Langa Mavuso On New Single, A Debut Album And Always Being Authentic

Langa Mavuso / 26 / Musician

Where did you grow up and how has that shaped your music?

In the south of Johannesburg in a suburb called Meredale. I also spent a lot of time in Diepkloof, Soweto at my grandmother’s house on weekends and holidays. My music was influenced by the artists whose music my parents played while growing up, people like Ringo Madlingozi and Caiphus Semenya were constantly playing on the Hi-Fi at home. I also grew up listening to a lot of Neo-Soul and RnB.

You’ve just released your first single ‘Love Lost’ that’ll be on your debut album, what’s the message there?

The song came from a place finding closure. After the tragic death of my first love, I was constantly seeking healing from that grief. In this song I finally find that closure, I revisit the night of their passing and remember the good memories from our time together. The album explores a heartbreak and seeking closure from it, ‘Love Lost’ is the moment of acceptance and closure.

What can your fans expect from your album?

The album has been my labour of love for the past two years. I worked with some incredible producers who’ve created music for artists such as Beyonce, Ami Faku, Mahalia and many others. I talk about a heartbreak in the album; the loss of love, losing myself after love and finally putting up a mirror to myself to reconnect and find a love of self from within. I have the pleasure of featuring my friends Zoe Modiga and Manana and two other surprise artists. The album truly is as Ms Judith Sephuma would sing, ‘A Cry, A Smile and A Dance’.

You’ve been in the industry for a few years, something important you’ve observed?

It is important to be yourself. The best thing you can do is be authentic.

When did your love for music begin?

Sitting in the back of a hall in Orlando listening to my parents rehearse for choral competitions.

Where do you miss traveling to the most for a performance?

Cape Town. The audience literally sings the whole show for me there.

Singing or song writing, do you have a favourite?

Singing when I’m sad and writing when I need to reflect.

What inspires you to constantly create music?

Love and people.

Any other projects you’re working on?

Yes! But it’s a secret.

 

Follow Langa Mavuso!

Instagram: @langamav

Twitter: @LangaMav

Facebook: @langamav

 

-Bridgette Makhela

Meet One Shaman, The Artist And Content Creator

Wandile Mathe aka One Shaman / 27 / Artist & Content Creator

What’s the plan for One Shaman?

The plan for One Shaman is to introduce myself to the media industry primarily as an artist, and secondly, as a content creator. I really believe in the music I make, my skill as an Emcee and being in the competitive space that is Hip-Hop, I now have the chance to show that. I am very passionate about content too and I have a lot of ideas on how South African media can compete globally as far as our content and how we consume it.

Braam Baby is dope, what’s the track all about?

So ‘Braam Baby’ is a story about the modern independent woman who knows her worth and her value in the current climate of pop culture. It’s a story we all know too well but how I tell it is very relatable, cool and fun. It’s a record I’ve teased for the past few months and plan to release in Spring with the visuals. I’m currently promoting a record called ‘Yes Lord’ and an upcoming Mixtape titled ‘’Who The Fuck Is This’’.

The South African Hip-Hop scene is getting really competitive, what’s unique about you?

I’m versatile as far as my subject matter, I really enjoy the craft of emceeing but I know how to make good records too. I find a balance between traditional emceeing and rapping, as well as knowing what’s popular and adapting to that. I enjoy taking risks with music and will try almost every sound if I can pull it off. I approach every song like a film, regardless the subject matter, I need you to see it (the song), as well as hear it.

What does your brand and image seek to portray?

I honestly haven’t come to terms with that word, brand, I really don’t like it but to answer the question, my brand would be authenticity over everything. I am a 27 year old guy who is taking a shot at his dreams. I’m flawed like everyone else and I just want to portray that balance of life, the righteous and the ratchet. I guess I’m also winging it and figuring it out as I go.

How long have you been on the scene?

I have been in the media space for over 5 years now, as far as music goes, I would say I started buzzing around 2016 when I really decided to give this a go.

