fingers" with Flora Purim. Since then they have performed constantly all over the world and recorded their own album for major record companies in Europe and America. Airto remains one of popular music¹s most in demand percussionists. His collection of instruments, along with his knack for playing the right sound at the right moment, has made him the first choice of many producers and bandleaders. His work with Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, George Duke and Paul Simon, Carlos Santana, Gil Evans, Gato Barbieri, Michael Brecker, The Crusaders, Chicago, and many others including contributions to movie sound tracks such as The Exorcist, Last Tango in Paris, King of the Gypsies and Apocalypse Now, represents only a small number of the musical contributions Airto has made over the last three decades. His impact was so powerful that Downbeat magazine added the category of percussion to its readers and critic¹s polls, which he has won over twenty times since 1973. In the past few years he was voted number one percussionist by Jazz Times, Modern Drummer, Drum Magazine, Jazzizz Magazine, Jazz Central Station¹s Global Jazz Poll on the Internet, as well as in many European, Latin American and Asian publications. He has been advancing the cause of world and percussion music as a member of the "Planet Drum" percussion ensemble, with Mickey Hart, drummer for "The Grateful Dead", and master conga player Giovanni Hidalgo and tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, along with Flora Purim, Babatunde Olatunji, Sikiru Adepoju and Vikku Vinayakram. Planet Drum won a Grammy Award in 1991 for World Music. Airto also contributed to another Grammy Award winning ensemble, "Dizzy Gillespie¹s United Nations Orchestra", which received the award for Best Live Jazz Album. Airto¹s love for the music and the people of his native country of Brazil takes him back every year to visit old friends and relatives as well as to pay respects to his spiritual guides and elders. Airto has been involved in "Spiritism" since an early age and used to go to the "sessions" with his father Jose Rosa Moreira, who was a spiritual healer all of his life. His lifelong interest in spirituality led him to record The Other Side of This, an exploration into the healing powers of music and the spiritual world. Airto also composed and performed his "Brazilian Spiritual Mass" for a two hour special on German television, with the WDR Philharmonic Orchestra in Cologne, Germany. This rare performance was reproduced on Vinyl for the classical record label "Harmonia Mundi" and licensed as a video by WDR, broadcast around the world. Most recently Airto performed as a guest star with the Boston Pops Philharmonic Orchestra on a special for the PBS TV, the Smashing Pumpkins "Unplugged" for MTV, and the Japan based percussion group Kodo and Depeche Mode¹s latest CD "Exciter".

In 2001 when Airto recorded with Kodo, he contributed with two of his compositions: "Maracatu" and "Berimbau Jam". The song "Maracatu" was chosen to be one of the official songs for the 2002 World Cup in Asia to open the ceremonies for the event in Japan. On Airto¹s recordings for Melt2000 "Killer Bees", features Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea, Mark Egan and Hiram Bullock; it was one of the most critically acclaimed albums on the European market and was followed by a remix project by Tony Thorpe entitled "Revenge of the Killer Bees". His solo album entitled "Homeless", on Melt2000 was released in the year 2000. It is a high-energy album with "tribal" rhythms that is shaking the dance floors around the world. 4 more releases with Airto on MELT include his group "Fourth World" with Jose Neto and Flora Purim. Airto also performed on a number of MELT recordings such as Tuvan throat singer Boris Salchack's album Shaman and immensely powerful singer and percussionist Ricky Randimbiarison from Madagascar. Productions for MELT include the South African Outernational Meltdown recordings in 1994 and the debut album of BBC Jazz award winner Byron Wallen - hailed as one of Miles successors. His song "Celebration Suite" was re-mixed by the DJ group "Bellini Brothers" entitled "Samba de Janeiro". The track hit #1 in the dance music charts over 26 countries around Europe, Asia and Latin America. Airto has worked together with and had his music re-mixed by Frederic Galliano, Giles Peterson, Endemic Void, Justice, Ashley Beedle, Circadian Rhythms, Jimpster, Amon Tobin, and Max Breenen, among others on the Revenge of the Killer Bees album. Once again Airto was voted the number one percussionist of the year (2001) on the 66th Readers Annual Poll on "Down Beat Magazine". In September of 2002, Brazil¹s President Fernando Henrique Cardoso named Airto Moreira and Flora Purim to the "Order of Rio Branco", one of Brazil's highest honors. The Order of Rio Branco was created in 1963 to formally recognize Brazilian and foreign individuals who have significantly contributed to the promotion of Brazil's international relations. The order is named after Barão do Rio Branco, Brazil's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1902 to 1912, famous for his role in negotiating the national borders of Brazil and referred as the "Father of Brazil's Diplomacy". After many great shows in many countries and venues, Airto chose the year of 2002 to make an old dream come true. This was to teach the Brazilian people a little bit of his musical technique and also about life, spiritualism, energy and much more. Invited by the Alexandria Library in Egypt, Airto played at the re-opening event that brought people from around the world to attend it. Due to its enormous success, he has already been invited to return. It was a great musical and personal experience. For three years Airto was a professor at the Ethnomusicology department of UCLA, and broke new ground in musical concepts and creative energy. Currently he divides his time between recording studios, workshops and clinics, creating new projects including DVD Surround Sound, as well as researching new materials for future releases, and live performances in the US, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Airto's latest album, "Life After That" was released on Narada Records on September 30th, 2003.

Pops Mohamed

"If one loses his or her culture, it means you're losing your identity and self respect as a human being. It also means there is a hole in your soul" Pops Mohamed was originally from Bemoni, a small town on the outskirts of Johannesburg. His real name being Ismail Mohamed-Jan, he was given the fond nickname "Pops" because as a boy he used to love eating spinach just like Popeye ! Pops was initiated into music at an early age. As a young man of 14 his idols were the Shadows - but more influential were the trips he remembers taking as a child with his father to Kalamazoo to hear traditional music being played even though people wouldn't know one another....they would sit and chat, drink and eventually jam. That kind of fusion is as old as urban South Africa."

Albums:

• Pops Mohamed & Sie Medway Smith
• Ancestral healing
• How far have we come
• Pops Mohamed meets London Sound Collective

"Kalamazoo" was therefore the inspiration for the album of the same name as well as being the name of his business. At the age of 14, Pops abandoned his homemade box guitar for the real thing when he formed his group The Valiants, playing Kwela soul and Latin. His next band in his musical development was Children's Society, which was influenced by the spirit of Haight Ashbury, playing a repertoire of Hendrix and Santana classics. It was his own original composition "I'm a Married Man" that gave Pops his first township hit. Then Pops got together with Abdullah Ibrahim's saxophonist, Basil Coetzee, and Sakhile's bassist, Sipho Gumede and landed the record deal that would make him even more of a star to township party-goers. He even traded his beloved guitar for keyboards. The result was the exciting and popular albums: "Black Disco", "Movement in the City" and "Inner City Funk." The Eighties saw him diversify, using different traditional instruments and disciplines. He began with studio engineering and producing and learned to play the "mbira", a Zimbabwean instrument commonly known by Westerners as the thumb piano, and the "kora", a 21-string harp from West Africa. These instruments have since become Pops' trademark and have brought to his music a unique sense of spirituality that has brought him critical acclaim. This exploration of indigenous instruments was crucial in his development into the dedicated and diversely talented holder of African cultural identity that he is today. His "Kalamazoo" and "Sophiatown" albums, released in 1991 and 1992 respectively were both nominated in the Best Jazz Album category of South Africa's OKTV Awards. Although Pops is very much a traditionalist - he is also interested in exploring the fusion of his soulful music with modern influences and expertise. His first album for MELT, Ancestral Healing (BW069) released in 1995 combines his deep-rooted, spiritual journey with contemporary instruments and electronics and features celebrated musicians such as vibes/marimba/comgas player Valerie Naranjo (featured on the Outernational Meltdown series). The result was a partnership between exuberant township jazz and slick Western touches. Subtitling the album "From New York to Johannesburg", he highlighted the theme of co-operation and cross-cultural collaboration. Pops was a vital member of M.E.L.T. 2000's "Outernational Meltdown" project, both playing in, and producing, the sessions held in October 1994. In 1995 he was an integral part of the Khoisan expedition to the Kalahari Desert to record the inspiring traditional music of Africa's oldest inhabitants, the Bushmen. Pops sought to preserve their sound in a world that is fast marginalizing traditional, indigenous cultures. Accompanied by Ben Watkins (Juno Reactor), Dick Jewell (cameraman and documentary maker) and Robert Trunz (Director of Melt) this journey had a profound effect on them all. Some of the recordings provided the backbone of Pops' highly acclaimed album "How Far Have We Come" (BW088) for which the tracks were taken from the desert to London where they were worked on and produced by a variety of exceedingly talented musicians from both Britain and South Africa. Pops wanted to maintain the unique and special feel of the Khoisan music, whilst simultaneously creating a sound that people could relate to more closely. The result is an album that moves effortlessly from the timeless world of rural Africa to the global dance floor evoking a trance state untouched by time or space. To "purist" critics of his blending of traditional, township and contemporary jazz he simply answers, "I don't see all the new dance styles (Hip Hop, Trip Hop, House, Jungle, Drum "n" Bass etc.) as a threat to traditional music. I see them as new platform to voice ourselves. Fusing new futuristic sounds with ancient cultures, is about one of the only ways I know that can take these beautiful African sounds into the next century." Whilst he embraces modern influences and combines them to his own music, Pops feels frustrated that Western music played in South Africa was, and to some extent still is, marginalizing traditional African music. The lack of investment in traditional music projects is of great concern to him. This concern initiated the Khoisan project. Having tried for years to find original recordings of their music Pops knew that he had to go himself. Therefore in addition to providing the base for "How Far Have We Come", the recordings also led to the raw and undiluted album - Pops Presents the Bushmen of the Kalahari (BW2128) - a unique field recording of thgis resilient tribe of people who have been abused and dislocated for many years. This pure sound from the depths of the Kalahari Desert is presented by Pops and is a fascinating glimpse into the world and music of this most ancient and spiritual of people who deserve the right to be heard and respected. Traditional cultural expression remains a passion to Pops, ("It is vital for the future of the new South Africa"). When not recording, touring or busy running his own label and publishing company, he often actively encourages young South African musicians to seek inspiration in their roots and teaches them how to play traditional instruments. Furthermore, the new regime in South Africa means that it is now possible for musicians from across the continent to collaborate freely together and as Pops describes it "develop a common musical heritage". Even big names such as Baaba Maal and Youssou N'Dour have played with local musicians - unheard of under apartheid. Dedicated to preserving and continuing traditional sounds, Pops explains, "I am on a serious mission to protect and promote traditional instruments." After all "If you don't know where you're coming from surely you won't know where you're going to." Pops' argument is that if you want to educate people about other cultures, you must put your product through the sound they already know. Pops sees proof of this through his workshops in Europe - in particular Copenhagen - where he finds that kids are researching the instruments they hear on the records. They are especially amazed that traditional sound is very similar too a lot of modern drum "n" bass sounds and that they compliment each other very well to become "now" sounds.

Pops also encourages them to write in their own tongue and to both make and learn to play their own particular traditional instruments. A collaborator on numerous projects with artists such as Jessica Lauren, Madala Kunene, Busi Mhlongo, Airto Moreira and Flora Purim, Pops Mohamed is both a highly influential musician as well as a respected producer. He co-produced Madala Kunene's "K"onko Man' and Moses Molelekwa's debut album, "Finding Oneself" (BW053) which one two FNB South African Musical Awards. Pop's debut album "Ancestral Healing" also won two FNB awards in the traditional jazz category. In 98 along with Bruce Cassidy he won an award for the Best Instrumental Performance for their album "Timeless" released only in South Africa for the time being but is available by mail order from www.qradio.net. During 1998 Pops started working with his musical protégée Zena Edwards on a primarily acoustic album entitled The Millennium Experience (BW2139). Inspired by their successful tour of Namibia and their trips into the Kalahari where they spent time with the San Bushmen, they use poetry and chants and even do acoustic re-working of his landmark album "How Far Have We Come". When performing his work with the Bushmen, called "The Link" because it reconnects Xhosa and the Khoisans music after a period of 150 years, he saw that the audience were moved to tears, as indeed, he and Zena were themselves. Pops says, "I have never seen a performance of this caliber before." This album released in Spring 99 was his effort to achieve a London sound and also present his work with the San in a more modern, cutting edge way. Pops' versatility and innovative vision is expressed in his recent collaboration with the London Sound Collective- resulting in an explosive new sound. Released in August 2000 Pops feels this dynamic partnership will help to make the younger generation more aware of traditional music. "I think it was great move....I see new music such as Drum "n" Bass as a new platform for launching indigenous music - otherwise people wouldn't be able to relate to it on a modern level. It reaches out to the younger people." Essentially the collaboration spells a new step forward in the continual evolution of trance music "deep trances connecting with spirits and ancestors". The intention is to capture the essence through modern technology as well as traditional instruments. His boundless creativity has also led to his collaboration with prolific remix engineer and former Orb member Greg Hunter, Gloria Bosman and Suzan Hendricks in an album entitled Lotus Blossom (MZA 006) released in 2005. This outstanding project weaves together traditional African instruments and contemporary electronics to create a wonderfully warm tapestry of sound likely to evoke a trance state in even the most resilient of listeners. Pops has toured both nationally and internationally with a number of different artists including Max Lasser on his "Between" tour, South Africa's top multi-racial jazz-fusion band "Tananas", adding the African textures of kora and mbira to their Western rhythms, and the Ngqoko Cultural Group (which included the Xhosa singers of Lady Frere). More recently during October '99 as part of his campaign to restore and revive traditional African music Pops participated in the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen along with some of South Africa's best musicians. Amongst others, Moses Molelekwa, Madala Kunene, Vusi Khumalo, Dizu Plaatjies and Simpiwe Matole of Amampondo were there. The conservatory offered classes on the different styles of music found in South Africa and Pops taught traditional instruments and their history. At the end of the workshops the musicians grouped into several bands and performed at the Copenhagen Jazz House. This educational tour continued with Pops and Zena teaching in Finland following their successful tour of Lapland, Helsinki and the University of Jvyaskyla in 99, before going on to do workshops in Germany. During April/May 2000 Pops was performing in South Africa and working with Vusi Mahlesela, a South African "folk" singer, as well as writing a track especially for TV broadcast. Towards the end of May he toured Germany with a famous South African storyteller Gcina Mhlope, and Zena joined them to do workshops. The Kalahari Khoisan joined them for ten days of concerts at the Hanover Expo 2000. Their performances were considered one of the highlights of EXPO due to their message of preserving and protecting indigenous music from Africa. Pops has been involved in the SanScape Project in aid of the San Bushmen of Southern Africa. The Bushmen remix album SanScapes Vol.1 was released in 2001 alongside a series of events including Pops, Zena and the San from Namibia in London. With his forward looking vision and expansive collection of collaborative projects it could be said that Pops Mohamed is the living embodiment of cross-cultural co-operative music. Following in the footsteps of his uncle, a traditional musician who played for healing ceremonies, Pops' music has a similarly therapeutic effect on his listeners! Pops Mohamed is undoubtedly essential listening and an inspirational source for all cultures.

Ralf GUM

With unique music and consistent work, Ralf made it to one of the most popular German house artists and one of the few who also enjoys international popularity. Since Ralf's DJ career started in 1990 he stayed true to his passion for cool and diverse house music. Harmony & Soul & Groove - just some aspects of Ralf's typical sound. With a feeling for the vibe, he convincingly played at more than 250 German and international spots, including gigs all over Europe, Japan and the United States. In autumn 2008 Ralf toured South Africa for the first time with great response and was the first German house DJ who got booked to play in Botswana.

Ralf GUM's producing since 1993 and worked with notable artists as Inaya Day, Michael Procter, Beady Belle, Wunmi, Concha Buika or the fascinating Monique Bingham. He released on top labels like Peppermint Jam, Tommy Boy, Compose, InfraCom!, Sole Music, Milk & Sugar, Oyster Music and others. Ralf has well-known songs, among them one of the soulful hits of 2008 "Kissing Strangers" (GOGO Music) featuring Monique Bingham, "All This Love For You" featuring Diamondancer, "Ponle Tumbao" (Tommy Boy / Flamingo Discos / Milk & Sugar), "Helena Brown - Canção Dourada" (Peppermint Jam), "Ralf GUM - Easy", "Ralf GUM feat. Beate S. Lech - Warrior" or "Ralf GUM feat. Concha Buika - Nobody can touch me" (GOGO Music). Not to forget all fine remixes for a bunch of other artists. Ralf GUM's productions made it to a worldwide renowned trademark in the house scene and UK'S TTR magazine called Ralf "one of Germany's finest" in 2005.

