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

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

Una Rams On His Story So Far, His First Ever Single And His Genre Of Music

Unarine Rambani / 22 / Sonic Artist, Software Engineer, Weird Kid

Tell your story so far…
I’m a kid from a small town called Makwarela in Venda, I’ve always felt that I was destined to be something great! I fell in love with music at a young age, learnt a couple of instruments through being involved in my parents’ church, that laid a foundation for how I understand and create music today. I went from being a Soundcloud kid to hearing my songs play on a couple of radio stations, to TV and now I’m the Venda Pop Star. There’s still so much I want to do, even outside the music, stay tuned!

Thank God for music because?
It literally saved my life, it’s allowed me to be free and express myself. I honestly don’t think I’d be as happy as I am if I didn’t have music. It was a healthy outlet in my varsity years, I believe it kept me sane.

You just recently celebrated your 22nd birthday, any major plans for the year ahead?
I’m releasing an important EP titled ‘Wavy Baby’ very soon. It’s one for the cuddles, head rubs, smiles and tears. I tell a love story without a happy ending because fairy tales are overrated. I have big plans for this project that will be an extension of the music, super excited to see everything come together.

South Africa needs to watch out for you mos def, do you love the attention?
It’s super cool, I used to shy away from it because I’ve always been about keeping to myself but I’m the type of person that wants to positively impact people and see them reach their potential and actually make efforts to chase their dreams. So I’m embracing the popularity (pronounced fame) and using the influence that comes with that to spread a message of positivity, peace and love.

Something not everybody knows, when did you release your first ever single?
Lol, that was way back in Grade 10, I produced the song myself, with a little help from my brother, Tondi Rams (check him out) and recorded over at a friend’s place. I got a thousand downloads on the day I released, which was a pretty big deal back then. I even got to perform the song at the Matric dance that year.

Do you own a journal? In other words, do you write your own material?
I’ve been trying to keep records of all the little thoughts that go through this wild brain. I wasn’t the type to reminisce much but I’m starting to appreciate looking back at who I was and seeing how much I’ve grown. We often get caught up in what’s wrong right now and we forget to be grateful for how far we’ve come, this sort of remedies this. I’ve written all my songs to date and I’m getting to the stage where I’m challenging myself to fully open up and really say how I’m feeling.

How would you describe your genre of music?
I call it human, it’s imperfect in it’s nature and it’s forever evolving. I might be doing this style today but I could easily come back with a new one tomorrow, I’m always trying to reinvent myself and my sound, Growth is key.

Nobody wants a lame squad. Do your friends support you?
My friends have been nothing but amazing. They won’t allow anyone they know to sleep on Una Rams, I’ve gotten voice notes from 6-year olds, videos from parents and even speeches inspired by myself from their friends and families. I really appreciate them, I just wish we could still hang out like the old times (we’ll find time).

Are you in this for the long run, or for the fame?
This is my life and for as long as I’m breathing, this is what I’m going to be doing. I love it with all my heart and God Himself keeps opening new doors for me…it’s not a journey that’s gonna end any time soon.

 

Follow Una Rams!

Instagram: @unarams

Twitter: @UnaRamsWeirdKid

Facebook: Una Rams

 

–Bridgette Makhela