Dan Tshanda to partner with Zimbabwean Musicians

Written by Shirlene Alusa-Brown | July 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment

African producers and musicians are reaching out increasingly to collaborate with talent beyond their borders. Weez, from South Africa, has done that and, now, top South African music producer, Dan Tshanda, of Dalom Music Productions, has signed a deal with seven Zimbabwean musicians in an attempt to help them build markets regionally.

» Read more…

Filed in African HotSpot » Music

South Africa mourns the death of yet another great artist….

Written by Prudence Chauke | July 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I remember it clearly it was on a December afternoon driving in the streets of Johannesburg when a song titled “Destiny” stimulated my ears and from then on I was on a mission to discover more about this trio group called Malaika. The more I discovered of them the more in love I fell with not only they music but them as a group for the style and energy they added to the South African music industry was amazing. » Read more…

Filed in African HotSpot » Music

Weez gives us a Verbal Massacre

Interview by Shirlene Alusa-Brown | July 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment

One of the best things about this job is being able to highlight talent that mainstream media seems to miss all the time. Weez, a hiphop rapper from South Africa, is one such talent. Despite being recognized by several notable producers on the continent, and in the diaspora, he is still a relative unknown. This despite the fact that one of his raps is part of a compilation that has done very well in the United States, and the fact that his upcoming collaboration is with a person who was part of the reason Weez got into rap in the first place. Always ready to put on a show, he had to freestyle at the American embassy to get his visa (they weren’t convinced that he was really a rapper). Jamati caught up with Weez to find out what makes him tick.

» Read more…

Filed in African Hip-Hop » African HotSpot » Backstage Pass » Music

Styl-Plus Crew - Smooth RnB sounds

Written by Shirlene Alusa-Brown | July 1, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I just stumbled on a group that is really great.  Styl-Plus Crew is a group out of Nigeria that can really sing.  They formed their names from the first names of the founding members, Shifi Emoefe, Tunde Akinsanmi, Yemi Akinwonmi, and Lanre Faneyi.  Lanre Faneyi passed away in 1999 and Zeal Onyecheme took his place. To accomodate the new member, they added Plus to their original name, becoming Styl-Plus.

» Read more…

Filed in African HotSpot » Music

Tumi: No Guarantee

Written by Shirlene Alusa-Brown | June 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Itumeleng Ramailane, better known as Tumi, is a newcomer on the South African music scene that plays like a veteran. His debut album,”No Guarantee“, is a soulful mix of R&B and funk. Tumi’s voice is like silky chocolate, embracing the notes and drawing them smoothly over your eardrums like a sinfully delightful dessert. » Read more…

Filed in African HotSpot » Music » Reviews

PiliPili - His stage name is Swahili for “pepper” and yes, his voice is just as hot

Interview by Mkhana | June 19, 2008 | Leave a Comment

His stage name is Swahili for “pepper” and yes, his voice is just as hot. Pilipili is an African artist intent on singing his way into the hearts of everyone, everywhere. With his uniquely recognizable pipes, the singer started off his career as a rapper performing all over Nairobi, Kenya in 2002. The response of the audiences at Nairobi landmarks; ‘F2’ (Florida 2000), The ClubHouse and Vybestar, where he performed convinced him that music was, indeed, his calling.

» Read more…

Filed in African Hip-Hop » African HotSpot » Music

Hip Hop Pantsula - Mr Jabba man

Interview by Prudence Chauke | May 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment

This two-time SAMA award winner whose name is one of the most respected in the SA music industry makes hit after hit, never disappointing and always exceeding his fans’ expectations. Jamati caught up with the man himself and this is what he had to say: » Read more…

Filed in African Hip-Hop » African HotSpot » Backstage Pass » Music

X-Plastaz - Reppin Tanzania and the Maasai

Written by Shirlene Alusa-Brown | May 9, 2008 | Leave a Comment

X-Plastaz originally consisted of three members and was formed to address social issues in a form that could connect with the younger generation. The original members, Ruff, Gsaan, and Ziggy, worked in a haircutting salon in the heart of Maasailand in Tanzania. » Read more…

Filed in African Hip-Hop » African HotSpot » Music

Faze -Talented and Almost a Konvict

Written by Shirlene Alusa-Brown | May 9, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Faze grew up in a talented musical family who helped him harmonize melodies around the house. He went on to join 2Face and Black Face to form the Plantashun Boiz. They were a very popular group but disbanded after releasing two albums. » Read more…

Filed in African HotSpot » Music

Abbass Kubaff a.k.a. Doobeez

Written by Shirlene Alusa-Brown | May 2, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Abbas Kubaff aka Doobeez was born in Nairobi, Kenya in Eastleigh, a rough neighborhood in Nairobi, Kenya. He grew up in Kariobangi, South (K-South) and showed an early interest in music. » Read more…

Filed in African Hip-Hop » African HotSpot » Music » Up and Coming

Slick-J makes waves in Naija

Written by Ameyaw Debrah | April 11, 2008 | Leave a Comment

He thinks he’s slick and his fans think he can sing. So who at all is Slick-J? Born Emmanuel Steven Iyere, he is an up-and-coming R&B/Pop singer. Although he’s had a passion for music since childhood, it was not until somewhere in 2000 that a career in music became an option. His recent streak of performances across Nigeria has given him some sort of relevance on the Nigerian R&B scene. It is therefore not surprising that some people are already touting him as the next big thing. » Read more…

Filed in African HotSpot » Ameyaw Debrah » Columnists » Music