But Ralf not only convinces as a producer - first of all his DJ-sets have helped him building up his reputation as an upfront tastemaker. After various residencies in South-Germany (e.g. Unbekanntes Tier - Stuttgart or Yellow Kitchen - Mannheim) to date Ralf plays at two spots regularly. In 1998 the "Airport" (Wuerzburg /Germany) got the living-room for his interpretation of house. Since then he captures the crowd with his sessions every Friday night and played alongside with artists like DJ Gregory, Martin Solveig, Lenny Fontana or DJ Pippi, to name just a few. End of 2006 Ralf started his residency at Climax in Stuttgart. From 2002 till 2007 Ralf hosted a bi-weekly event at "Studio-Lounge" (Wuerzburg) which was called "the deepest and most soulful party of Germany" by the Subculture Magazine and he played for one year regularly at APT, Frankfurt's new in location. Some more clubs-highlights Ralf DJ-ed at include: "El Devino" (Ibiza, Spain), "Mo'Vibes" Festival (Munich, Germany), "Amika" (Miami, USA), "The Room" (Tokyo, Japan), "ECU / Echoes" (Rimini, Italy), "Garito Café" (Palma de Mallorca, Spain), "Passage" (Vienna, Austria), "Garten Club @ Volksgarten" (Vienna, Austria), "Barokko" (Budapest, Hungary) "Marula Cafe" (Madrid, Spain), "Ministry of Sound Radio" (London, UK), "Muak @ Herbal" (London, UK), "Soulstice" (Oslo, Norway), "Mica Club" (Lausanne, Switzerland) "Oxa" (Zürich, Switzerland), "Stereo Sushi" (Antwerp, Belgium), "Mansion" (Amsterdam, Netherlands), "Pacha" (Palma de Mallorca, Spain), "Rave on Snow" (Saalbach, Austria), "Nature One" (Germany), "Republic Cafe" (Salzburg, Austria), "Cocoon" (Frankfurt, Germany).

In 2001 Ralf GUM started to build up his label "GOGO Music". The international club-scene quickly recognised the label as a sure source for quality music and gave vast feedback. Lots of great reviews of the releases followed, as well as interviews and features in different media from magazines to TV. Late 2005 GOGO Music was called "one of the hottest imprints around" by UK's leading magazine "Blues & Soul" and Germany's "Subculture" wrote that "GOGO Music is the prime German house label". To date GOGO Music is mentioned in the same breath with all top deep house labels worldwide. In 2003 Ralf initiated the own GOGO Music Radio show. Besides his sets the weekly show features all DJs of the GOGO Music family. The show is broadcasted by more than 20 stations around the globe including: radio42.com (Germany), tilllate.com (Europe), audio4all (Germany), ssradio.com (UK), rhodosdj.com (Greece), fullhouseradio.com (UK), RadioFG.com (France), radiostylo.com (Poland), DFR-Radio.com (Tschech Republic), IbizaGlobalRadio.com (Spain), Radio 105 (Italy), Radio Planet (Italy), Univerdance (Canary Islands, Spain), Soul Satellite (UK), Soul Candi Mobile Network (South Africa), Partygroove (Italy), Peppermint FM (Germany), StraightUp.com.au (Australia), FM Beat 90.5 (Argentina), Beats Radio (South Africa), Simphony Tandil FM 100.3 (Argentina), Soul Satellite (UK), 065 City FM (Bosnia), Radioreal (Hungary), Smoothtrax (Greece), play.fm (Austria), RAW Radio (UK), FM 88 (Greece), Bosnia Express (Bosnia), GrooveSession (France), Zero FM (Argentina), 1 mix (UK), Raunchy Rhythms (UK) and Hit 94 FM (Aruba).

Next to Ralf GUM's house productions, he started a second project entitled "SUGAR BEAT". In collaboration with drummer Steffen Meder originated a unique live performance: "Jazzy Live Drums & Uplifting Spinning". Out of the inspiring club-sessions quickly developed a production team. With SUGAR BEAT's irresistible sound of fusion a new broken beat style is being created. After their sweet remixes on GOGO Music, in 2006 the first own productions have been released on the "GOGO Music Spring Collection 06".

During his career Ralf had the pleasure to compile and mix various CD-Compilations. Including in 2004 "Arrival Vol I" (Double Mix-CD together with Howard Donald - Ex Take That, for which they toured together all over Germany) and "Studio - the finest in lounge and house music", which was selected as CD of the month in the German "Raveline" magazine in December 2004. In February 2005 the first GOGO Music label compilation "GO!" including highlights of 3 years label work was released. It was called the best compilation of the year by UK'S TTR magazine. In October 2006 the second part "GO!!" hit the market.

In 2006 Ralf GUM held his first GOGO Music Winter Music Conference event in Miami with great success. With an impressive line-up including e.g. Kenny Dixon Jr aka Moodyman, Theo Parrish, Markus Enochson, Glenn Underground plus the GOGO Music DJs, the party went down in a storm and was one of the most talked about events at the conference. 2007 saw GOGO Music teaming up with Atal Music and Bubble Soul for a joint WMC event at Hotel Victor, called "Yes Please". Including an likewise great line-up including e.g. Jamie Lewis, Raw Artistic Soul and many others the party was a great success and the kick-off for further "Yes Please" events including the critical acclaimed WMC event in 2008 at Sagamore. More highlights worth to mention include an appearance at MTV's "Battle of the DJs" in April 2003 and invitations to the You.FM Clubnight (Hessischer Rundfunk Radio and TV, 2 times in 2005, one time in 2006 and 2007).

In 2008 Ralf GUM unveiled his long awaited debut masterpiece album titled "Uniting Music" on his label GOGO Music. Composing a continuous piece of music, seamless and blended into a luscious texture of soulful-, afro-and latin-house and jazz inspired grooves, Ralf showcased his ability to create wonderful original songs. With each song intertwining with another, he's pushing the boundaries well beyond the traditional dj mix sense! Almost seeming like one beautiful track the whole album contained it all: really pretty dreamy tracks, some real groovin' live sounding deals and some late night slices of hypnotic house, too. The album received great plaudit worldwide. For example UK's M8 Magazine called the CD "simply one of the best albums of the year" and the 3Sat TV show "Kulturzeit" wrote on their web-site that "no single second of the album bores". "Uniting Music" was released by Rambling Records in Japan and Soul Candi in South Africa as well.

The hallmark of Ralf's sound is his love funky harmonies coupled with wicked underground beats and crisp percussion. But the distinctive groove isn't the only reason for Ralf's success - his passion for all things soulful shines through in all he does. This helps him creating a simply irresistible groove every time he emerges from the studio or works the turntables.

Hip Hop Pantsula

When HHP walked away with two key awards at the 14th Annual South African Music Awards in May 2008, the noise in the Sun City Super bowl was nothing short of thunderous.

Music industry pundits, his peers in the hip hop community and, most importantly, the fans in the gallery were united in their approval of his SAMA double (and a storming live appearance) - and all made it plain to hear.

That Hip Hop Pantsula's Best Male Solo Artist and Best Rap Album wins earned both critical (from the judges) and public approval is a mark of how far this gifted individual has come in his many years of carving out what is now an enviable solo career in the South African music career.

It was also confirmation of HHP's peerless standing in the industry: as a lyricist and rapper of epic proportions, so highly regarded by his fellow artists that he's in constant demand as a collaborator; as a musician, able to craft beats and melodies both memorable and fresh, and as an all round likeable guy who, as the man himself puts it in the track, "Thank You Note" has become a "symbol of virtue".

That song, the second off the SAMA-winning "Acceptance Speech", is in fact a roll call of real life thank you to almost everyone who has played a role in helping HHP gain traction in his career - from his grandmother, to "those I meet daily on MySpace" kudos are paid to those around him, in a song strewn with impeccably chosen loose-limbed beats and samples (in this case Enchantment's "Forever More").

It's no surprise that HHP has (as "Thank You Note" and the likes of "Chic Music" and single "Music and Lights" reveal) a deep love for funk, soul, melodic folk and vocally driven pop songs - as well as his increasingly visible affection for traditional music.

Growing up in his beloved "Mmabatho" (the title of the moving, opening cut on "Acceptance Speech" inspired by a Rustenburg Boys original) Jabulani Tsambo's father had a record collection that encouraged him to always keep his heart open to a variety of music styles.

"My father's LP collection was very diverse - Queen, Abba, Juluka, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Marvin Gaye, Isaac Hayes, Diana Ross, Andre Crouch, Chicago, Boston, Crosby Stills and Nash, and the O Jays are just some of the artists in there. And every time he played one of those LPs I could tell what mood he was in. That's when I started to understand music. Now I use that same understanding to speak to my fans or listeners. The amazing thing about music is that it communicates something different all the time to different people."

It's because of this belief in the power of music to deliver an intimate, personal message to a huge variety of listeners that HHP is reluctant to classify his place in the music scene. Certainly hip-hop is a dominant influence - and "Acceptance Speech" was a deserving winner of the SAMA for Best Rap Album. And undoubtedly HHP is a rapper who delivers a richly satisfying listening experience with his ability to roll rhymes off his lips and create a rhythmical melody with words alone.

But listen to his 2007 offering - and his deep repertoire of recordings before that - and it's clear that this is no run-of-the-mill talent, content to churn out an album a year with little thought of its content.

"Always stay fresh, current and creative," is HHP's mantra. "Those three things mean the world to me. Without them, I'll just fizzle out," he says.

He applies these three pivotal elements to his live performances and says that aside from winning the SAMAS and even more than being nominated for Best African Act at the 2007 MTV Europe Music Awards, the single most memorable moment in his career came at the 2008 Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

As the only hip-hop act booked to perform at the festival of music heavyweights HHP had few expectations - so when he and his live band drew such a big crowd that festival organizers had to close the venue and eventually move the show to a bigger stage HHP knew his dream of creating cross-boundary, cross-genre, cross-culture music had come true. "We closed off the whole festival to an hour of HHP - and that was an exceptional moment. The rest - like Strictly Come Dancing, the MTV Europe nomination - were and are just ripple effects of that special day in history."

In making this statement, HHP displays his trademark humility: he may operate in a genre known for its personal boasts and bling but HHP gets his inspiration from music's real deal - like transporting live gigs, and his fellow musicians. Ask him about his longevity in the business (he's been recording for close to a decade) and Jabba is quick to pay tribute to the likes of Choppa, Chiskop, TKZee Mandoza and Skwatta Kamp. "I've had the pleasure of seeing a lot of musical eras in the nine years that I have been in the industry and I've tried to learn from their successes and mistakes. That's probably how I've managed to stay relevant and current. But I'm still learning."

Thankfully for his fans HHP takes that learning into the heart of his music. Like on its predecessor "YBA 2NW", "Acceptance Speech" benefits from a wide-ranging sonic outlook that draws as much from traditional music as Gospel and even middle eastern moments (the female vocal sample on the exceptionally moving "Darfur" featuring Tumi is a case in point). He's not stopping there. The pioneer of Motswako, and miner of new talent (the talented Molemi is among his label family members) say he's inspired from a recent trip to Brazil.

"I'm always working on new material and influences. After coming back from Brazil, I started messing around with some SAMBA sounds and the whole Island feel - so stay tuned." Indeed.

HHP's ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE:
Nominated for:

1. Best newcomer (SAMA) - 2000
2. Most promising act in Africa (KORA) - 2000
3. Best Rap category (SAMA) - 2002, 2006
4. Best Video (SAMA) - 2007
5. Best Rap Album (Metros) - 2006
6. Best Video (Channel O awards) - 2006, 2007
7. Best Male Artist (Channel O) - 2007
8. Best Special Effects (Channel O) - 2007
9. Best Director (Channel O) - 2007
10. Best Rap Artists (Channel O) - 2007
11. Best African Act (MTV Europe Music Awards) - 2007
12. Best Album (SAMA) - 2008
13. Record of the year (SAMA) - 2008
14. Best African Act (Nigerian Hip Hop Awards) - 2008
15. Multi-Lingualism award in music (Pan-South African Language Board) - 2008

Winnings:

1. Best Male artist (Kellogs' Star-in-You Kids awards) - 2006
2. Mzantsi Music Star award (Mzantsi Awards) - 2008
3. People's choice award (Golden Maftown awards) - 2007
4. Best Music Star (Golden Maftown awards) - 2007
5. Season 3 King of the Dance Floor winner (Strictly Come Dancing) - 2007
6. Best Record Label award (Botswana Hip Hop Music Award) - 2004
7. Best Rap Album (SAMA) - 2008
8. Best Male Album (SAMA) - 2008

DISCOGRAPHY:

1. Introduction - 1999/00
   1. How you feel
   2. ABC
   3. Thuntsha Lehura
2. Maftown - 2001/02
   1. Godiragalang
   2. Ayoba
   3. Vele
   4. Pantiti
   5. Sdudla
3. Omang? - 2003
   1. Omang?
   2. He Banna
   3. On my own
   4. O ja swaka
   5. Danger
4. Omang reloaded - 2004
   1. Harambe
   2. Tswaka
   3. Steak
   4. Tswaka Dub Mix
5. YBA2NW - 2005/06
   1. Jabba
   2. Let me be
   3. YBA
   4. Love of my Lewe
   5. Lefatshe je
   6. Tshwara
   7. Tlhabane Maftown
6. HHP Mega mixes - 2006
   1. Acceptance Speech - 2007/08
   2. Music n Lights
   3. Thank you Note
   4. Wave ur Glasses
   5. A vida tem dessas
   6. Leloko la Lekoko
   7. Darfur
   8. Wayza

T-Man

T-Man (Thabo Konopi) undertakes to be amid the best producers to hit the South African dance music industry. He exudes the quiet confidence of a man who is good at what he does. Not just an energetic youth. T-Man has over the years honed and toned his creative talent as a music producer, mastering engineer and DJ. Hailing from humble beginnings in Soweto, he is influenced by the forces of nature that surround his everyday life.

His diverse outlook, modesty and passion for music automatically qualify him as a player in the international arena. He recently left masses yelling for more at the 2008 Sonar Festival (www.sonar.es) - an international event of progressive music and multimedia arts held annually in Barcelona, Spain. This event attracts renowned DJs, Artists, Producers and other industry practitioners from all over the world. During the course of the 3 day schedule at the festival, he represented South Africa as part of an international DJ roster that included acclaimed DJs from Germany, France, Italy, Britain, USA, Russia, Australia, Singapore, Japan and many other parts of the world.

He was also part of a delegation (which included the South African Department of Arts and Culture) that represented South Africa at MIDEM 2007 held in Cannes, France. MIDEM (www.midem.com) is the world's largest annual music market. The market hosts thousands of music professionals from all parts of the world who meet for days of networking, deal making and searching for new talent in an effort to explore new business possibilities. MIDEM attracts nearly 10,000 delegates from almost 100 countries, from the recording, publishing, live, sync, digital and mobile sectors. It is as such the source of profitable new music business.

He also represented South Africa at the 2006 Red Bull Music Academy (www.redbullmusicacademy.com) held in Melbourne, Australia. South Africa was the only African country at the Academy, and that in essence meant he represented the whole continent. The Red Bull Music Academy brings together DJs and music producers from diverse musical and cultural backgrounds to exchange their ideas about music and their knowledge of how life in the music industry works. The Academy's curriculum covers all major aspects of music including music history, technology, DJ culture, production and business skills.

The lectures are facilitated prolific industry players such as Just Blaze and Black Milk. Just Blaze (Justin Smith) is from New Jersey, USA, and an in-house producer at Roc-A-Fella Records and has produced many hit tracks for the likes of Jay-Z, Kanye West, Usher, Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey. His counterpart, Black Milk (Curtis Cross) is from Detroit, USA and has written and produced for the likes of Slum Village, Lloyd Banks, Canibus and many others…

As a percussionist for one of the Academy bands, T-Man took part in studio jam sessions with the legendary Mizell Brothers (USA) who have written and produced for the Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, Donald Byrd and many more. Other jam sessions he was part of featured the celebrated Wally Badarou (France) who is behind the success of James Brown, Grace Jones, The Rolling Stones, Fela Kuti, Manu Dibango, Mariam Makeba and Julio Iglesias, to name a few.