Where can people access your Mixtape?

My mixtape will be out on June 16, 2018 and will be available for free download and streaming via my social media. My current single ‘Yes Lord’ is available on all digital platforms and streaming services. Shooting a video for that in a few weeks so do look out for that as well.

Your dream performance would be where?

I have to do Back To The City before it ends, that is the staple as far as South African Hip-Hop. Before 2021 that will definitely happen, it’s on my list.

Plan for the rest of 2018?

The rest of 2018 is more music, more content. Shaman EP in September 2018 and something special for the West Rand in December 2018.

Your social media handles are?

Twitter: @One_Take_One

Facebook: One Shaman

Instagram: @OneShaman

 

Links to music by One Shaman:

iTunes/AppleMusic

https://apple.co/2rzfqPq

Spotify

https://spoti.fi/2G8qZlZ

TIDAL

http://tidal.com/album/88691369

Google Play

https://bit.ly/2Ibr8LD

–Bridgette Makhela

Thuso Mbedu On Her First Acting Break, Her Journey And The Industry

Thuso Mbedu / 26 / Actress

 

You’re such a talented actress, how has the journey to where you are now been?

It has not been an easy one, it tests you to discover if you really love what you do.

What was your first acting break like?

It was with Saints and Sinners. It was nice to especially work with industry veterans who were willing to teach and guide me.

 

 

Who do you look up to in the industry?

Denzel Washington.

The first time you saw yourself on screen, how did that feel?

I was excited! Then a few seconds later, I started criticizing my performance.

What do you believe young female South African actresses should strive for?

Excellence and greatness, and to be able to pave their own ways.

 

 

What do you do when you get some time alone?

I work on my projects and read a lot.

What do your family and friends mean to you?

My sister and niece mean the world to me, they are always there for me and are also my biggest supporters. The journey to where I am today would have been harder without them.

 

 

Boys or bags?

Sneakers.

How would you like viewers to feel when they watch you?

Inspired.

 

Follow Thuso!

Instagram: @thuso.mbedu

Twitter: @ThusoMbedu

Facebook: Thuso Mbedu

 

–Bridgette Makhela

Mariechan Luiters On Going Solo, Years In The Industry And What She’s Focused On Next

Mariechan Luiters / Singer & Entrepreneur

Tell your story of you how you found yourself in the music industry…

It’s all destiny. It goes like this…My music teacher overheard me singing in a girl’s restroom without me knowing and she encouraged me to sing publicly. I then tried once for Popstars and once for Idols but I wasn’t ready. Then, I gave it one more shot as my confidence grew and tried out for Popstars again. This time it was definitely destiny because when I arrived, they had locked the doors and not letting anyone else in and then someone saw me as I was walking away and remembered me from the previous year. In a nutshell, I made it to the finals with my group Jamali and the rest is history.

Where is Mariechan originally from?

From the foothills of Stellenbosch, some of the most beautiful geography in the world, I believe.

How many years have you been in the industry and what’s the most important thing you’ve learnt?

It’s going on 13 years and I am still loving it like a kid in a candy shop. I’ve learnt that if you want something, you need to go get it yourself.

How has the transition from being in a group to doing the solo thing been?

I am learning every day. When I started it was the era of the record label doing everything, now the individual artist has to be responsible for their brand’s trajectory.

The biggest highlight of your solo career so far?

Being the first woman of colour to sing the welcoming National Anthem at the New Zealand Rugby match in front of like 50,000 people.

That collaboration you would really still love to do?

With Rihanna, Adele, Beyonce, Drake, Wizkid, it would be magic.

Do you still get nervous before a performance?

Yes, and I think it shows I still care.

What are you focusing on next?

Next I am focusing on building my foundation and my entrepreneurial ventures while continuing to build the brand Mariechan in the industry, it’s an exciting period of my career.

Fame or fortune? Select one…

Fortune, this way I can build a legacy for others, not just for me.

