A wise mind is what’s needed in today’s world of music. It’s no longer a matter of how many hits one can possibly put together or how potentially you can become the next big thing. No, how the industry operates has changed all together, which can supposedly be blamed on how easy it has become for anyone to make music and release it independently. But wait… How many of you out there have that wise mind that can command you to implement good strategies for introducing your brand? One guy who has over the years managed to find means of introducing new names under his label is DJ Mbuso. Two years ago, the brother brought a concept album of two musical doctors; ‘House Prescription’ with Mbuso himself and the then unknown front man by the name of Dr. Duda. It was obvious to me that for Dr. Duda to penetrate the market heavily, he’d needed more than to just release a project with DJ Mbuso. With so many hits on the project, it emerged that Duda was actually not only talented behind the decks; he also had a sharp ear for music production.Once the first leg of ‘House Prescription’ was out and doing the rounds throughout the country - receiving massive airplay, Duda’s name started getting associated with other hits that were coming out from other house compilations. By then, his name was already familiar in the house music cycle. Even though I do not claim that he is the hottest DJ or producer at the moment, the strategies that Mbuso and his team have used to introduce Duda to the masses were really impressive.It’s been almost three years now since people got introduced to Duda’s name… After successfully jotting down a couple of songs on ‘House Prescription’ Vol. 1, the brother has now realised the ‘House Prescription’ concept fully and is pursuing it all by himself. And what one is hearing on this release sounds like another musical medical dose that might make house lovers OD.Even though the local house market is at the moment at its peak and there are just so many hits coming out every day, Dr. Duda’s offering is one that will hopefully accelerate more energy to the masses until the world crosses over to 2009. There are some well prepared doses on the project such as, ‘Duda’s World’, ‘Mpumalanga Swing’, ‘Pretoria Funk’, ‘Winter Nites’ and ‘Night Waves’. Marking the success of the Durban Sound, if you are going to release an album and don’t spice it up with a Durban feel, let it be said that you will not be entirely offering the sound that may push your success. Take it from guys like DJ Clock - new born in the house music that is already making noise. Also not to be counted out is Dr. Duda’s Durban Sound on the song, ‘U Yoshada Bani?’ It is clear to me that when it comes to Durbs sound, you can never go wrong bosswww!Though Duda was assisted by Mbuso to fully have his own piece of pie in the music game, it is impressing that the brother has also compiled songs made by up and coming producers. That’s a very good spirit to license songs from unknown artists because if we really want to make the local industry better, those already making it big should be willing to assist should they recognize talent.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
A wise mind is what’s needed in today’s world of music. It’s no longer a matter of how many hits one can possibly put together or how potentially you can become the next big thing. No, how the industry operates has changed all together, which can supposedly be blamed on how easy it has become for anyone to make music and release it independently. But wait… How many of you out there have that wise mind that can command you to implement good strategies for introducing your brand? One guy who has over the years managed to find means of introducing new names under his label is DJ Mbuso. Two years ago, the brother brought a concept album of two musical doctors; ‘House Prescription’ with Mbuso himself and the then unknown front man by the name of Dr. Duda. It was obvious to me that for Dr. Duda to penetrate the market heavily, he’d needed more than to just release a project with DJ Mbuso. With so many hits on the project, it emerged that Duda was actually not only talented behind the decks; he also had a sharp ear for music production.Once the first leg of ‘House Prescription’ was out and doing the rounds throughout the country - receiving massive airplay, Duda’s name started getting associated with other hits that were coming out from other house compilations. By then, his name was already familiar in the house music cycle. Even though I do not claim that he is the hottest DJ or producer at the moment, the strategies that Mbuso and his team have used to introduce Duda to the masses were really impressive.It’s been almost three years now since people got introduced to Duda’s name… After successfully jotting down a couple of songs on ‘House Prescription’ Vol. 1, the brother has now realised the ‘House Prescription’ concept fully and is pursuing it all by himself. And what one is hearing on this release sounds like another musical medical dose that might make house lovers OD.Even though the local house market is at the moment at its peak and there are just so many hits coming out every day, Dr. Duda’s offering is one that will hopefully accelerate more energy to the masses until the world crosses over to 2009. There are some well prepared doses on the project such as, ‘Duda’s World’, ‘Mpumalanga Swing’, ‘Pretoria Funk’, ‘Winter Nites’ and ‘Night Waves’. Marking the success of the Durban Sound, if you are going to release an album and don’t spice it up with a Durban feel, let it be said that you will not be entirely offering the sound that may push your success. Take it from guys like DJ Clock - new born in the house music that is already making noise. Also not to be counted out is Dr. Duda’s Durban Sound on the song, ‘U Yoshada Bani?’ It is clear to me that when it comes to Durbs sound, you can never go wrong bosswww!Though Duda was assisted by Mbuso to fully have his own piece of pie in the music game, it is impressing that the brother has also compiled songs made by up and coming producers. That’s a very good spirit to license songs from unknown artists because if we really want to make the local industry better, those already making it big should be willing to assist should they recognize talent.