While in Australia , T-Man produced and co-wrote a magnificent piece called "The Return Of Love" with world renowned producer / writer / DJ and label owner Chez Damier from Chicago, USA. The song also features Skymark (Spain), Nina Kravez (Russia) and Aroop Roy (Japan) and it's featured on the 2006 Red Bull Music Academy Various Assets Compilation.

T-Man also thrilled audiences at gigs across Australia. He has played alongside internationally acclaimed DJs and producers like Soundsystem (London), Alex Smoke (Glasgow, Scotland), Rekid / Radio Slave (UK) + many more…

It is refreshing to know that he is always willing to push musical boundaries. This is in an effort to deliver more innovative productions. The constantly positive reviews by pioneers of dance music like DJ Fresh (5FM), DJ Oskido (YFM), DJ Glen Lewis (Metro FM), DJ Vinny Da Vinci (House Afrika Records) and DJ Mbuso (Phezulu Records) make him one of the rare breeds of producers / DJs capable of providing a cosmopolitan mix of music. His diverse musical knowledge culminates in a unique blend of music that is reflected through his floor filling sets when he spins his "12 inches". His music productions are mostly stimulated by the ever changing South African urban street culture which he is also part of, consequently giving him the upper hand when it comes to current youth trends. Thus, he is a member of the South African Music Awards urban steering committee.

His attitude to life, maturity and African pride influences his input in the music that he creates and produces in his studio. "My commitment has always been to assist our African creative talent, artistic energy and musical heritage with quality technological and technical expertise. The wealth of talent, diverse cultures and the top class technology we currently have at our disposal puts us in a position to be amongst the best in the world. One of my primary objectives is to introduce and promote our musical heritage, culture and industry products to new global markets".

This is in an effort to establish and advance international business relationships, creating a platform for both local and international industries to interact with one another by exchanging services, products and resources. "This would be my small contribution to the development of our industry and my humble way of making sure that African music and culture is treasured and documented," he expressed.

A man who know no limits, T-Man is the founder of 12 Inch Productions (www.12inch.co.za) a young and dynamic production company and independent record label with studio facilities based in Johannesburg. The company specializes in music productions, international music licensing, publishing, mastering, DJ services, and audio concepts for radio and TV. Since its inception the company has made significant inroads in these highly competitive sectors. Its client base varies from private individuals to established corporates, with product range that appeals to the urban youth and young adult markets.

T-Man's dance radio show called the "12 Inch Groove Sessions" features hottest dance music from across Africa and the rest of the world and is currently syndicated on some the world's prominent online radio stations.

Some of his recent dance music projects includes "Quantized Mix 3" a house compilation by DJ QT, "Lovelife House Generation" another house compilation by DJs @ Work (DJ Christos and DJ Vinny Da Vinci), and the popular "Definition of House Vol. 2" a double CD dance compilation project by the celebrated DJ Fresh that has hit Platinum status.

His appreciation for African sounds and melodies coupled with his enthusiasm to revive and restore them, saw him do justice to Mandla Spikiri's "Spiyanko" remix, which was later remixed by the Grammy Award winning super-producer / DJ Louie Vega of Masters At Work. The song features the world renowned Hugh Masekela and it is unreservedly remarkable.

In one of his more intriguing experiments, T-Man has dared to merge cutting-edge jazz instrumentation with intricately layered tribal house rhythms to traditional afro pop classics of legends like Mariam Makeba's "Amampondo" and Margaret Singana's "Hamba Bhekile".

His skills as a mastering engineer were put to excellent use in "Glen Lewis" compilation project "Another Mid Tempo" which is utterly impressive.

The response at his live performances has been exciting and a source of his inspiration. His DJ sets offer soulful house music with a combination of ethnic influences inspired by a deep and cheerful mood that will make your world come together flawlessly.

Busi Mhlongo

"I was always singing, at school, after school. I was the laziest one in my family because I just didn't have time, my time was for music, you know. I was always being punished, but I knew whenever I was punished it was because it had to do with some notes that someone - whether it was a band, or just a man playing guitar - I'd follow." Busi Mhlongo Born in Kwa Zulu, Natal, Busi Mhlongo grew up with a song on her lips. Despite being raised within her family's Methodist tradition that sadly had little recourse to music Busi sought out other religious dominations with musical services. Haunted by melodies, she persisted in the face of adversity and begun singing with from an early age with groups led by her older and more musically advanced brother. Around 1963, the success of a great South African stage musical called King Kong, caused a talent drought when many of the currently hot musicians left the country to tour the show internationally. So Gallo Records had a talent competition and Busi and her brother went to Jo'burg and won it. "OK, the song we did was My Boy Lollipop," she screams. "I was a kid, really, and yes I was really rocking that My Boy Lollipop. It had been a hit for Milly in England - Island Record's first hit - and I guess because of Apartheid and the way things were working, they sort of shut Milly out and My Boy Lollipop was moving. All this for me, it was for joy, not really knowing that I would be ripped off in the business."

Busi took part in many theatrical productions throughout the 1960s, including the lead in Gibson Kente's The Jazz Prophet and Liefa; stage and film productions of Bertha Egnos' Dingaka; and Alfred Herbert's African Jazz and African Follies. She worked with most of South Africa's greatest jazz and mbaqanga stars on festivals and gigs too numerous to mention and so it was that she met her husband, Early Mabuza. Early was a drummer who had played with Dollar Brand, but was more widely known for his role in a cinema commercial for condensed milk. When he joined the cast of a show Busi was appearing in, as the guest artist, she was at first dismissive: "To me he was a tall guy who drank condensed milk at the movies, so when I saw him I thought, "Well he's not so tall..." I was never so much in awe of Early as the rest of the cast and then, one day we were practicing and I was sitting pretty. I had this mini skirt on and when I moved to pick something up, my legs opened and he hit me with a drum mallet. I flipped out, like, what is happening? He said, "Sit like a lady." That's how he proposed! He was a very quiet man, he couldn't speak. But he was a good drummer." Busi and Early had a daughter, Mpumi, but when the music called her away to tour the Portuguese cabaret circuit, Busi left him holding the baby and left South Africa for Portugal, via Mozambique and Angola.

Barely a couple of months into her tour the sad news of Early's sudden death reached her. Trying to overcome the tragic death of her husband Busi then spent five years playing in Portuguese casinos, performing the popular hits of the day and always closing the show with her African songs: "I always sing my African songs because they make me feel really free. You know like when you have been really serious and somebody says, OK now you can put on your shorts!" "I always moved because of music," she says. "Music has been my ticket." She went to London briefly in 1972 and recorded with Dudu Pukwana, Julian Bahula, George Lee, and Lucky Ranku. She even worked with Osibisa as their lead singer. It wasn't music that lead Busi to America; however, she had developed cancer and had to be treated in hospital there. Fortunately she recovered and is now completely healed. As soon as she was well enough, Busi accepted an invitation to join the cast of a stage comedy called Reefer Gladness in Toronto, Canada, in which she got to sing the songs made famous by Billy Halliday and Bessie Smith. Jackson Pollock, the abstract painter, was enchanted by her and his influence led to Busi being given her own starring vehicle, called Ship Of Fools.

It was a great relief for Busi to be performing again and she had a wonderful time playing gigs with her own band at St Lawrence Hall but, in 1979, after five years in Canada, she got the chance to return to Africa on a tour of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Lesotho. She slipped into South Africa, a decade after she'd left but the Security Forces were quickly on her case so, after nine months, Busi was obliged to accept an invitation to return to Portugal to join a musical called Black Ground. Of course her agent called the minute he heard she was back, so Busi went around the casino circuit one more time, but she knew that this was just a passing moment and that she had to move on. One New Year's Eve in Madeira a Dutch family invited her to Holland. When they rang a few days later and repeated the offer, she left. Through her Dutch friends, Busi made contact first with a group of Senegalese musicians, and later with a Gambian group, Ifang Bondi and spent a couple of years based in Amsterdam, playing African music at major festivals and shows.

A highlight of the Africa Roots Festival, she worked with many visiting African musicians and began to develop her own inimitable style. In the mid-eighties, Busi returned again to South Africa and formed the original Twasa band with the late Doc Mthalane. She played with Twasa and Winston Mankunku Ngozi to packed houses at The Blue Note in Durban before moving back to Holland in 1988. Her shows at the Melk Weg in Amsterdam drew rave reviews and led to a series of workshops which she ran at the club, then to a series of government-sponsored concerts in schools throughout Holland. Billed alongside Salif Keita and Manu Dibango, Busi was the highlight of the African Music Festival in Delft in 1989. Here she met Brice Wassy who was instrumental in the creation of her debut album for MELT, Urban Zulu (BW2118) and has been working as the musical director of her band.

She then returned once again to South Africa to reform Twasa. After touring Holland and Belgium in 1993, she recorded her debut album with Twasa - the majority of which was composed by Doc Mthalane, before returning to Durban in 1994. As a part of a program to reconnect township youth with their roots, Busi ran workshops in Zulu singing and dancing in Clermont, Natal. In 1995, Busi topped a popularity poll on Radio Metro, appeared on the main stage of the Grahamstown Arts Festival with Sipho Gumede and took part, with Madala Kunene and other MELT artists in the Outernational Meltdown launch concert at the Africa Centre in London.

She appears on Sipho's album, Ubuntu - Humanity (BW084) and also on Madala Kunene's Kon'ko Man. Busi kicked off 1996 by appearing with Hugh Masekela at a concert in London to mark the end of the Africa '95 festival and was subsequently invited to tour France and Germany. She has supported the world famous Ladysmith Black Mambazo and also collaborated with Max Lässer on the recording of his album, Between (BW103) in Johannesburg and the subsequent tour through with Pops Mohamed and members of Amampondo. Busi's debut album for MELT in 1998 is called Urban Zulu produced by Will Mowat; it has brought her international fame. Drawing on a number of styles but mainly on Maskanda, Busi was inspired by The 'Sxaxa Mbij' (pulling together) Peace Project led by Khaba Mkhize in KwaZulu-Natal. Urban Zulu is essentially Busi's reinterpretation of Maskanda - traditional Zulu music normally sung by working class men - for whom she pulled in the expertise of Phuzekhemisi, a famed Maskanda band. Two members of this group Themba Ngcobo and Mkhalelwa Ngwazi co-composed and co-wrote the entire album with Busi. In addition to the various Zulu musicians she has worked with on this album, Brice Wassy - who has also worked with Salif Keita - contributed to the direction and production of the CD. Holding the no.1 spot in the European world music charts for two months Busi's position as one of the leading South African divas was firmly established.

Touring internationally and bewitching audiences with her powerful stage presence and vocal prowess she has rightfully taken her seat in the musical arena as one of the most phenomenal and exciting musicians to have emerged from South Africa. Busi's lyrics carry universally powerful and poignant messages. Her songs concern the empowerment and reconciliation of peoples who, though sharing the same citizenship, have very different political aspirations. Inanda - where she grew up, was the birthplace of African Nationalist leader John Duke, and the late prophet Isiah Shembe and has largely shaped Busi into what she is today. "The spirit of these great sons has served as a source of inspiration for me and my music", she explains. "I am a bit traditional and it is because of them. They taught us unity, love and peace among the people. Their legacy should live on."

In 2000, Busi scooped three awards at the FNB South African Music Awards for BEST FEMALE ARTIST, BEST ADULT CONTEMPORARY ALBUM (AFRICA), and BEST AFRICAN POP ALBUM. Ranked alongside Miriam Makeba, Letta Mbulu and The Mohatella Queens, unique in becoming the first female to be spreading the Maskanda style of vocals internationally, Busi has been applauded by audiences the world over. Busi has since scored a KORA award and MELT has released a compilation called INDIZA with two new tracks produced by Brice Wassy and a series of remixes by Club 3.30. "The sound is hip, quirky and compelling, upbeat in a modern, upfront way" "Busi's voice is rich and variable, covering textural and stylistic boundaries."

The Guardian "Urbanzulu is a triumphant affirmation of her mature expressive powers."

The Wire "Busi's stunning hybrid Zulu/English vocals takes the distinctive flavor of Maskanda and creates pan-African pop with a western twist."

Culoe De Song

Culoe De Song, Soulistic Music. Having the love for music dwelling in his soul since birth, Culoe is discovered having a lot more than just love, but the ability to show what comes from "within" through producing & playing music to the people. Born in a small town, Eshowe, which is based in northern Kwa Zulu - Natal, Culoe has always been known as this boy with a unique name, "Culolethu", meaning "Our Song" in IsiZulu, a native South African language. Having that in his reputation, it all made some sense coming from a musical family; his mother, a good singer & his grandfather, a keyboard player. At primary school age, Culoe gained interest in technical material, being lucky enough to find a rejected old hi-fi at the dump. It was still usable giving this young lad an opportunity to record mixes that were live on radio during weekends, so he could play them again for his own pleasure. This became more like an element created to grow his love for being a DJ.<

In the year 2004, Culoe made a move from the small town to the "big" city of Durban, to begin his high school career. This brought a lot of things that were in his dream closer to him. Culoe then adopted the "city vibe" & somehow managed to get himself into the local night clubs. Yes, the scene was new and huge to him but getting closer to the decks was what he was hungry for and didn't have much power to do so. He then meets DJ Kabila in 2006; luckily for Culoe a friendship was built and his passion for music was brought to Kabila's humble attention. It was only then Culoe got the chance to experience turntables through Kabila's kind teachings. His career in music production began in early 2007 when he mastered his skills in music production utilities & he was able land his first major project on Black Coffee's second offering, "Have another One".

The piece was given the name "100 Zulu warriors" and it carried a taste of Black Coffee's sound since he made the final mix to suite the style of his album. Since then, Culoe has been exposed to the likes of DJ Christos, who's been a great help to Culoe's career thus far. Earlier this year, 2008, Culoe De Song signed under Soulistic Music, having tracks like "The Bright Forest" , "Super Afro" and "100 Zulu Warriors Remix", released under this record label, founded by Blackcoffee. Also in 2008, he got to share the decks alongside international DJ/Producer, DJ Rocco, who gave praise to Culoe's music & looks forward to working on something with the young man in the near future. In this point in time, Culoe De Song is busy working his way up in the music industry and is very positive in continuing to produce and play what comes from within. For updates on Culoe De Song: http://www.myspace.com/culoedsong

Troydon

Hailing from the southern most tip of Africa, Troydon has been extensively involved in the music industry more than a decade and has established himself as one of if not South Africa's premier deep house DJ and, more recently, artist/re-mixer. As a DJ, his signature sound showcases smooth technical wizardry combined with a music selection geared to satisfy even the most discerning house music listeners.

Having worked along side the likes of Matthew Herbert, Charles Webster, Kaskade, Mark Farina and Jimpster to name but a few, Troydon is renowned for his consistently high quality DJ sets as well as filling live DJ slots on top local radio stations Y-FM & 5FM in his native country. Currently residing in Brooklyn, NYC, Troydon is creating a huge buzz in the underground house scene and currently travels the globe gigging to bring his truly unique sound to the rest of the world.

As an artist/re-mixer, Troydon continues to exploit his raw musical talents and ever expanding skills. He has released on top house labels from Freerange to Om Records and quickly gained support from the industries most respected names. Early in 2007 he started his own imprint called Phonoshuffle Music and so far they have released nothing but heat with top selling on 12"s.

His discography is growing at a rapid rate and his unique style of quality house music incorporates many original as well as live elements with influences taken from jazz, to funk, to hip hop and anything in between. Troydon's production is getting tighter and tighter by the second and you will undoubtedly read more about him in the future. This is one talented producer who is making a big impact in the scene on a global scale!

Bucie

Some artists work for years to earn the name "diva" and be considered rock stars. But there are the elite few who are born just that and new music name, Bucie, belongs to that select list, loaded with the vocal capabilities, sumptuous looks and captivating moves. She is sure to set the music scene ablaze with her sure-fire and aptly titled debut album, "Rock Star"…..And be warned "this is just the beginning".