Follow Mariechan!

Instagram: @mariechanl

Twitter: @MariechanL

Facebook: Marichan Luiters

 

–Bridgette Makhela

Cassper Nyovest On Opening For Nicki Minaj, Family Tree Media And Refiloe Album

Refiloe Maele Phoolo, Musician

How has the Refiloe album been doing so far?
Refiloe is doing very well. We’ve already went platinum with the album, and now we are just focusing on putting out more singles.

Must be super exciting being the opening act for Nicki Minaj in South Africa, got anything special planned for the shows?
Yes, most definitely, it’s exciting! We are just trying to outdo ourselves with every performance.

Fans are already loving your Malome single, how was it like working the Mahotella Queens?
It was a very special moment. It was very humbling and also informative, as they shared a lot of stories and decades of knowledge. It was priceless.

How do you plan to grow and move your Family Tree label forward?
Music, music and more music. Our roster consists of myself, Nadia Nakai, Tshego and Gemini. Each artist is unique in what they do, which makes it exciting for the label. We just want create more platforms and opportunities for our artists to be seen and heard.

Is everyday in the life of Cassper different?
Indeed.

What are you afraid of in life?
Not being able to reach my full potential.

Any more exciting collaborations your fans can look forward to?
Yes, always. Yesterday, Tshego just released a song titled ‘Tell Em Say’ featuring myself, Gemini Major and Nasty C. There’s another huge remix on the way. I’m excited for people to hear it.

Who truly knows you?
My mother and my best friend, Carpo.

One thing that pushes you to stay in the game everyday?
The love that I have for what I do. The hunger to reach more people; to touch them and make a difference in their lives with my music.

 

Follow Cassper!

Instagram: @casspernyovest

Twitter: @CassperNyovest

Facebook: Cassper Nyovest

 

–Bridgette Makhela

Nicki Minaj Promoter David Airey On What To Expect, SA Shows

David Airey (right on image)
Director & co-founder of Airey Scott Entertainment

What can Nicki Minaj fans expect from her forthcoming shows in South Africa next month?
Fans will be blown away; they can definitely expect superb, extravagant shows. Nicki Minaj brings so much to the table and she’s over the top! Fans will not be bored at all; we expect her production to be amazing too.

Bringing Nicki Minaj to South Africa for three shows (Johannesburg/Durban/Cape Town), will Airey Scott deliver it’s best?
We expect the shows to be superb, excellent and fantastically executed. This is just another awesome chance to grow the company and it’s reputation within the live events industry. Nicki Minaj is at the top of her game right now, she has never been to South Africa before (which is a plus for our company). All her albums have been extremely successful so far, so fans can expect her performance to be a combination of all her albums. This is a global PinkPrint tour so we’re pretty sure she will perform all the favourites.

Having brought us Kendrick Lamar, 2 Chainz, Jill Scott and now Nicki Minaj, your list just keeps growing right?!
Yes! All the artists have delivered their extreme best at the various shows, Kendrick was amazing, and his energy was amazing too! It was a special time for him at each city as he did not expect such an electrifying response from his South African fans. Each artist was unique in their own right, yet they all undoubtedly delivered great shows.

What will be so special about this show that the previous artists didn’t deliver, what will be so different about this particular PinkPrint tour?
Nicki Minaj is a stage performer; fans can expect to have an awesome time!…From her stage outfits, head pieces, props, etc. She is an influential Hip-Hop artist, while also being a Pop artist at the same time.

Are you hoping for sold out shows? Have tickets been selling fast?
We expect all three shows to be sold out; ticket sales have been going really well and selling quick! Tickets are available at TicketPro (http://www.ticketpros.co.za).

Follow Airey Scott Entertainment, keep updated!

Instagram: @aireyscott

Twitter: @AireyScott

Facebook: Airey Scott

Website: http://www.aireyscott.co.za

 

–Bridgette Makhela