Azana On Her Debut Album, What Talent Means To Her And Her Vision For Years To Come

Makhosazana “Azana” Masango / 20 / Singer & Songwriter
 
That moment you knew you wanted to be in the music industry was?
 
At the age of six I had already made up my mind about being a musician, it was something I knew my whole life from then. Performing at preschool for the first time triggered the feeling of wanting to perform.
 
The single ‘Your Love’ has made major waves, did you think it would be this big?
 
Yes, I knew it would do well because it’s very catchy and it’s a cute love message.


 
Why the title ‘Ingoma’ for your debut album?
 
It’s an abstract title. I love abstract art and stories. The idea behind the title is that it’s not just an INGOMA (a song) is not just a song. Its memories, feelings, expressions, stories and messages.
 
What is it about South African music that you admire?
 
I admire how soulful South African music is and I admire the messages our artists give to the people.
 
Is there a team behind your brand?
 
Of course! Bigcitydreams Records is the team behind the magic you see.


 
Got a favourite single from your offering so far?
 
All 14 tracks from INGOMA are my babies and I love them all the same because they all come from my thoughts and I value what I think and write.
 
Talent, what does it mean to you as an artist? 
 
Talent means an advantage to me (which I am aware I do have) but it does not mean a guaranteed success, hard work gives me hope and confidence in all that I do.
 
One thing you could use to change the world would be?
 
I’d use my music to encourage people to think bigger and tackle poverty, racism and inequality.


 
What’s your vision for years to come?
 
I’m wishing to learn more by educating myself about the fields of entertainment, and to improve every time I create or put something out there for someone to see.

 

Follow Azana!

Instagram: @azanamusic

Twitter: @azanamusic

Facebook: @azanamusic

-Bridgette Makhela

Kyle Deutsch On Music, Collaborations And The Industry That Idols Exposed Him To

Kyle Colin Deutschmann / Doctor / Chiropractor / Artist

Did you ever think you’d end up in the music industry?

To be honest, I never thought I’d be in the music industry to the extent that I am in now. I always thought a little talent would get me in, but not to this extreme. I guess sometimes we underestimate ourselves. It wasn’t until about three years ago that I started recording my music, this happened after injuries prevented me from continuing my football career professionally, I then decided to continue with a Chiropractic/Health business and the Music.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

The first thing I do when I wake up definitely has to be, checking my phone. Mainly for the time but then to go through anything I may have missed whilst sleeping.

Your latest offering, ‘Can’t Get Enough’, in a nutshell is about what?

Can’t Get Enough is a song that describes a feeling of desire and passion, created by a moment that you are infatuated with. A moment that blocks out the world and feelings that surround you. Its your muse.

What did your journey on Idols do for the musician that you are today?

Idols was a show that taught me a lot about the local music industry, introduced me to people in the industry and exposed my brand to the country. It taught me to be more comfortable on stage and in front of a crowd. It taught me to believe in myself and that I had/have what it takes to make it in the industry.

How do you balance out work and play?

This is a tough question because in this industry the two overlap very often. These days I prioritize my spare time for family and loved ones. The rest of the time is work.

If you could change one thing about your journey so far, what would it be?

I wouldn’t change a thing thus far, I’ve been very happy with the journey thus far.

Can fans look forward to future Kyle and Shekhinah collaborations?

Definitely.

Is there any special significant other in your life at the moment?

There is indeed.

What makes you happy?

I love good company, witty conversations, music, and good food.

Your most memorable moment in the industry so far?

In the brief year and a half that we’ve been releasing music the moments keep getting better and better. From Back To The Beach going gold, to performing to over twenty thousand people at MTN BushFire Festival and Joburg Day. No one can explain the feeling of having that many people singing along to your own music.

Follow Kyle!

Instagram: @kyle_deutsch

Twitter: @kyle_deutsch

Facebook: Kyle Deutsch

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

 

 

Solo On His Sophomore Album, The Hip Hop Game And His Consistency Plan

Zothile Langa / 28 / Hip Hop Artist

Why Hip-Hop for you?

Hip hop is what I have put most of my practice into, my most effective form of expression.

How long have you been in the game?

I’ve been writing since I was in high school. My first project dropped back in 2010.

Your latest offering Dreams. B. Plenty, does it make you proud? How so?

Yes, my project makes me feel proud. I’ve put two years into it, there’s a lot of emotion.

Your favourite body of work in your career so far?

‘Jubilee no’ LigaMo’, which drops tomorrow, 26 August. It’s about my late grandmother and late cousin. It’s a song close to my heart.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m in the studio for eight hours, hit the gym at 5pm, then back to the studio at 10pm.

What’s your consistency plan to remain relevant in the music industry?

Be my authentic self. Listen to myself as I change and apply that to the music. Most importantly, stay true to the music.

Any one you look up to in the industry?

It would definitely have to be Kabelo Mabalane.

What would you still like to achieve?

Everything. I don’t think I have many achievements under my belt yet, I still want to make sure I complete the Dreams trilogy.

Your message to your fans?

I didn’t buckle under the pressure! I truly appreciate all their support over the years, without them I wouldn’t be here today.

Follow Solo!

Instagram: @thisissolo

Twitter: @ThisIsSoloSA

Facebook: This Is Solo

 

–Bridgette Makhela