The immensely talented young lady, who doesn't mince her words, says she calls herself a diva because she has all the qualities associated with that and there is no way one can miss that. The album is released by Demor Music (owned by Shana's A.T Sikhosana) is a potpourri of Afro-pop, ballads and Afro-soul classic material. Like some of the greatest vocalists of our time, the story of her being signed to the label reads like a fairytale. Demor is a music lecture at Central Joburg College, where Bucie is a bass guitar student.

The first single "Life of a Rock Star" has been getting an enormous airplay and responses on national, community radios and clubs. The album was done with the help of great music names such as Mafikizolo's Theo, L'Vovo's producer Zakhele Madida, Shana's Mnqobi Mdabe, Victor Mbotho, and S'fiso Shabalala, who produced, composed / featured in the album and the songs are mostly about fun, friends, love and real life issues.

Born in Kimberley, Bucie, whose real name is Busisiwe Nqwiliso, grew up in Klerksdorp. She started singing in the Sunday school choir at the tender age and she sees herself as a destiny's child as her life seems to be turning out the way she has always wanted, to be a singer. Bucie says having her own album is a dream come true…just one listen and you will know it too.

Track List:Disc 1

1. Ubhuti Lo
2. Rock Starr
3. Omnyakazisa
4. Ngicel Indoda
5. Ngiphathe Kahle
6. Mhlobo Wam
7. Amadoda
8. Break Up
9. Dreams
10. Wonke Amadola
11. Ndiyakukhumula
12. You Turn Me On

Tina

Kalawa Jazmee Records has unearthed another gem that will take the music world by storm. Tina might be the new kid on the block but she has all it takes to make it in this dog eat dog industry, with her passion, talent and golden voice you can be sure of that. Her 10 track album titled "Ufezile" will be one of the most sought after dance album of 2008 as it is loaded with club bangers and party songs soon to become street anthems. With the hard working Dangerous Crew Combination [DCC] production behind her, Tina shines to reveal her much praised talent.

She says: "I have been singing from an early age and have been a choir leader since primary school. I love music and nobody can stop me". Growing up in East London in the Eastern Cape, Tina looked up to the Madonna of the township groove namely Brenda Fassie and Joyous Celebration as her role models and inspiration. She adds: "I became a born again Christian at the age of 14 and have been listening and singing gospel music all of my life". This is reflected in her debut album which is a spiritual combination of Afro-House and gospel.

The album also features Theo Kgosinkwe of Mafikizolo fame, collaborating and producing on "Akafuni Kuhamba Nawe" and is also featured on "Hlasela". Other artist include Kalawa Jazmee heavyweight, Oskido, on "Thank You", Jah Seed of Bongo Maffin on "We Need Love" and a remix of Dorothy Masuka's classic "Bangiloyile".

Tina moved to Gauteng in 2002 to join a Pretoria based band Vision Extreme and toured extensively with them in South Africa and abroad. It was while she was performing in Kayalami, Johannesburg that she caught the ear of Kwaito Star Thebe, who asked her to work with him. She contributed on the party anthem "Nomathemba" but it was Mandla "Spikiri" Mofokeng who insisted that she join Kalawa Jazmee after he was moved by her vocal ability.

Tina says her album, whose single "Umthwalo" is already blazing the airwaves is the story of her life. "I composed this song about my life in general and the message is that yesterday is history but it still means a lot." She has a vision and a dream that will keep her strong and see her reach great heights in years to come.

Sis 'n Jones

Sis 'n Jones, formed in 2004 consists of Gerald "Sisco" Ribeiro (DJ Sisco Umlambo co-owner of Multi-Racial Records) and Arthur-John "ArtJones" Bukenya (co owner of Seamless Music). With their different musical backgrounds, experiences and a common passion for deep soulful house music brought about a fresh new formula for Mzansi house music.

On there first outing they released the funkier "Life passes you by" featuring the talented upcoming singer Roxanne Myles AKA Roxy. A series of potential hits followed such as the more deeper sound of "Awungitshele" featuring the ex Coca-Cola Pop Star ZULU & "On this day" featuring Tshepiro (a song written for Sisco's wife performed on their wedding day)

These tracks were entered into the world-renowned annual Westend Records music competition which received over 500 entries worldwide. The 2 tracks managed to secure Top Ten slots which also meant them being included in their international compilation release for 2005.

2005 saw a more mature Sis 'n Jones embark on a new project creating a summer hit track "Set Your Mind Free" featuring Khanyi "Lüz" Legoka. The track was released on vinyl late September featuring remixes by DJ's Christos and BlackCoffee. Above mentioned song had also been compiled on the DJ Fresh "Definition Of House 2" compilation CD and the DJ Christos' 3am Mix was used on Spiritual Journey 2, also released in 2005.

With the birth of their label Omooyo Curacao Music in 2006 they released two 12" singles and one 12" EP which has received much acclaimed and respect locally and internationally. In the same year they worked with a variation of artists and producers for releases on compilations, and albums leading up to a number of successful live performances featuring the artists they've worked with in and around South Africa.

On the much acclaimed "Love Life" Compilation mixed by DJs @ Work they produced 2 tracks, one featuring Tamara Day and the other used for the "Love Life" ad campaign. This duo is not wasting any time and has already been approached to be involved in a multitude of projects, nationally and internationally, including co-productions and compilations etc.

Sis 'n Jones form part of a larger group of labels under the Multi-Racial banner all of which are available on AfrodesiaMP3:
Soul Deep
Restless Swazi
Omooyo Curacao Music
Multi Racial Records

Moodphase 5

HAILING from areas as diverse as Namibia, Grassy Park, Plumstead, Lansdowne, Tamboerskloof, and Observatory - the demographic makeup of Moodphase 5ive is as cosmopolitan as their sound: A soulful blend of funk, jazz and hiphop, laced with freaky Latin breaks and their signature mix of bass-heavy rimshot dub.

With members - Denver Turner a.k.a d.form and Ernestine Deane (vocals) Brian de Goede (drums), Ricardo (keys + percussion), Douglas Armstrong (trumpet, guitar) and Bood Carver (bass), the phasers are constantly redefining the backdrop to their infectious poetry, bringing a message of hope and positive vibrations ,"from the mountaintops to the corners of your blocks"

Moodphase 5ive started four years ago as a collaboration between a trio called Boomslang (Brian de Goede, Jean and Fanus Tofte) consisting of live drums, bass guitar and Stratocaster.

A freaked out deejay with the Illest record collection (Adam Lieber a.k.a the Bonanza Klone) and an emcee called Ultrabuzzurkk!!, a.k.a d.form adding supatite lyric - locale, beatboxing, and front man personality with a Capital P. After a couple of jam sessions Moodphase 5ive was born.

They became the first live band in CT to play with a dj in the set using the turntables as an instrument, and to incorporate deejays to play before and after the gigs. Working as a collaborative force, incorporating nomadic Angolan pimp percussionists, beatboxers, freestylers and vocalists from all walks of life, Moodphase 5ive spread their dirty funk around. A couple of eyeblinks later, the supervocalistical sister and new voice of Cape Town - Ernestine Deane a.k.a Lady "E", came to bless the phasers with the power of the diva Goddess.

After playing almost all the venues and hole-in-the-wall-clubs in the City and constantly working on developing their styles, they decided to record some of their music independently.

The bonanza Clone moved on to solo projects but still remains a close affiliate, currently remixing Moodphase 5ive tracks under his recording name of AdLib……a couple of bankies later , in walks Craig Damster, Keyboard King and Producer at Mother City Records, to provide a futuristic soundscape to an already polished act.

When Jean and Fanus left to follow Jesus to Kleinmond, the band cried. Brothers of Beelzebub - Budi Cava (bass and hysteria) and Douglas Armstrong a.k.a Drugless Lovestrong (trumpet, wahwah and savoir- faire), were taking a break from the Honeymoon Suites, saw the gap and took it.

Static Plastic

Formerly called DJ Static P (and known as Petro Stathoussis by officialdom), Static Plastic is one of the most respected and resilient players in the South African dance music game, with a lengthy list of accomplishments that incorporates two decades of top notch production and party-sparking action.

Static Plastic first put needle to vinyl in 1987, beginning a soon-to-be auspicious spinning profession as a mobile DJ. His watertight skill and fathoms deep sound soon found its way onto the Jo'burg club scene, and in 1989 he landed a spot at The Twilight Zone in Hillbrow.

From there, Static Plastic moved into the booth at the Thunder Dome for two years; then spent six months manning the turntables at Caesar's Palace. Concurrent with these high profile spots, he guested at well-attended and always rocking locales like Pink Cadillac, Idols, Ground Level, Da Flava and many more.

Having secured a firm footing on various dance floors, his reputation spread quickly - and timeously enough for him to play a major role in the advent of modern dance culture on the continent. When the mind-shifting music and new nightlife style known as rave exploded in the early 90s, he was in exactly the right place and headspace.

Petro was an integral participant in the first raves in South Africa, assisting to set up (and fire up) legendary events like those at the Market and Piccadilly Theatres and the Wembley Arena, as well as the seminal LSI (Love Sex Intelligence) Raves.

When the fresh form - which was clandestine and colourful, characterised by wild clothing, dizzying visuals and frenzied dance floors - found a regular home at 4th World in central Johannesburg, Static Plastic was again at the frontline, armed with a battery of brutal techno funk and chunky hypno-house.

The importance of 4th World cannot be underestimated: the Jeppe Street club arrived on the cusp of massive political transformation with futuristic rhythms and an open-minded ethos, and indubitably forged the future direction of local nightclubbing.

Not only was it the first venue with a playlist focussed entirely on machine-made, acid-laced and 4/4-propelled grooves, but it was also multi-cultural: a many-faceted meeting place for anybody attuned to underground sounds. There was simply nowhere else to get down in the opening years of the decade, and there was no turning back afterwards…

All good things must come to an end though, and when the hugely influential nightspot shut up shop, Static Plastic joined forces with fellow 4th World spinner DJ Christos to conceive the early "bashes" at a range of universities and recreation centres. The first ever bash (essentially the township version of a rave) was held in Thembisa's Community Centre, and word and interest escalated rapidly enough for them to host a slew of follow-up gigs.

Petro also participated in promotional tours for Sony Music in 1995 and the Sony Radio Metro Rhythm Nation Tours in 1996 and 1997, and got dance grooves onto the airwaves via his involvement with radio shows like Metro FM's Top 40 with Ian Segola and the Sony Sound Survey with Evidence Kemp, as well as on YFM, where he was a regular on Club Y Saturday Nights and Ashifashabba from 1999 to 2005.

Along with widely received and wildly appreciated radio shows and massive township happenings, Static Plastic was dropping excellent sets at Club Gemini in Pretoria and making guest appearances at parties in Cape Town, Mafikeng, Mmabatho, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein, and outside the country in Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia and Greece. His contribution to clubbing continues to this day: he's currently resident at Fuel Café's Around The House shakedowns on Friday nights (for promoter LiLO).

A qualified and award-nominated Sound Engineer (having trained and worked at the SABC from 1987, completing a range of computer, broadcasting and production programmes), Petro established Phat Kat Records along with DJ Christos in 1995. He has gone on to produce over 20 albums, numerous remixes, tracks for commercials, and compilations, and has mastered over 50 albums by the who's who of South African artists.

The list of projects he's been directly involved with is long and impressive, and includes Sharon Dee's "Sonke Siyaphila"; Bob Mabena's "Amaru (The Producers Cut)"; the 2 DJs & a Keyboard Player albums; four volumes in the genre- and pitch-shifting "Slow Jams" series; and a solo long-player ("Static Plastic"). He's also constructed tracks for kwaito acts like MDC, BM Fan, FOUR, Masaluta and Daddy.

Petro has also penned and programmed remixes for Lightyear, Acoustic Kitchen, Citrus and Antigravity, and more recently for Jeff Maluleke, Choppa, Brenda Fassie and Rebecca Malope. For his Static Plastic label he's produced projects like Oracle (their "Xeree" was featured on Virgin Records' "World Moods Vol. 2" collection) and "Deltawaves - PhazeOne", and he's contributed his Midas touch to cuts for compilations like "Mzansi House" and the Pop Stars albums.

But it's a rich musical record that Petro will be most remembered for. A man of multiple talents, Static Plastic has gathered foot-stomping momentum and a mountain of respect in his two decades in the dance game - long may his beat go on…

Phat Kat Record's catalogue is now available under the Static Plastic brand.

One DJ, One Music, One label.

Mzilikazi wa Afrika (Mzee)

Mzilikazi wa Afrika - that is the name that you will hear most often as from July 2007 in the music industry. Mzilikazi, who uses the stage name Mzee - your Highness in Swahili -, has released his debut house album aptly titled Dance or Die! This is not just an ordinary album; it's a project that features the best of this universe - from Ivory Coast's Meiway, who is a Kora All Africa Music Award-winner to the UK-based Lynne E and Brazilian producer Roger Benou. Mzee features the latter on the club song So Pra Voce.

Mzee, who is one of South Africa's underrated producers who definitely have a bright future in music, has done what some will term as the first. The Bushbuckridge-born producer features South Africa's Kora Award-winning musician, Pops Mohammed, on the T txoroca (pronounced Tiqorosa), which is a !Kwe language for We can dance. It features vocals done by Khoisan people recorded at the Kalahari Desert in Namibia.

He has a reason for featuring some of the top musicians from around the world.

"Music is a universal language understood by everyone from Brazil to Zimbabwe. As long as people feel the beat, the music and the groove, in my opinion, your language won't matter that much," he says.

Actually this statement supplements one of the songs, Nanan, which is sung by Paris-based musician, Meiway, who does it in style. The song has what is takes to make you either go down or dance serious kwasa-kwasa even if you're not a West African native.

South Africa's maskandi genius Ihashi Elimhlophe complements the album with his genius guitar wizardry when he collaborates with Mzee on the song Siya eDurban. The ever-green Ihashi is one of the musicians who are in demand to work with artists and add his touch to make it world class, as he has done when he works with the likes of Brothers of Peace, Mafikizolo or his children Amaponi.

It took Mzee three years to complete the album, and the first song that was done is Bomba, and "it's because I wanted to collaborate with the best people who understand and feel what I'm doing. I've recorded more than one thousand songs and collaborated with the best DJs and musicians from around the world, and only 15 songs have made it to this album.

"Other songs will be released in the near future. They will still be relevant because the music and the beats are matured, and some of them are not ready for release. I don't want to make new fans and then leave them behind in terms of my music," says Mzee smiling.

Mzee started music as a past-time, since he holds a professional job as an award-winning journalist at Sunday World. He is an investigative editor, and the calling to do music has clearly taken over, hence in between working, he has also managed to produce an album that will take the music world by storm.

In one of the songs, Mina Bengidzakiwe [I was indeed drunk], Mzee worked with Sabelo Simelane, a young up and coming producer from Swaziland, in making the song that is sung during the Marula drinking season. The catchy tune is one of those that you can dance to when you listen to the album even if you are sober.

Mzee also revives the spirit of Nigeria's export, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who is also one of his favourite musicians of all time. In pairing with fellow Nigerian guitarist, the South African-based Kora Award winner Kunle Ayo, they collaborate on the song simple titled Fela. Music lovers from Limpopo and Mpumalanga will immediately recognise the sounds of Mahuwelele, a song that is the mixture of different and popular sounds from those provinces.

Speaking of the north, Mzee also revives the popular song Neria, a classic number that is owned by Zimbabwe's superstar, Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi. The remix will be even more popular at dance clubs. He also features a Paris; France based diva Clara "Felina" Creantor on the song Ma Faute, an indication that the album is world class, while at the same time some music critics have called it a fruit salad of house music. The mixture of the different sounds from around the world makes this an exciting and worthy album - a collectors' item.

Good Times Records is an independent record label owned by multi-award winning investigative journalist and music producer, Mzilikazi wa Afrika, and his colleague, Zakhele "Mzakesman" Shiba. Mzee says: "Anyone who's found without the copy of the album must know that they are missing out big time."

His inspirations in the music industry comes mainly from Fela Kuti, Salif Keita, Youssou Ndour, Pops Mohammed, Busi Mhlongo and his friends, Revolution [George and Joseph Mothiba], and Mega. His other inspiration is DJ Oskido of Brothers of Peace and DJ Fresh.