Dj Pepsi
After being silent for quite sometime, Oskido’s younger brother, Nkululeko 'DJ Pepsi' Mdlongwa has done it again. Like his brother, the DJ has released a house installment, giving it the title, ‘Royal House Collection’. Hela, welcome to the Royal House Mense!Even though the practice of licensing foreign house songs is still much alive locally, it is impressing that local house guns have seen the importance of including locally produced house tunes in their compilations. Like many other local DJs, Pepsi didn’t go wrong, together with the local underground house producer guru, Wandile ‘Master Wakes’ Zandeka, they have included a number of songs on this release. And guess what? One of the songs making noise at the moment is, ‘Pepsi’s Revenge’ [The Wakes Mix]. The tune has been doing the rounds on radios and you know moss, once the commercial radio stations start pumping a particular song, the rest is bound to follow.
With the cost of living gone mad, of people have become quite selective when it comes to the music they want to buy. And the same goes with recording labels who no longer sign artists that have not made a name for themselves. It is no surprise to me that Pepsi is one of the lucky few who Universal Music have chosen to invest in. A bonus is that Pepsi comes from the Mdlongwa family which includes the big dog Oskido and the up and coming and very promising young blood, Bobstar.
Apart from the local tunes that Pepsi has had a hand in, the project also features songs made by other music maestros from different parts of the land. The album features thirteen songs which vary from commercial to soulful deep tunes. There are some really killer vocal songs like, ‘Love Forever More, Amen’ that flows well through the veins. There is also one chilled tune that is promising to make some noise titled, ‘Medusa’.
As for this album’s sleeve, well, what can brother Phash says? Like I always preach, how the sleeve looks says a lot about what the album has to offer. This boils down to taking every single aspect of the project seriously. So they say, before you expect anyone to take you seriously, you gotta ensure that you are serious with yourself first. And in regard to this, brother Pepsi has done his best to make sure that everything is in order before this project could be released. Good one
Friday, September 5, 2008
Dj China
As some of you might know, Mbuso parted ways with SoulCandi and has established his own i
ndependent label, Phezulu Records. Starting afresh, House Kollectives mixed by DJ China is the first installment coming out of this independent label. Being so in touch with all the work that Mbuso has done in the past, my anticipation was overwhelming and I was convinced that this album was going to be the real Phezulu representative. But some of the songs proved to be otherwise! The first track, Double Trouble done by Bongani and Xolani Msongani is for me another re-produced Revolution song, The Anthem. Putting these two tracks on the play, I realized that both songs sound the same. The difference will be of course that the twins' song – ‘The Anthem' was released in 2004 and ‘Double Trouble' this year. As a result of this, I am disappointed that an independent label lead by Mbuso could simply allow itself to be associated with copycat songs. I don't know if it is a remix or new version of the old Zulu song ‘Bayethe' but nevertheless, the song was not done right. Again, ‘Rhythmic Motions' is another track that lacks the real feel, but what seems to be another problem in this song is the usage of the wrong instruments.Starting with ‘Pearl-Blackwhole' – track seven on the album, the producer did some real magic. As soon as the track opens, you can tell that it is one of those mellow songs that flows on the river banks. With the aggressive bassline, soft keyboards and percussion – this song is a good remedy for party goers! Ayoooo! Ong'ketsang… ‘Feelings' by Terrance Mathe promises to dis-prove those who undermine locally produced house. Though there's nothing much happening on the track, the very few instruments on play are solid. Again, I find this song unique because the producer played around with the beats in a very interesting style. Coming up with fire! ‘Dancing in China ' produced by Kentphonik, is a hit and is going to shine! Honestly I'm beginning to feel the presence of the Kenphonik team. The three boys are not making Mickey Mouse music and they seem to be on a mission to rule the local house scene. Hier die mense are just on the right track and I can tell that they're aiming high! With thirteen tracks, this release has nice and bad songs… Who knows, it might do well in the market.