MZILIKAZI'S ACHIEVEMENTS:

• 1999 The Nat Nakasa for Media Integrity Award Winner.
• 1999 South African Courageous Journalism joint Award Winner.
• 1999 Foreign Correspondence Association Runners up.
• 1999 Sunday Times journalist of the year.
• 2000 Sunday Times story of the year.
• 2001 Harry Brittain Fellow [England].
• 2001 US Foreign Exchange Fellow for Investigative journalism [USA].
• 2001 Awarded Honorary Citizenship of Nebraska State [USA].
• 2001 The Nat Nakasa for Media Integrity Award joint Winner.
• 2001 Mondi Paper Newspaper Award: News Writing joint Winner.
• 2001 Mondi Paper Newspaper Award: South African Story of the Year joint Winner.
• 2001 Sunday Times Story of the Year joint Winner. 13) 2002 Vodacom Journalist of the Year joint Regional Winner.
• 2003 John Manyarara Investigative Journalism Award joint Winner [Namibia].
• 2003 Lorenzo Natali Investigative Journalism Award joint Finalist [Belgium].
• 2003 Sunday Times Journalist of the Year joint Winner.
• 2003 International Consortium of Investigative Journalism Award joint Finalist [USA].
• 2003 Guest Speaker at the International Conference for Investigative Journalism [Denmark].
• 2005 wrote a chapter on Investigative Journalism on the book titled Changing the Fourth Estate - essays on South African Journalism commissioned by the Human Science Research Council [HSRC].

Robin Hogarth

Robin Hogarth is a long standing composer and producer of music, particularly for film and TV, a music publisher, and a specialist in African and Southern African music.

Born in England in 1948, he began his music career in Zimbabwe with original bands, after training in piano, choral work, and later guitar.

Moving to South Africa, he wrote and performed material with a number of bands, having chart success, and a number of his songs were subsequently recorded by other artists.

He then began writing for film, initially for two feature films, and subsequently for TV.

From 1987 to the present day he has written and produced the theme and incidental music for numerous South African TV series, and made-for-TV films. These productions have received local and international recognition (South African awards, a New York Film Festival award), and range from comedies to action thrillers, historical drama to modern dramas, covering a panorama of different musical styles.

Based in the UK, he has been involved in a wide range of other projects, including more films, and co writing and co producing an international dance album.

He is a partner in a UK recording studio which produces singer-songwriter albums, and a range of other independent projects.

In addition to the KPM double CD "Colours of South Africa" he has composed and produced the music for two wildlife programmes for Survival Anglia in the UK (one based in Bushman music, the other native American), and completed an album of African music (Southern Africa) for the London label Music House.

Later productions range from a native American film album (Native America - Music House) to a track (Oracle) on the Virgin Records compilation "World Moods 2", featuring Enigma, Youssou N'Dour, Deep Forest and Peter Gabriel, among others. In 2003 and 2004 he produced albums for the Soweto Gospel Choir, the first of which, "Voices From Heaven", reached number one on the Billboard World Music charts in 2005.

After the Soweto Gospel Choir won a Grammy at the 49th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on 11th February, for Best Traditional World Music Album, Robin Hogarth, British born composer and producer, and record producer of the Grammy winning album ‘Blessed’ said: ‘I am exhilarated at our receiving this Grammy – on behalf of the whole choir and those who worked so hard on the album and all that we do, this is a tremendous honour for us, and for South Africa.

The importance of this cannot be underestimated. Through the years of turmoil in South Africa, and the long walk to freedom walked by Nelson Mandela and the people of South Africa, the music and art of South Africa have played a vital role in expressing the hope and aspirations of the people. Soweto Gospel Choir members are representative of South Africans everywhere, and this award underlines what can be achieved. The future is alive with possibility! All South Africans can be proud in such an achievement, as can all like minded people, and can take hope that the dream of a better world for all can be realised.

The Soweto Gospel Choir, formed four years ago, has performed extensively in Europe, Australia and the US and has won numerous awards including an Australian Helpmann Award, and an American Gospel Award. At the Edinburgh Festival, in the UK the choir has been a top selling show, and the choir is booked in the US into 2008. It has performed in many prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, and the Royal Festival Hall in London. The choir was formed by promoters Andrew Kay, David Vigo and Clifford Hocking, in association with Executive Producer Beverley Bryer, and Musical Director David Mulovhedzi.

Andy X

He began his career in April 2000 after he got his first break as a DJ in Rock Bees nightclub. After matriculating in 1997 he moved to Pretoria to study Broadcasting in Pretoria Technicon.After completing his course he applied at different radio stations in South Africa, fortunately securing a slot on his home town radio station, Durban Youth Radio. Since then he has been associated with famous nightspots such as Spam, White House and other major Events in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

In 2005 Andy attended the first SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC CONFERENCE, presented by DJ'S UNITED in Johannesburg and gleaned a great deal from the various presentations. It was at this point that Andy knew he had it in himself to be not only a great DJ, but also a Producer.

In 2006 and 2007 the SAMC really put Andy X on the platform within the music fraternity when he performed alongside the likes of Mr V, Alex Alvares, Christos, Quentin Harris, Osunlade, and Frank Roger. Since then Andy has become a household name in Durban where he has now secured the coveted afternoon drive slot in Durban youth Radio.

The SAMC experience prompted Andy to produce his own album and under the guidance of veteran producer DJ Christos, "The First Movement" album was born.

Response from the local clubs has been great so far and online sales are ramping well.

This respectful young man has become a truly an important figure to all who know him and at the same time has helped to put his small home town in Africa on the map.

When asked who his inspiration was he immediately answers "DJ Christos".

Make sure your shoes have strong soles because Andy X will definitely keep you on the dance floor from now until he drops. Truly this is the first movement...

Zonke

If music has a fountain, then Kalawa Jazmee Records has more than one of those. The black owned record label has unleashed yet another talented artist and another diva in the making whose album is going to mesmerize music lovers for many years to come. Zonke is not your average new kid on the block, she has been around - done that and seen that - and she comes overloaded with experience and an amazing talent. She has cut her teeth with Culture Clan, a nine piece Germany based funky and soul band that had three South African members.

The little unknown band went all out to win a Metro FM Award for the RnB song in 2004 as well as a Channel O award for the best video in 2005. Although Zonke travelled with Culture Clan all over Europe and received a number of standing ovations she is little known here at home in South Africa.

But with her new album she is definitely going to cement her name as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry and win a handful of fans as well. Coming from a musical family, her father a former drummer with Flamingos, a Cape Town based band, and her step mother Anneline Malebu of Joy fame - Zonke has the right musical foundation and influences.

She says: "I grew up listening to Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder as well as Natalie Cole. From the age of six I was singing with my sisters and my step-mother was great to me. She took me around and introduced me to a couple of people in the industry." She adds: "Recording and touring with Culture Clan was a great stepping stone in my life and an amazing experience."

Returning back home from Europe, Zonke started working with a number of local musicians, writing songs for TK on her Black Butterfly album, Loyiso on Wine, Women & a Song as well as her stable mates - Skizo, Thebe and Mafikizolo. But it happened because her sister, Lolo, who is also a musician, literally dragged her to Kalawa Jazmee recording studios and introduce her to Oscar "DJ Oskido" Mdlongwa and the record executive did not want Zonke to leave without her golden signature as one of the new artists in the stable.

Zonke says: "Working with the creative's at Kalawa was amazing, the guys are so talented. Right now I can't tell you what my next album will sound like." Zonke says there isn't any tension between her and Kalawa Jazmee's first lady, Thadiswa Mazwai. She says: "This is a big cake and there is a slice for everyone. There is enough room for me, Thandiswa and Unathi."

Zonke also had a scoop collaborating with the award winning Thandiswa on her album and with Jahseed on a song titled Ngwenyamakazi. About her album, Zonke says: "My album is nothing but great music and there is something for everyone. People must expect allot of drum and bass as well as world music sounds. I am very excited about it."

Zonke has already made her mark internationally including collaborating with house music guru Frank Roger on his single "All in the way" which was released earlier this year. She is now well on her way to conquer the local music industry so everybody steps aside because a new diva has landed with a bang.

George Lee Larnyoh

George Lee, born Kwame Narh Kojo Larnyoh began his long career in the international music industry when as an 18 year old bandleader he was selected to take his band on tour with Louis Armstrong, during the jazz legends famed visit to Ghana in 1956. Already somewhat of a local popular music prodigy George went on tour to Nigeria a day after Ghana became independent in 1957. When he returned to Ghana three years later it was said that he came out of the jungle playing be-bop. He was one of the artists selected by the then President Kwame Nkrumah, to attend Ghana's prestigious arts and culture school for six months before being sent to the World Fair in Berlin Germany as Ghana's cultural emissaries. Led by George Lee, the famed Ghana Messengers played an eclectic mix of traditional music, high life and jazz during their 60's European sojourn. Much to the surprise of visitors to the World Fair the Ghanaian musicians daily exchanged their traditional kente cloth and drums, for tuxedos and brass instruments to execute the international popular jazz tunes of the day with equal flair and skill.

Since then George's illustrious career path had taken him on stages, in theatres, in recording and television studios all over the world until 1986 when he decided to bring his skills and resources back home to Africa. This move followed an inspirational big band tour to Mozambique in 1984 where the realities of war in Africa and apartheid hit home. It was when he returned to London that the band ANANSI was formed and the first ANANSI LP was released. The "A" side of the debut single "Sea Shells" was adopted as the theme tune of the popular long running BBC TV arts programme "Ebony" soon after it's UK release . The timeless ANANSI album went on to achieve a measure of success in the UK music charts as a quality independent jazzy dance floor hit, several of the tracks have had a life of their own. Most recently the re-release of the track Lailaila on a compilation, 20 years after it was first recorded.

In South Africa where he has lived since 1990 George Lee continues to be involved as featured composer, arranger, producer, M.D. or performer, in various corporate projects, for unions, in theatres, television, the community, various government departments and the diplomatic corps. As featured songwriter, producer and performer he appeared in the major Hollywood movie "Good Man in Africa" starring Sean Connery. George Lee is regarded as a jazz icon In South Africa and has been featured in a many made for television music programmes as well as being the subject of several television profiles, including the critically acclaimed "Without Borders" produced by award winning Harriet Gavshon. He's also made many other TV appearances in special features on the role of the African Drum, African traditions etc...

Theatre has also captured George Lee's attention more than once. Most productively in London in the seventies when he was called upon to put his talents and experience into co-adapting the Gilbert and Sullivan classic light opera "The Mikado" which went on the become the world wide hit musical "The Black Mikado" and he spent four years as the shows musical director at the Cambridge Theatre in London's west end. In South Africa George wrote, arranged, directed, and performed the music for "Kweku Ananse" a musical play that introduced Ghanaian folklore to South African theatergoers. In Kwa Zulu Natal he was closely involved with the musical direction of Khaba Mkhize's Vita Award winning play "Pity!Maritzburg" the first community production to legitimize the Durban Playhouse Theatre in 1991 after years of cultural boycott. The first Wole Soyinka play performed in South Africa saw George as the musical supervisor of "Death & the Kings Horseman".

His songs have been recorded by artistes in many parts of the world including Johnny Nash in the USA; South African Chris McGregor in France; and a range of singers from Ghanaians in Germany, to Nigerians in London, Americans in Canada and Mozambicans in South Africa. As a horns arranger and session musician George Lee often worked with the legendary Bob Marley in London and America. Just check out the tenor sax solo on Natty Dread and you will hear Georges horn loud and clear. He spent four years on the road across Europe and America with Johnny Nash when the original "I Can See Clearly Now" was No.1 around the globe. He's seen it all. Two of his South African development artists have recently recorded Lets Be Friends and Edge of Love, both songs he wrote for the legendary Johnny Nash that were released by the artist in the seventies.

South African guitar superstar Jimmy Dludlu is a protégé of George Lee, as a teenager he spent 18 months living under George's roof and mentorship in Swaziland, one of many young musicians around the globe that have benefited from his unwavering commitment to the upliftment of musical skills and disciplines. He never denies help to an artist serious about his craft Skills sharing and mentorship is a way of life for George who maintains close links with the community, particularly Alexandra township in Gauteng where he trained and developed a group of mature student musicians over six years of free weekly workshops. This resulted in a creditable workshop band made up of taxi drivers, builders, council workers and other mature student musicians with a passion for jazz that they had never had the opportunity to develop, until George Lee came along. The Maloke House Workshop Band with an exciting original repertoire performed at many significant functions creating strong bonds of friendship.

In 1990 the beautiful countryside around Pietermaritburg, South Africa, was referred to as the killing fields of Natal, it was the site of some of the fiercest battles for political freedom in South Africa. It is here that George and his wife settled after 4 years in Swaziland. He was to be one of the first African musicians in the South African classrooms, in the contrasting environments of Durban Girls High and the township school of Sobantu High in Pietermaritzburg . He has since conducted many percussion, sax, ensemble, African traditional, jazz and other formal and informal music workshops for adults and children.

At the 1994 inauguration of President Nelson Mandela in Pretoria, George Lee led a tribute by over a hundred cross cultural drummers, a singular honour and undoubtedly a highlight of his stay in South Africa. A performance at the World Festival of Sacred Music in Capetown during the visit of the Dalai Lama , for His Millennium event in Africa, ended 1999 on a very high note for George as he had the opportunity to sing one of his own meaningful peace and reconciliation songs at this significant time.

Globe trotting George Lee went off to the Seychelles to headline the annual Jazz festival and conduct more workshops thanks to his good friend the then Seychelles Ambassador to South Africa, Peter Guy Sinon, founding member of the Seychelles Jazz Festival and son of a leading figure in the Seychelles own struggle for independence. George Lee is probably one of the few people who voted at elections in the first African country to gain independence, Ghana1957, and in the last country to gain independence, South Africa 1994. He was there and exercised his right to vote.

There are very many important moments and people that have touched the life of this sixty nine year old African giant. Recently George was humbled to have been featured on the 2006 African Peer Revue Mechanism CD project with South African greats Babsy Mlangeni, Steve Kekana, Jabu Khanyile, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and many others. Also to be part of the South African launch of the Bramah Kumari, World Spiritual University global J-A-M project. Full of energy and the spirit of creativity now as he was in his twenties who knows what else Big G will turn his mind to, and where that might be. He has spent most of 2005-6 in his home studio recording his songs and developing South African talent. As a song writer George continues to build up a vast catalogue of original quality songs that are full of depth and meaning while proving to be infectious on the feet. Produced and recorded at his home studio in central Johannesburg where George and engineer Paul Waye are having fun doing what they do.

For the very best expression of smooth contemporary African World Jazz Fusion, georgelee@artslink.co.za.

Christos Katsaitis

Christos Katsaitis is a legendary deejay and one of the country's most respected house and kwaito producers. A veteran of nearly two decades, he's consistently broached colour lines to deliver his feel-good rhythms.

As a deejay, Christos is associated with some of the most seminal nightspots in the Gauteng area, including Caesar's Palace, Gemini, Fourth World, Ellesse and Carnalita. From behind the mising desk, he's produced some of the biggest tracks of the recent past, including 2 DJs and a Keyboard Player's "Sekele", Boom Shaka's "Free" and DJs At Work's "Hita Famba Moyeni".

Christos secured his first professional residency at Jacqueline's in Pretoria when he was just 18. He went on to play at another Pretoria club, Limelight, before taking up a three year residency at Caesar's Palace in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Although this was a mostly mainstream club, Christos had fallen in love with early Chicago house tunes and he began enlightening the up-for-it crowd. "I had a broader audience rather than just a select crowd, so I was educating people," he says.

He also met his future partner-in-groove, Vinny da Vinci, at Caesar's. The Pretoria-bred DJ had taken up a residency at Arena in Hillbrow and would go Caesar's to soak up the tunes. The two hit it off and a friendship began that's resulted in three excellent DJs At Work albums - cutting edge recordings that blissfully blend local motifs and solid international house action.

Christos then took up a residency at Fourth World in inner city Johannesburg, a club that's credited with introducing house and techno to South African shores. But Christos soon grew tired of the faster and more brutal sounds and found refuge in the township bash scene, where tempos were slower (often 45s played at 33rpm) and atmospheres were cheerier. Christos got gigs at places like King's Palace in Thembisa, and Vinny helped him to secure slots at Club Gemini in Shoshanguve, where he'd regularly play to 1000+ people.

Christos has consistently delivered the funky goods to dancefloors of all persuasions, and has played with big guns like "Little Louie" Vega. But more importantly, he has rocked some of the countries most important and ecstatic venues, including the vaunted and sadly defunct Pretoria venues Club Ellesse and Carnalita. His mix-CD CV is impeccable: his mixed deep journeys like "Club Classics", "Wicked Sounds" and "Magic Rhythms" (all on House Afrika Records).

Christos also played a pivotal role in defining the sound of kwaito and local Afro-house, initially with collaborators like DJ Static P, Tim White and Quentin Foster, and then with Oscar Warona and Don Laka - he is actually the Ka- in Kalawa. This production crew and label, now called Kalawa Jazmee, were responsible for kwaito's first supergroup Boom Shaka. After Christos left the stable he produced sparkling material for two well-received and award-winning albums for their lead singer Lebo.

DJ Christos has been a major role player in the development of South African dance music, and he has done it with an honesty and open-mindedness that's blind to cultural barriers. "I decided that if I was going to deejay, I was going to do it from the heart," he says. "Music brings people together." Christos embodies house music's ability to unify.

Ronnie - Cross Bones Productions

Ronnie Packer-real name Ronnie Tsakani Sambu born on the 16 December 1984 in South Africa. As a producer he likes to listen to all type of music and this helps me to have a broad mind when producing his music. One of his favorite artists is Luciano Pavarotti.

He started producing in 2003 and at the time he was producing a Kwaito which will always have a special place in his heart like his first keyboard which was given to him as a present for his 21st birthday. As the sun kept on rising and setting he started developing a taste for producing other genres like Hip-hop and House music.

Currently he is experimenting with Afro House a mixture between House, Electro and African Rhythms. He was inspired to produce this kind of music by one of his favorite DJs, DJ Vincent who plays and produces this type of Music. He feels strongly that music should appeal to all walks of life and should cross cultural and racial boundaries, something which Afro House does very successfully.

In 2006 he attended the South African Music Conference where I learned about mixing and mastering of tracks. He was reassured of his abilities when to of South Africa's most revered producers "Revolution" said that having the best quality studio equipment is not a guarantee that one will have best quality sound. The most important thing is to know your sound, get your mixing right and know which frequencies to cut when mastering.

As an optimist and genuine hard working young man who is determined and loyal he believes that CROSS BONES will take music to another level and so invites every one to join him on this journey.

Zero One Eight

Zero One Eight is world music group influenced by various style and genre of music such as R&B, Afro Pop, House and Kwaito. The group started out by performing in beauty contests and talent search competitions like the North West Cultural Calabash.

The name Zero One Eight (018) is derived from the dialing code of the North West province in South Africa, this forms identity of the group since all members are born and bred in the City of MATLOSANA (Klerksdorp).

The group has been together since 1999 consists of three members which are, Elias Modise, Vincent Mazinyo and Tsholofelo Kgokong who were introduced to each other by Jabu Ndaba from Malaika in 1999.

In 2005 they were introduced to DJ HK from Mafikeng, who is the owner of Husky Records and who promptly producer their debut album "TSHASA" which was launched on the 2nd of September 2006 in Mafikeng at a night club called De garage.

Zero One Eight has shared the stage with national artists such as Malaika, Tuks, KB (Keabetswe), Hip Hop Pantsula, Stoan, Morafe, Mr. Bouga Luv "KABELO", Bricks, Bravo, Malik, Orayan Winter, DJ Bino and many more.

They have performed at such events like The World Health Day on the 17th of April 2006, Maf-town festival 17 December 2005 in Mafikeng, on the 7th of October 2005 at Baseline in Newtown, Johannesburg in conjunction with Edgar's and Metro FM and also at the Moshito annual music conference talent showcase held at Sandton convention centre in Johannesburg on July the 22nd in 2005.

Nemza

All the girls just love Nemza. With his perfect dreads, pretty eyes and cute nose, he is probably the most popular rapper when it comes to girl power.

But, the boy from Heidelberg, Gauteng, is also an accomplished hip-hop artist whose solo album, Showtime, is being well received.

"It's a lot of hard work trying to get people on my side, but having the Skwatta Kamp name behind certainly helps," says Nemza.

"The name Showtime is more about how it is my time to prove myself as an individual. This is Showtime for me. However it's not an album driven by a specific concept.

"In terms of beats, I go with any sound that attracts my attention. I only need to listen to a beat for 15 seconds and I'll know if it's good. Then the lyrics just come.

"This album is showing the other side of me. It's different to my Skwatta Kamp style. This is an in-depth look into Nemza. There are deep lyrics, but it wasn't difficult for me to write about myself. It actually made me feel relieved.

"I've always wanted to do a solo album but I don't believe in rushing things. Now is the right time to release. Because Skwatta never released last year I had time to record. I am a cautious person. I'm one of those people who observe and then act."

That's why there are no stories in the papers about Nemza being spotted whilst drunk. "You'll never read bad things about me." He pauses. "Well, not now anyway."

Members of Skwatta also contributed to the CD. Infah designed the cover, which shows Nemza on- stage flirting with the crowd. It is one of the more imaginative covers to come out. He also features Skwatta members Bozza and Flabba, who happened to be in the studio at the time. Up-and-coming artists Kabomo and Ramesh as well as Teepee are also featured.

In fact, he has chosen Teepee as one of his crew when he performs live. "We have that R&B/hip-hop vibe going on," explains Nemza.

His DIY ethic led him to work with Watershed Productions, an Indie recording studio. He has also started his own company called Nemza Productions. Surely the market is flooded with music production companies?

"There can never be enough," he argues. "I want to work behind the scenes. I can't rap forever so I am exploring different parts of the industry. Besides which, I need some new challenges."

At school, Nemza was not only in- to music, he also was mechanically and mathematically minded. However, he decided to choose music.

"I enjoy myself as a rapper," he declares.

"I've been doing this for a long time but I still wake up excited every day."

The amount of time spent in the industry is also reflected in his name change a few years back.

"I used to be called Nemisus because I had personal battles with the industry. I wanted to be its nemesis and the nemesis to certain rappers. But then I grew up and it didn't apply anymore. I couldn't really change the name so I made it kasi."

Are Skwatta Kamp breaking up?

Nemza laughs and shakes his head: "We've just finished recording an album and will be releasing it soon. As far as our solo albums go we are trying as far as possible to promote them together."

Inemo

Inemo Samiama is from Nigeria and represents a new generation of African musicians currently coming out of the continent. From his earliest years he was shaped and influenced by music and his father, a guitarist, taught him to play. At the age of 18 he formed a professional group with a friend, the well known Nigerian musician Majek Fashek. The group was called Jah Stix.

He traveled to Paris in the early eighties, where he played with artists like Rido Bayone, Ray Lema and Tony Allen (former drummer of Fela Kuti). Inemo was then signed by Mercury/Universal for his debut album "Bushman" (distributed by Polygram) which mixed African melodies with techno, hip-hop, jungle, dub and ambient sounds. Mercury/Universal also released his second album "Mr Bushman - Are You Remixed" which included remixes of the first album and some new tracks (again distributed by Polygram).

Following the huge success of both albums on the continent, he was nominated for an RFI (Radio France Industry) Music Award as Best World Music Artist.

Inemo has now decided to return to his roots. After three years of composing, recording and traveling between London, Paris and Africa, he is back with a new album, "Afro Funky Beats". The music is mostly Afrobeat but the album also features some other West African rhythms like hi-life, hence its title.

Goldfish

Goldfish come from one of the most beautiful cities on the African continent - Cape Town.

As South Africa's electronic scene grows they are leading the way with their mix of electronic beats, live instrumentation and African flavour, bringing a unique sound to the genre. The group combine the sound of samplers, a groovebox and keyboards with live saxophones, flute, an electric upright base and an array of African percussion.

The line-up consists of David Poole, Dominic Peters and Mzaki Palele. All successful Jazz musicians, David and Dominic are also members of the acclaimed Jazz band Breakfast Included.

They have featured on numerous international compilations including the Breathe Sunshine series and a compilation titled Virgin Staff Picks which was compiled by the staff from the Virgin music retail group. These guys Kick ass live and we're confident they will be one of the biggest electronic acts to come out of the African continent.

For more information on the group you can visit their website at www.goldfishlive.com

Noss

Noss is an Afro-Soul songstress and a professionally trained actor. Her talents and passion for music can be traced back to her childhood and most notably in her high school years where she was lead vocalist in her choir. She made her professional entry into the music industry through the album AMAZING (2003) released by Appetite Records.

The single and title track AMAZING became an instant hit with radio stations putting it on high rotation and eventually being nominated in the Best R&B category of the South African Music Awards (S.A.M.A).

That album has now been followed up with her current one aptly titled VERSATILE released through Watershed Productions.

The album truly shows versatility and growth. The sound is more mature showcasing African traditional rhythms, blues, jazz and modernised Kofifi sounds making it easy listening on any music ear.

She worked with many talented artists and producers like. On the featured artists side she worked with Soul Afrique on the beautiful track "United", Nemza (Skwatta Kamp) on "EEZY CUM - EEZY GO" and the Orlando St. Mary's Choir on "NEW DAWN" and on production she worked with Kyllex, Soul Afrique, M.O. Dee, Dini and Anele Ndebele to craft this beautiful album's sounds and style.

Noss also takes on the greater part of the song-writing also showcasing her personal growth as an artist. It is in this way that she manages to offer the listener insight into her world. Her lyrics deal with topics that delve into the inner workings of life; finding happiness, individuality, love, spirituality and survival.

She was born Nosipho Radebe on 3rd of July 1984 and hails from Dlamini in the township of Soweto.

Discography - Album 1
Album Title: AMAZING
Record Company: APPETITE RECORDS
Release: 2003

Discography - Album 2

Christine Mansour

Christine was born on the 21 November 1978 a South African of Lebanese origin, third born of four sisters, and blessed with a musical gift.

She attended Horizon View Primary school on the west rand. Evidence of her outgoing personality was already apparent. From there went to West Ridge High school. Peers and teachers alike were captivated by her enthusiasm and love for life and music.

This young lady has many interests one of which she chose to pursue after leaving school. She attended Varsity College where she completed a course in Hotel Management and Public Relations. She was employed for a month at the grace hotel as a trainee chef from where she was employed at Avianto Function Venue, Giovanni Italian Restaurant and at Casalinga Ristorante.

From a young age she was performing for school functions, family, and friends. She also entered many singing competitions and was most successful. At the age of sixteen she was trained with breathing techniques, as she required no vocal training, this also equipped her with theoretical knowledge, which combined with her talent makes her performance outstanding. She has confidence and portrays and outstanding great personality. She sings passion and feeling which evokes emotion in the audience.

She was recently employed by Starlight Cruises as a Cabaret Artist aboard the Olympia Countess Pireaus Greece Luxury Cruise liner where she completed a six month contract. She has had quite a wide variety of experience, and does a wide range of functions including; corporate, birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas functions.

Christine starred with radio personality Harry Sideropoulos in October 2005 at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre in "Songs from the Mediterranean" and will take part in Harrys show of 2008 called "Uno, Dos, Tres". Christine has had the privilege of working with great choreographers like Carlo Spettu and Harold Van Buuren. Christine has the ability to sing in 10 languages and released her debut album in February 2006 produced and written by recording artist Kreesan of Spitfire Music.

This very talented girl also has had airplay nationwide on most local city radio stations like Highveld Stereo, Jacaranda, OFM, Classic FM and Radio Today. With her very own hot single called "it finally happened to me" which was placed upon the first Homebru compilation of Higheveld Stereo, Christine has managed to maintain this single for six years on radio.

Christine has worked extensively with many charity organizations like the Gateway Society for the mentally handicapped, SANCA, the Alzheimer Association, Return to Roots Foundation, Childline and the Prevention of Rape Against Woman and Children. She also works hand in hand with Your Family and Living and Loving Magazine, Christine will be performing this year at the Caxton Awards alongside Colin Moss.

Christine is a very social person and has a great sense of humour has no air about herself, loves meeting new people, she gives of an inspiring attitude that other artists can learn from by just being a born natural. She loves walking, socialising and keeping in contact with close friends.

Her future holds great prospects. She grabs hold of each opportunity, and follows through with commitment and determination.

Trompies

The doyens of Kwaito music are back with a banging brand new album simple titled "Can't touch this" and is hot like fire.

Another Kalawa Jazmee explosive and with this album, Trompies is making a brave and bold statement - you can't touch them as they have been making hit after hit and getting bigger and better with every album they release.

Trompies celebrate the life and death of drama Queen Lebo Mathosa with their first single Madibuseng - a tribute to Mathosa. The group collaborated with Mathosa before in their double platinum single Magasman.

In the song Madibuseng, Trompies brought almost everybody from Kalawa Jazmee - Bongo Maffin, Brothers of Peace, Mafikizolo, Thebe as well as Theo Nhlengethwa, Mathosa's former partner and band member at Boom Shaka - to back them as they celebrate her life in this beautiful song.

The 10 track album was produced by the multi-talented Dangerous Combination Crew [DCC], Oscar "Oskido" Mdlongwa, Mandla "Spikiri" Mofokeng, Bruce "Dope" Sebitlo, Zynne "Mahoota" Sibika and is going to be another classic album by Trompies.

The group featured Tokollo "Magesh" Tshabalala, another Kwaito heavyweight and two of their up and coming stable mates, Macasket and Zonke, on this album.

In the title track can't touch this, they featured Kwaito veteran and one of the most controversial lyrist Senyaka. And also they featured Junior Sokhela - a Boom Shaka member - in a song called Koko.

They also featured Professor and T'zozo in a song called For Sale.

Trompies is made up of four old school friends, Mahoota, Spikiri, Eugene "Donald Duck" Mthethwa and Jairus "Jakarumba" Nkwe.

The group was formed more than 10 years ago and produced Kwaito classics like Sigiya Ngengoma, Magasman, Jakarumba, Sweetie Lavo, Zodwa and Bengim'ngaka.

Mthethwa said can't touch this as the title of their album, is their way of say Trompies is here to stay.

He said: "We have been together for over 11 years; we had success with every single album we released, for 11 years we never broke up regardless of what we went through as four different individuals and we are still together even today making hits. So we are saying nobody can touch us in an other way."

This is the group first album under Gallo after Kalawa Jazmee terminated its relationship with Sony shortly after it emerged with BMG.

Trompies' last album Respect [Toasted Gona Ganati] was released in 2004 and has sold over 50 000 copies.

There is no doubt that can't touch this will touch many people's heart with the tribute to Lebo Mathosa and would definitely be one of the most sought after Kwaito album this Christmas season.

Thebe

If it is Kalawa, it's definitely going to jazz you and if it is Thebe, he is definitely going to make you get down to the groove. The Kalawa Jazzmee Records' Dangerous Combination Crew [Oscar "Oskido" Mdlongwa, Mandla "Spikiri" Mofokeng, Zynne "Mahoota" Sibika and Bruce "Dope" Sebitlo] has done it again with the unleashing of Thebe's 10th and brand new album titled "Tha Rocka". As usual the production is well crafted piece of work and the lyrics are catchy with hooks that are easy to sing along to. Thebe is one of the doyens of the Kwaito music and he seems to be getting better and better from every album he releases.

On this new album, Thebe definitely shows that he is on the league of his own - who can blame him - with the Dangerous Combination Crew [DCC] behind you, who will ever go wrong. And it is not a surprise that Thebe wish to have the words "where is the party?" engraved on his tombstone because a party is not a party without a song or two from him. It looks that Thebe, used the two year absence from the music industry to really focus on his career and cover up all his loopholes. When he re-emerged from his self imposed musical exile last year with his already certified platinum album simple titled Lenyora, every Kwaito fan knew that the top dog is back with a bang and that the vibe will definitely continues. And now they will know that a Christmas would not be a Christmas without another jam from Thebe.

On the new album, Thebe simple takes off from where he left off last year and gives his loyal fans another buffet of party songs. Thebe collaborated with one of South Africa's busiest musicians and Hip Hop Pantsula, Zonke, on a song called Way Back When. And also has Avis, the gorgeous and vocal babe from Joyous Celebration who was also featured on the Lenyora album, but this time with a song called Mabhebeza. Thebe, who has admitted that he is now grown up, has tore down his vulgar language which was previously his trademark and now sings for everybody - the censor board would be happy as well.