ndependent label, Phezulu Records. Starting afresh, House Kollectives mixed by DJ China is the first installment coming out of this independent label. Being so in touch with all the work that Mbuso has done in the past, my anticipation was overwhelming and I was convinced that this album was going to be the real Phezulu representative. But some of the songs proved to be otherwise! The first track, Double Trouble done by Bongani and Xolani Msongani is for me another re-produced Revolution song, The Anthem. Putting these two tracks on the play, I realized that both songs sound the same. The difference will be of course that the twins' song – ‘The Anthem' was released in 2004 and ‘Double Trouble' this year. As a result of this, I am disappointed that an independent label lead by Mbuso could simply allow itself to be associated with copycat songs. I don't know if it is a remix or new version of the old Zulu song ‘Bayethe' but nevertheless, the song was not done right. Again, ‘Rhythmic Motions' is another track that lacks the real feel, but what seems to be another problem in this song is the usage of the wrong instruments.Starting with ‘Pearl-Blackwhole' – track seven on the album, the producer did some real magic. As soon as the track opens, you can tell that it is one of those mellow songs that flows on the river banks. With the aggressive bassline, soft keyboards and percussion – this song is a good remedy for party goers! Ayoooo! Ong'ketsang… ‘Feelings' by Terrance Mathe promises to dis-prove those who undermine locally produced house. Though there's nothing much happening on the track, the very few instruments on play are solid. Again, I find this song unique because the producer played around with the beats in a very interesting style. Coming up with fire! ‘Dancing in China ' produced by Kentphonik, is a hit and is going to shine! Honestly I'm beginning to feel the presence of the Kenphonik team. The three boys are not making Mickey Mouse music and they seem to be on a mission to rule the local house scene. Hier die mense are just on the right track and I can tell that they're aiming high! With thirteen tracks, this release has nice and bad songs… Who knows, it might do well in the market.
Another on From Durban
Another one from the Durban trio, Big Nuz! I remembered the time I reviewed their first release, ‘Zozo’ sometime in 2006, their music was sounding ok. Even though their first release didn’t get much publicity, the guys didn’t gave up, instead they teamed up with one of Durban’s music soldier’s on the forefront, Tira and recorded a hot follow up project, ‘2nd Round Knockout’.
‘2nd Round Knockout’ is something that the group should be proud of. From the sleeve design to the sound quality of the songs, everything is on point! It’s exciting to see Big Nuz fully unleashing their musical dragons and working very hard to perfect their sound. Judging from their previous release, allow me to say that the group has grown musically.
I am not surprised that Tira saw the need to work with Big Nuz, I mean with the talent they have, it didn’t require a genius to notice their bright future. Tira and his team are honestly making noise through-out the country so that every SA urban music supporter can get to know what the trio is capable of.
Like any DKM release, Big Nuz brings heavy house beats mixed with the kind of kwaito flow to sing along to. Climbing the ladder, even though it is taking a little longer for the group to get known, there is one, two or three songs on their project that you might have heard blasting on radio, TV or at an event. Some of the songs that are really cracking are, ‘Ubala’, ‘Ugesi’ and ‘Uyoyisholo wena’.
I personally think for any up and coming artist, there are one or two things that you can learn from Big Nuz’s musical journey thus far. From their humble beginnings, the guys released their first project and even though the album didn’t get much in return, the guys didn’t give up. They continued linking themselves with those who could assist them, regardless of the how long it took, and two years down the line, Tira gave them a killer platform.
One thing for sure, Durban guys have locked their market, capitalized on it and continue to give the fans what they want! Nice one Big Nuz and your executive producer, Tira… What is happening lately is nothing short of a kwaito revolution.
‘2nd Round Knockout’ is something that the group should be proud of. From the sleeve design to the sound quality of the songs, everything is on point! It’s exciting to see Big Nuz fully unleashing their musical dragons and working very hard to perfect their sound. Judging from their previous release, allow me to say that the group has grown musically.
I am not surprised that Tira saw the need to work with Big Nuz, I mean with the talent they have, it didn’t require a genius to notice their bright future. Tira and his team are honestly making noise through-out the country so that every SA urban music supporter can get to know what the trio is capable of.
Like any DKM release, Big Nuz brings heavy house beats mixed with the kind of kwaito flow to sing along to. Climbing the ladder, even though it is taking a little longer for the group to get known, there is one, two or three songs on their project that you might have heard blasting on radio, TV or at an event. Some of the songs that are really cracking are, ‘Ubala’, ‘Ugesi’ and ‘Uyoyisholo wena’.
I personally think for any up and coming artist, there are one or two things that you can learn from Big Nuz’s musical journey thus far. From their humble beginnings, the guys released their first project and even though the album didn’t get much in return, the guys didn’t give up. They continued linking themselves with those who could assist them, regardless of the how long it took, and two years down the line, Tira gave them a killer platform.
One thing for sure, Durban guys have locked their market, capitalized on it and continue to give the fans what they want! Nice one Big Nuz and your executive producer, Tira… What is happening lately is nothing short of a kwaito revolution.
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