People would be surprised that Thebe listens to a lot of jazz and laid back music in his spare time for some musical inspirations. It is not a surprise that Thebe regards his opening act for the world music icon, Ishmael Lo of Senegal, in 2000 as one of the highlights of his career. When comes to lyrics, Thebe writes about everyday struggle.

Thebe says: "My lyrics are about my everyday life experience, be at a party or driving around seeing people doing things that inspire me." Thebe says he is pay now that musicians are taking music very seriously. He says: "In the old days music was about making few quick bucks but now musicians have realised that it is a very serious business and are putting more effort to it. Musically we are on the right track and we are going our international competitors a good run for their money."

Thebe, a sound engineer and a DJ, began his musical journey way back in 1994 while he was sharing a flat with Dope, who was then unknown producer, in Mmabato. And him and Dope have been together with since then and along with DCC are making hit after hit. This is Thebe's 10th album and he is definitely making a bold statement with it. And he is here to quench your bitter thirst for music and gives it to you on a silver plate. So this summer, don't be caught without the new Thebe album because you would be missing out big time.

Bongo Maffin

Bongo Maffin has been called many things, many-a-times, in many countries, and yet what they are, or do, as a band is simply this: use their voices, bodies and souls as channels to a very urgent, highly rhythmic, African spirits in the form of music.

"New Construction" is multi-platinum selling, multi-award winning, multitudes of hearts warming band's sixth and most home coming album since their major recording, " Concerto" featuring the township slammer, "That 'Isghubu."

Crafted with the guidance of Kalawa's hit making crew, DCC, are we 14 deftly created songs, complementing and being varied from each other and from anything they have done before. The music is still very distinctly dance music, essentially African, age barrier crushing and more celebratory than their previously politically agitative tone.

It's close to five years since the band worked as one whole in the studio, thus making this album a reunion album of sorts. Also it is not an album intentionally created to take satisfy the fans - "where's Bongo Maffin at?"- questions but a heartfelt re-gathering and sharing of creative energies for the Bongo family, who this years marks ten years as a band.

Songs range from 1970s type of wedding hits, village ritual songs, popular tribal house, dub reggae, township disco and soul music offerings, which sees their dance hall toaster Jah Seed's presence prominently pronounced in this recording than ever before. His Shona propelled song "Kura Uone" has already become the biggest summer hit, just a week after its release.

A charming mid-tempo dance piece with an infectious sing-along-chorus (for the preacher-like communal call and chants, refer to Fela Kuti's "Water No Get Enemy," for the sizzling, summer dance production refer to Trompies "Sweety Lavo" and, or Mtukudizi's mbaqanga-meets rumba jams ) and the fluid, Snoop like rhymes of Stoan Seate all backed by the chirpy Thandiswa, "Kura Uone" makes "Kura Uone" a United Nations of cultures, emotions, and beauty.

As often like the Carribean-hip-hop-rocker-calypso-reggae leaning Fugees in the US - language and regional cultural boundaries, crumbles when Bongo Maffin comes knocking on the door, dance floor, radio charts and all forms of communication technology throws up for usage.

Here Shona, Xhosa and SeTswana do not co-exist, as in the band's previous albums, but merge into one honey dripping dance oriented urban soul. And yet there's also urgency: songs such as "Mo Fire," "We Bring The Fire," and " We Are Back" are self explanatory as they are rhythmic announcements to the band's hard core fans that their favourite band is back. Both those two, harks back to Bongo Maffin's early anthem " Summer Time," the serious outfit's playful side.

Then the big party commences with hits, mostly dance . . . its all about dance this summer, yes the African variation of dances!- as songs such as "Siya Jabula", "Phenyu," , "Bayivumile," and "Viibe Master" heats up the floor.

While " We Are Back," is right out of Kalawa Record's early 1990s, hard core isiPanstsula-meets House signature vaults, "Mo Faya is more bass catchy, the sort of song ripe for lounge house and dub remixes.

Bayivumile is perhaps the most musical of all the hits here: a combination of calls and responses laid on a jazz-house groove, it explodes with saxes, trumpets, rippling guitars conveying an orchestral completeness, and wire to dance groove. On its own, this song expresses -as the band eludes - Bongo Maffin's "homage" (homage/ tribute) to the art of making music. A tribute to time when instruments and not the computer, were the first point of call for those serious about making music.

This is not kwaito, mbaqanga, jazz, house or techno-chants religious folk art: it is every piece and part of that and more. Clearly the band matured long time ago with "Mari Ye Phepa" and "Ndiphendule"( from the album "V") "Laduma Izulu" and "Twasa"( from the last album, "Bongolution") - maturity recently reaching its peak through Thandiswa's own solo project.

Yet if you had not noticed, this is perhaps the only band better placed to redraw, recombine radio's play lists. The music here is young, feisty, fast, nostalgic ( not old, though it makes the elderly get down and boogie) futuristic, soothing, the sort of sound that builds itself in a listener's soul long after the needle has left the vinyl, or iPod segued into other parts of the compilation.

Perhaps buoyed by the successful sole ventures of Thandiswa Mazwai - a SAMA multiple winner, BBC 3 World music finalist, and an international solo force to reckon with - Jah Seed's soaring, religious fan base premised on his dance-hall and roots reggae show at The Horror Café, as well as Stoan's music/lifestyle explorations, the band brings about three solid and clearly unique artists.

Each one of them is firmly established in their own right and yet the music they created here expresses the joy and chemistry they have built over the years. No ego, no disrespect: when one of them raps, sings or chant, they all rap, sing and chant along. The album is significant well beyond the demands of summer jitterbug and mindless boogie, though.

For example, the last section (three of the last four) cuts, "Third World War", "Sul'Inyembezi," (Wipe of Your Tears) and Ndi Nkhumbule, ( Do Remember Me) illustrates that Bongo Maffin is not Bongo Maffin, without social conscience, strong, brave activism and a take on the pressing issues in the world today. They can't help it: they are a feeling trio.

On the music front though, these last compositions are distinct in tempo and genre, as the band delves into laid bare stew of dub, roots reggae and emotional, romantic and ideal strands that made the 1950s- 1980s mbaqanga music and mbaqanga giants such as Soul Brothers, black people cult bands acts, they are today. <\p>

While "Third World War," verges into Bob Marley's territory( "Get Up Stand Up" and "One Love/ People Get Ready")while serving as street reportage about the state of world tension, with the same defiance of rapper Busta Rhymes' "It Aint Safe No More," the songs "Sul Inyembezi" and "Ndi Khumbule" are straight-ahead appeals to the heart.

For indeed, if you or parts if the world is overwrought, Bongo Maffin, with this album offers to relieve and share with you your pain. Like the say, the purpose is to "reconstruct" the souls.

With this album, the message is clear: Bongo Maffin is running for the best youth/adult loved African band of the decade. Clearly they are on the paths once trodden by legendary outfits such as Lo Six, Harari, Osibisa, Theta, Fela's Africa 70 and Zaiko Langa Langa : institutions, than mere bands . . . only that, Bongo Maffin refuse to be embalmed in an African cultural museum.

They are young, creative and too ambitious to settle for iconoclasm right now. Graffiti's been long on the walls: they are back to reclaim their crown - what's that baby they created . . . and now so popular? Afro-Pop? With this, soul is back in the "pop."

Bongo Maffin has been nominated for the BBC Radio Awards for World Music for 2007. The Awards is a unique event and will be good for the profile of Bongo Maffin in the UK and elsewhere - as it has been for many others in the past few years.

Brothers of Peace

OSCAR "Wa batho" Mdlongwa: Producer, engineer, singer, programmer, disc jockey and rapper. Bruce "Dope" Sebitlo: Producer, engineer, singer, programmer and rapper.

The rhythm of D'Gong is captured in the sounds of Brothers of Peace, also known as B.O.P, one of the most exciting and controversial bands to come from the streets. B.O.P has a style that appeals largely to the youth, from their lyrics "O kae molao" (where's the respect) in the street lingo, to dress which is contemporary hip hop. BOP has attitude, are rebellious and survivors. They surf the crime wave by intriguing their audience with constant message of respect towards their fellowmen that is always strongly projected. They are a true representation of the youth

They speak of social issues that influence the peoples lives daily, and the series of repercussions involved with criminal behaviour such as rape, killings and general crime. They are persistent in establishing our popular culture, and teaching the kids how to survive it. BOP are definitely a movement of our time.

Brothers of Peace was formed in 1993 as a project, then it was Don Laka, Oscar 'Wa batho' Mdlongwa and Christos.

In 1994 they then formed a group called Brothers of Peace, now the group has two members which are Oscar 'Wa batho' Mdlongwa and Bruce "Dope" Sebitlo. They released an album which was called Traffic Cop. The album did very well selling over 50 000. 1996 saw the release of their album King of kwaito Uyagawula, this album featured a rapper by the name of Dr Mageu and it sold double platinum.

Brothers of Peace strikes again in 1998 with another hit album Mapodisa-SBV now featuring different rappers called Bafitlihle.

Oscar 'Wa batho' Mdlongwa

A man of many talents - deejay for the popular station Y fm, deejay for Star Taxi Music. Oscar is a producer amongst the groups he has produced are Boom Shaka, Bongo Maffin, Trompies, Thebe, Chakaroski, Alaska to name a few. Amongst instruments that Oscar plays are the piano and the keyboards.

Bruce "Dope" Sebitlo

Bruce is one of the best producers in South Africa - amongst the groups he has produced are Boom Shaka, Bongo Maffin, Thebe, Skizo, Alaska, Chakaroski to mention a few.

Mafikizolo

One of South Africa's most favorite music groups, Mafikizolo, is back with a brand new banging album after a well deserved two year break and this time they want to take their loyal fans on the musical journey of their lives. The transport for the journey is a Six Mabone - a classic car of the 60s - which is the title of their seventh album. Theo Kgosinkwe, the male member of the duo, says: "In the 60s, Six Mabone had the same status as BMW today. And our music is enjoyed by the young and the old. We are taking our fans back and forth."

The latest album is the second without Tebza who was killed in a road rage accident three years ago. The new album has blues and swing elements and most of the songs were recorded with a live band. Nhlanhla Nciza, the female member of the group, insists that although they brought new elements on this album but they have used the same formula like their previous platinum selling albums. She said: "There is a bit of afro pop, kwela and marabi which have become our trademark. They say you must not fix something that is not broken and we are not going to mess with our winning formula."

The album features a remark of Miriam Makeba's classic Walila - and they deserve a round of applause for doing justice to the song. Anybody who does a remark or remix of Miriam Makeba's song has to know his story very well and be brave enough to do so. Nciza admitted: "Doing a remark of Mama Africa's song was one of the hard things to do, she is an international brand with a lot of followers and nobody must mess around with a musical icon like Miriam Makeba." Also on the album, they also featured a new up and coming stable mate, Zonke, on a song simple titled Flowers. There is a mind blowing slow jam called Khululeka which was produced by house music crew, Shaana. Without any doubt, the album shows Mafikizolo's musical growth - they have been in the industry for eight years and they have learned a lot. Kgosinkwe summarizes it the better when he says: "We have been to hell and back. God has been there for us always."

Shortly after Mafikizolo shot to fame, they were involved in a near fatal car accident which left some of the band members in hospital for a couple of weeks. And when they began picking up the pieces and getting their feet back on the groove, Tebza was killed. Six Mabone is an album that will make many people realize how rich South Africans are, musically and that with the right production team like Dangerous Combination Crew [DCC], Oscar "Oskido" Mdlongwa, Mandla "Spikiri" Mofokeng, Bruce "Dope" Sebitlo, Zynne "Mahoota" Sibika plus jazz maestro, Don Laka, behind you - you can keep the world on its dancing feet and win as many music award as possible.

About their album, Nciza said: "Six Mabone is a kind of album that when you put into your sound system, you will never want to take it out for a long time." And Kgosinkwe said: "Mafikizolo does not make albums for December but we make music that will last for a life time. Six Mabone is a must get album if you love and support South African music." Six Mabone will definitely cement Mafikizolo's status as one of the most singing sensational groups in South Africa and musical phenomena in Africa.

Black Coffee

Durban-born Nkosinathi Maphumulo has been on the music scene for over a decade but only got his break a few years ago. Nkosinathi, otherwise known as Black Coffee, is popular for his smash hit remixes, most of which have dominated the airwaves in the past couple of years.

This maestro DJ and producer forged his musical background with his school choir and by studying the keyboard. He studied music in Durban because he felt that as a producer, he had to deepen his overall musical knowledge, develop his listening skills and advance his knowledge of music theory.

Black Coffee, who is a group member of 'Shana', said being a DJ requires extensive research particularly when it comes to knowing the latest trends on the DJing scene. When asked who helped him achieve his goals, he said "There was no one in particular who really put me in the mainstream; everything I have done on my own thus far has paved my way."

2003 saw Black Coffee starting to put his first project together. He revealed that his first album was created using very basic music-making software. "I don't know how to explain the production stages of my album because all I did was put down the basic ideas that I had. I didn't use any MIDI controllers or anything along those sophisticated lines. All I did was program the beats."

His first big break was when his song 'Happiness' was featured on the DJs at Work album. Last year, he enjoyed international exposure when his song 'Music' got signed in New York and was released by Keith Thompson on the album, 'Worlds Collide'.

2005 saw him remix Mbongeni Ngema's 'Stimela Sase Zola' which was released on the 'Durban's Finest' album, 'Finest Level'. Later that year, however, he got caught up in some unexpected controversy after remixing Simphiwe Dana's song 'Ndiredi'. The remix was played on one of Gauteng 's radio stations without Dana's formal approval, landing him in hot water. "I think there was miscommunication with the label. I took the remix to them and informed them that before the remix could be released or broadcast, the owner of the original work would have to be informed. I don't know how it got onto radio, but the song was out of my hands at that stage."

Black Coffee is always being praised for his excellent re-workings of other songs. Another great remix, the track 'Mojo' originally produced by 'Zee' and featured on Dj Mandla's 'Jozi Knights' house compilation, has solidified his reputation.

Nevertheless, he advises up and coming producers not to neglect their own material by being too involved with remixing other people's songs. "It is best to have your own sound that people can relate to; instead of constantly hearing remixes of other people's songs." He also advises aspiring producers to learn how to play the keyboard, because he believes it is one of the fundamental instruments involved in music-making. He added that the use of live instruments in a song is also very important, giving a track that final magic touch and bringing it to life.

For Black Coffee the hardest thing about the music industry is that there aren't many people who'll do the groundwork for you. "If you want the world to hear your material, work very hard and convince your DJ friends to play your tracks either at gigs or in clubs so you can gauge the audience response to your music."

In the studio, he relies on the computer music making software, Logic Audio, a MIDI controller and a professional sound card. That's an understated gear list when one considers the impact he's made on the music scene.

Black Coffee is proof that if you have real skill when it comes to producing, it won't take much for you to achieve your goals. After all he's managed to penetrate the music industry with only a desktop computer, some music-making software and a lot of passion.

The Real Estate Agents

For those not up to date on the cutting edge of South African originality, The Real Estate Agents is the dynamic pairing of lab kids on distortion Sibot and Markus Wormstorm.

Sibot is 2002 SA Battle of the DJs scratch champion, and DJ in many other forms. Having played with various well known SA outfits like Max Normal, Constructus and Chromoscience, he has all the while still been pushing his solo identity as one of the countries most inventive and versatile electronic musicians. His touring history has taken him across South Africa, to international festivals like Sonar, pukkelpop, Fiesta du Sud, and 100% Hip Hop. He has opened for World renowned acts such as DJ Vadim, Blackalicious, DJ Craze, Mira Calix, and FingaThing.

Markus Wormstorm is a classically trained beat terrorist from Pretoria whose tunes are starting to make a global name for him. Markus was signed to New York Label Sound Ink a few years ago, and has to date released a 4 track EP, and has a full length album about to drop. Much to his delight he was invited to lecture at the highly esteemed Red Bull Music Academy in 2003.

Markus also spends his spare time writing kids fantasy story books, designing shadow puppet shows and writing compositions for ad campaigns for companies like Audi, Cell C, Metro FM and VW.

These two unstable sonic scientists with a fetish for low-fi audio-visual property values (who are also the brains and beats behind that other fine experiment called The Constructus Corporation, but that's a different biography all together) have both made deeply distinct impressions on the leftfield music scenes both on home soil and abroad, where their disdain for conventional DJ or production laws has led them to be much hailed and critically acclaimed by the electronic music cognoscenti.

The mergence of the two mix maestros on The Real Estate Agents project has got to be one of the most exiting things to happen in the past decade for organic electronic music this side left of the mainstream.

Live, the dynamic duo own their audience, stepping it up a notch as they re-invent the art of performance with some creative DJ'ing, scratching, sampling and live beat manipulation. Using an array of Samplers, Laptops, feedback units and Turntables, rare and often humorous sounds, beats, loops and samples, they hack into your nervous system by way of your feet, rewiring brain by way of spine. Add some growling slow 'n phat sub hunting baselines and very odd timing structures and you have all the ingredients for an all out freq fest of beat-bop, glitch-hop, drop-top to the cop shop fun.

The term "dance floor terrorism" probably sums it up best. Either way it is all a welcome change to the faux hard-core, bling-bling cashing attitude currently undermining urban-roots music.

Their debut release out now on African Dope Records is a three-disc affair.

Disc 1 sees Sibot let loose over 21 tracks that fuse various styles from hip-hop through to jazz with a healthy dose of dance floor friendly electronica, all the while showcasing the kid's unique angle on music production and in true Sibot style will undoubtedly prove to be a benchmark title for South African electronic music.

Disc 2 turns it over to Markus with 19 electronically inspired and multi-textured genre-free tracks that promise to be subliminally ambient, overtly funky but all intricately and superbly composed and masterfully executed, which is what we and the world have come to expect from Mr. Wormstorm.

Disc 3 is audio-visual eye candy and the whole package is well deserving of every music award in the book! Brokenbeat glitchkwaito from another planet meets the low-slung sound of funk? This is going to be the sound of Cape Town this summer and a finer soundtrack to the future you could not ask for.

Touring for the agents has seen them pass through several European airports such as France, Spain, Belgium, Holland, UK and Reunion Islands. On the local circuit they have played at many of the major festivals such as Flux and Oppikoppi as well as countless clubs and events across RSA.

(File under chunky beats-with-a-hip-kwaito-glichhop-kinda-mid-tempo-feel.)

"Taking the African rhythm heartbeat to the next level but with really, really thick western production" - Markus Wormstorm

The Mahotella Queens

This female vocal trio, still comprised of Nobesthutu Mbada, Hilda Tloubatla and Mildred Mangxola, have exerted enormous influence on the musical life of South Africa since forming in 1964.

Mahotella Queens began as the backing group for the male singer Mahlathini, but the group has also performed as an independent trio since the beginning. They were hugely popular in Soweto in the 1960s, performing in up to 3 concerts a day. The Queen's singing style is called mbaqanga and is a mixture of traditional Zulu music, gospel, and modern electrified rhythm with a sprinkling of American soul. Everything is undertaken with sparkling enthusiasm and lively choreography.

From 1970 to 1975 the group took a break when the members married and had children. But during the 1970s and 80s they were at it again and performed in several music festivals in France and other locations, and made a world tour in 1990-91. Since the group formed they have released over 20 albums. Mahotella Queens have been part of the South African anti-apartheid movement right from the start, and for their songs - mainly written by the members - they have taken themes from daily life in Soweto.One of their best known songs, "Kazet", deals with how the apartheid authority raided homes in a township with a bulldozer in order to drive away the inhabitants. Both the music - and social life - has gone through massive changes since Mahotella Queens formed, but the group have managed to maintain their power and vitality and have reinvented themselves without losing contact with their roots.

Warrick Sony (Kalahari Surfers)

The Kalahari Surfers have been pushing the limits of South African music for over two decades… pioneering the use of filtered beats, tape loops, exotic samples and old skool electronica in SA music at a time when everyone still thought the electric guitar was cool...

Only Warrick Sony remains of the original Surfers line-up that achieved major notoriety in the middle 80s with the banning of their album 'Bigger Than Jesus' by the government of the time. Since then, over the past 10 years, Warrick has established himself as one of South Africa's foremost music producers, sound engineers, conceptual sonic artists and composers, working and performing on countless and diverse projects around the globe.

Back to the beginning...

Hailing originally from the Gauteng area, in the early to mid-80's Kalahari Surfers began recording from underground label Shifty Records' studios in Johannesburg. They became rather notorious for their five albums of politically radical musical satire (which were released through independent London label, Recommended Records - from where they are still available via catalogue). During this time Warrick also toured Europe, and played concerts in East Berlin, Moscow, Riga and (then called) Leningrad, as well as Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Since the early 90s however, Warrick's musical involvement has tended away from radical performance towards the studio - and as a result he has had a hand in some of the finest audio-visual offerings to emerge from SA in the last decade.

Collaborations during these years include:

• work with composer Shaun Naidoo on "Season of Violence" (a docu-opera which won an honorary mention in the Prix Ars Electronica in Linz, Austria);
• composing and producing a legendary album with Sowetan poet Lesego Rampolokeng (including a series of concerts in Brazil),
• music for 2 acclaimed William Kentridge / Handspring multimedia productions - :"Faustus in Africa" and "Ubu and the Truth Commission",
• commercial work for clients like the UN, BMW and Nike,
• documentary music composition for Channel 4 TV (UK), discovery Channel and the SABC and countless others...

During the 90s, Warrick also worked as a DJ promoting Foreign African Music in South Africa, attending the MASA conference on Francophone music in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where he met Salif Keita, Baba Maal and the cream of African music makers, with a view to licensing their work for South African release. Albums by Salif Keita, Ray Lema, Kasse Mady and SE Rogie were licensed and released with Shifty Records in SA as a result - making Warrick directly responsible for the growth of 'world music' in South Africa, and in so doing nurturing the deep affinity for traditional global music which .

As a solo sonic artist he has exhibited, among others, "Faultlines" at the Cape Town Castle (an exhibition centered around the Truth and Reconciliation Commission), "the Brown and the Green" at Pretoria Art Gallery, and a piece with fine-artist Rodney Place for the Adelaide Arts Festival.

As producer - he has produced albums for Sony Music and for BMG (SA), MELT 2000 and Recommended Records. A collaboration under the name Trans-Sky with ex-Urban Creep Brendan Jury also resulted in two CD releases: "Killing Time" and "Heaven To Touch", and supporting Massive Attack on their SA tour.

A prolific artist in so many areas of the music game, notable recent musical output includes:

• composition of all the themes for the SABC children's show "Tube"
• a single release with kwaito king Arthur ("Dubaceous").
• recordings with ex-ORB members Greg Hunter and Kris Weston for MELT 2000 label.
• dance remixes for MELT 2000, including for Busi Mhlongo
• composition of music for the acclaimed "Ochre and Water", an internationally critically acclaimed documentary on the Himba people of Northern Namibia (which provided the inspiration and source material for several of the tracks on his new album).

Finally, after 13 years, a label and mood in the country ready for a fresh onslaught of the Kalahari Surfers - and a new album: "Akasic Record", released in November 2001.

Warrick's first solo release in 13 years, it captured the vast experience and influences of a global music career - a mush-up music that can easily involve dubby baselines, pitched samples of Chinese country and western singers, live tabla and udu pots, all sharing a stew of hi-tech funk.

On the album, he worked with classical arranger Cara Penzhorn, Gugulethu rapper Sugar (from the group Ghettomuffin), and the traditional arrangements of the Himba and Khoisan desert people of Southern Africa. He also plays live guitar, bass, drum kit, turntables, tablas, sitar, udu pots, African percussion and keyboards, in addition to programming, arranging and producing all tracks. The album also, true to form, makes extensive use of an extensive record and sample collection gathered over 20 years.

After appearances in Netherlands, Belgium, Norway and across SA in 2002/3, Warrick moved studios into the fine set-up of Milestone Studios in Central Cape Town, and has continued his prolific output:

• finishing 2 Kalahari Surfers albums - his second on African Dope: 'Muti Media', and the Microdot Records release "Conspiracy of Silence"
• producing the Ghettomuffin album "Paralyser" (Milestone Records)
• production on Dollar Brand remix project for Milestone Records
• co-composed music for Danish tv documentary on SA soccer star Sibusiso Zuma: "Zuma the Puma"
• co-composed music for forthcoming John Boorman feature "Truth (Country of My Skull)"
• composed music for wide variety of local and international ads including Klipdrift, Femina, Kingfisher (India), Nationwide Airways and Cinzano

Now the maestro is back with a second installment on African Dope called "Muti Media" (ADOPECD011), released December 2003 - another compelling surrealist beats adventure into the SA music sounds cape - full of deep, delicious and vaguely unsettling afrodub beats and mutated rhythms in a variety of styles and played on a planet-wide selection of instruments. The album also features collaborations with long-time collaborator Murray Anderson, up-n-coming Surfers kwaito protégé Zakile (from the band Marekta), Jennifer Ferguson, Lesego Rempolokeng and of course, Warrick's incomparable wacky sample collection.

Waddy Jones (The Constructus Corporation)

The Constructus Corporation is the freshest product from the mind of Waddy Jones, a creative force assembled by Jones in early 2002 after he had summarily dismantled his previous group Max Normal just as they were blowing up large in SA, because the popularity of the group was stifling his ability to create mad new artforms! The group consists of: Waddy Jones (stories, rhymes and vocal fx); current SA Battle DJ champ Sibot (beats, turntables & "final scratch"); and Markus Wormstorm (beats, production), the SA electronic whizzkid recently signed to NYC label Sound-Ink; with guest vocals from the diva-imp Anika and production on some tracks by African Dope stalwart Felix Laband.

The Ziggurat is probably the most ambitious recording project ever released in SA - a multi-layered multimedia sci-fi fairytale, presented as an 88 page glossy hardcover book, with handwritten story by Jones, illustrations by Nikhil Singh - and of course a soundtrack CD. The book also includes a bonus recordable cd, with which you are encouraged to make "your own double cd" by downloading another 13 tracks from their website - www.africandope.co.za/constructus

The story takes place on a huge domed megalopolis called The Ziggurat, which floats above the Earth's surface, housing what remains of this futuristic humanity in sterile perfection above the uninhabitable planet below. It follows the misadventures of our heroes Random Boy and Kidtronic, as they uncover and take action against the Ziggurat's sinister secrets.

The music is dangerous; uneasy listening - an assault of lyrical genius, raw power and wicked post-production trickery that melds glitch-hop, hiphop, sonic theatre and electronica, as Jones spins his tales in a dozen different personas around Wormstorm's quirky beats and melodies and Sibot's scratchadelica. It's a new form - a style the group calls Boom Bam, a futuristic music-style which involves taking whatever elements you desire and creating your own world, complete with its own unique soundtrack.

Choppa

Choppa was born Robert Muluana in Maputo, Mozambique to a highly musical family. Best known for his massive hit “Margarida”, Choppa has been traveling and performing consistently since winning a host of talent contests as a youngster.

Apart from being a composer, singer, choreographer and dancer, Choppa also plays a wide assortment of traditional instruments including the Xikitsi and the Palapala.

Choppa’s music is an infectious fusion of streetwise grooves like House, Jungle and Hip-Hop, with modern African styling such as Kwasa Kwasa, Afro-Latino and Kwaito - coupled with deep African vocals, raps and chants using many languages including his native Shangaan and Portugese, Zulu, Xhosa, English, Tsonga, Tswana and Swahili.

Without compromising on style and quality, Choppa has been able to incorporate these diverse influences into a sound that is at once accessible and commercially appealing to mass markets both in Southern Africa and globally.

Black Noise

The original legendary South African hip-hop crew. This is where hip hop began in South Africa

In 1982, way back when, five dudes from Cape Town came together. Originally break dancers and graff artists, they became MCs and formed the group Black Noise in 1990 - the golden age of hip-hop culture. Five albums later, and these five dudes from the Flats have become living legends.

But here is the thing. I could discuss their albums, their lyrics, the tightness of their flow, but I'm not going to. What makes these boys legends, in my eyes and the eyes of many South Africans, is what they do when they are not on the mic. I'm not going to bother to make this short and simple, because it isn't. I'll just try to give you an idea of just how much this group means to the South African community.

Let's start off with the group itself. Front man Emile is a qualified school teacher and the South African representative for Bambaata's Zulu Nation. Raycliff, another member, is a volunteer community worker and playwright whose productions run nationally. The rest of the group is currently studying things like mechanical engineering and graphic design. A quote from the group's rationale it goes like this:

"The youth here in South African have been faced with immense challenges during the Apartheid regime. To many of them "the struggle" came first and being young and carefree was merely a fantasy world that only existed in the movies. The effects of the past have created many ills in our many townships, which we now have to face. A factor that adds to the problem, is the lack of facilities and activities for the youth, which allows the youth to be tempted by the negatives that our societies have to offer like gangsterism, drug dealing, crime, violence etc.

Black Noise aims to encourage and lend support to other individuals and groups who are active or interested in expressing their creativeness through music, dance, spray can art and learning knowledge of self. The group also encourages people to educate themselves not only within the formal (western) structure, but also by alternative information and therefore encouraging people to be free-thinking , open-minded and understanding individuals"

Not convinced? Here's a little description of what the band does when they're not in the studio. Black Noise currently headlines the Voter Registration effort and organizes the Do-For-Self Project, which organizes concerts for up-and-coming talent. They edit and publish several magazines, play a huge role in anti-drug, AIDS, environmental and literary campaigns, help run the SA branch of the Global Youth Project...are you beginning to see what I'm talking about here?

Of course, it doesn't hurt that they've got some of the tightest songs in Africa. Their albums have done incredibly well here, and they've got a stage presence to rival the best. To be fair, there are some SA artists out there who are more skilled lyrically, have better production and have bigger hits. But none of those artists even come close to Black Noise in terms of value to South Africa and its people.

Fine, but does that mean they're responsible? Do they embody the theme of responsibility in terms of Hip Hop Appreciation Week? Can they go the distance? Etcetera. The answer is: of course. I thought hard, searched high and low, but no artists, in my mind, fulfilled the criteria of responsibility more than Black Noise. End of story.

In a world where most rappers are only interested in sales, TV ratings and getting more $$$, it's heartening to see that one of the most responsible groups in the world comes from my home country. In terms of fulfilling the theme of this write off, Black Noise fit the bill in every possible way. Local is Lekker, ekse!

Shana

Brand new album from Shana called "Iyo`Londaba". This talented trio have come a long way since their first release having had individual success, most notably by Black Coffee releasing his multi platinum album last year (2005). Demor and Shota have also not let sleeping dogs lie, coming up with their individual projects soon to be released on Afrodesia MP3. This album is expected to hit the stores in late August 2006. Get it before it gets you! Produced by DJ Christos and Shana.

Philadelphia

Philly: Philadelphia has achieved a lot in the 11 years since she first started her career. Some include honors and awards, starting when she entered the “Pepsi & Radio Metro voice of a new generation DJ competition” in 1994, for which she won First Prize. In 1995 she presented the youth program Xoxani on television for Teleschool as well as the Top 10 music slot for youth magazine ZAPMAG. In the same year she received the Honors Award for Gauteng Speech & Drama regional competition. She completed her Radio Broadcasting Diploma with Speech & Drama training at the Malcolm J Russell School of Broadcasting in Johannesburg, also in the same year.

Philadelphia has worked with many producers and artist some including DJ Christos, Static P, Bob Mabena, Jimmy B, Joe Nina & Alec Khaoli. She was featured on the Concept music album produced by Sello (Chicco) Twala in 1997. September 2000 to September 2001 she completed a Gap year working for a charity organization in Manchester, UK.

After returning from the UK she entered the Pop Idols South Africa competition in April 2002 that saw her progress to the Top 20 finalist. Not an easy feat considering the requirements and preconceptions for becoming the winner.

Zoo DJ and DJ Nathi (Rawkus DJs)

Zoo DJ and DJ Nathi (Rawkus DJs)are the winners of the SAMC demos competition as well as a contract for AfrodesiaMP3. The song is called LE TLA UTLWA YOU WILL HEAR) and is a song done by the 2 DJs who met each other in Gauteng (Johannesburg) with the same idea to improve the level of House Music in South Africa by bringing in some African feeling into the song.