ASA On New Music, Touring Africa And How She Got Discovered

ASA /  Singer, Songwriter & Musician  

 

You’ve recently had a busy time touring South Africa and Namibia, how do you prepare your performances for set shows? 

I warm up two hours before the show, then stay totally quiet for fifteen minutes before show time to visualize myself on stage.

Africa loves you, do you believe your music speak to fans beyond the continent?

Yes it does speak to fans beyond the continent.

How does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day for me is waking up at 5:30am, reading for two hours, then having coffee with Oma (my dog) next to me. Work out and then write in the studio until 3pm, then do some riding, painting, chatting or watch movies, it all depends on my mood. 

Your latest single, The Beginning, what’s the message there?

It is about pausing in life, in love and however the words speak to you. I don’t really like interpreting songs, as they mean different things to the listener. 

How did you get into the music industry?  

I had been writing songs and performing before I traveled to Paris. I got discovered by an Artist & Repertoire in Paris while performing and then got signed.

Anything exciting coming up that fans can expect from you?

I have just released ‘The Beginning’, the first single from my fourth studio album, which will be released in September.

 

What have you learnt from your journey in the industry so far? 

Always have the right and truthful people around you, it helps keep you grounded. 

Your advice to the young female out there inspired by you?

Be YOU! Never let anyone tell you what your story should be.  

Follow ASA!

Instagram: @asaofficial

Twitter: @Asa_official

Facebook: @asaofficial

–Bridgette Makhela 

All Praise To The Ghost: Sabelo Ncube On New Single ‘Ncube’ And Being An All-Round Artist

Sabelo Ncube / 31 / Musician, Performing Artist, Songwriter, Composer & Producer

You’ve just recently released your new single titled ‘Ncube’, how’s the response so far?

The response has been great, people have been waiting for this to drop so it’s a relief to see it so well received.

Any inspiration behind Ncube?

I am Ncube, so it’s inspired by my character, heritage and my family. I am a proud South African and I wanted that to resonate through this song.

When did you find your way into the rap game?

I started rapping in primary school and have been writing songs since I was 8. But I can say I’ve dedicated the past 5 years of my life solely to music.

As an artist, how do you put your body of work together and who would you like it to speak to?

Well music is vast and there are many genres. I like to capture an idea first and then break down all the things that make the idea what it is. So I do a lot of research, coupled with introspection and hope that somewhere in the balance, people will relate to the sound. I genuinely hope that my work speaks to anyone who loves music.

Why the name Ghost?

The name was given to me by my friends because I lived between Port Elizabth and Johannesburg and would sporadically appear and vanish on any given weekend. They started calling me “Los the lost Ghost from the East Coast and the West Coast”, clearly this wouldn’t work as a rap alias, so I shortened it to Ghost.

Have a specific favourite track from all the music you’ve released so far?

Hands down has to be my latest single Ncube.

Something people don’t know about you?

Lol. I’m not into clubs and crowds. I know, it’s weird for an artist.

Studio or live perfomances? Have a preference or are you in tune with both?

I absolutely love to create. That’s my zone. I’ve always said that I’m a studio artist because of my ability to relax and deliver on ANY mandate. But once that’s done, there’s nothing that beats the exhilaration of standing in front of  audiences and showcasing my art. So both. Haha.

The game plan for Ghost and music going forward?

To put it basically, The plan is to expose the world to an authentic South African artist, with a no-nonsense attitude to creating great music.

Follow Ghost!

Instagram: @papa.ghost

Twitter: @GHOSTGXNG

Facebook: Ghosty Ncube

Music Download Links:

https://itunes.apple.com/za/album/ncube-single/1406165349

https://play.google.com/music/m/Bxptyvaf7wlxa3l6h2mq5jgc2g4?t=Ncube_-_Ghost

–Bridgette Makhela

Tellaman On His New Single, South African Artists And His Dream For 2017

Thelumusa Samuel Owen aka Tellaman / 25 / Singer, Songwriter & Producer

When can you say you made a recognizable mark in the music industry?

2016 was the year for me. A lot of people started recognizing Tellaman as a musician then. I released a mixtape titled ‘Mind vs Heart’ and I was featured on Dj Speedsta’s hit single titled ‘Mayo’, which was one of the biggest songs of 2016. I was also a part of the most anticipated album of 2016 titled ‘Bad Hair’ by Nasty C.

Was this always the path you wanted in life?

No it was not. I had other interests when I was younger, such as playing soccer. I was introduced to music by a friend who was making beats, I used to watch him work all the time. I then started making beats as well; eventually I realized my love for making music. I then decided to pursue it as a career.

Why the name Tellaman?

Tellaman is a nickname that was given to me by my friends, it comes from my real name Thelumusa. I decided to stick with it because a lot of people know it and it carries so many memories.

Your new single ‘Dandy’, how is it being received so far?

The response has been really amazing, I can’t even put it into words. I really appreciate the love and support my people are giving me, I am grateful.

Do you have a favourite project that you’ve worked on so far?

Yes, ‘Lucid Dream’ is my favourite project so far. I think I have grown as a musician and that’s always been the motive.

Your dream for 2017?

To see my family and I doing great, and that is not just my dream for this year; it’s just my all-time dream.

What’s the one thing you wish you could change about South African artists?

I wish we’d stop releasing bad quality music. Mixing and mastering is as good as making the song.

Music or Money?

Music, because when you make good music, the money follows.

Any more dope music from you coming soon?

Yes! New collaborations are coming soon. I really cannot wait for you guys to hear it.

 

Follow Tellaman!

Instagram: @real_tellaman

Twitter: @Real_Tellaman

Facebook: Real Tellaman

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

Shane Eagle On Vuzu, His Music And The Special Lady In His Life

Shane Patrick Hughes

19

Rapper/ Musician and TV Personality

What kind of a guy is Shane?

Really humble and confident, generally very easy going and patient. I’m extremely ambitious and 100% focused on my path and career in the entertainment industry. I value important things/people in my life; I’m not a superficial person.

What’s the next move after the success of your Way Up song?

Well I’ve just landed a spot on Vuzu TV as one of the new presenters. This does not mean I’ve comprised my music though, I have a few singles which are yet to be released and currently dedicating a lot of my time to an E.P. which is aimed to release soon.

Would you say Vuzu’s The Hustle put you on in a major way?

Absolutely, and I’m forever grateful. If I had not been on The Hustle, I really think it might have taken me twice as long to get where I’m at now. As a result, it has definitely opened a lot of doors for me.

The rap scene is an unpredictable one; would you say you have the staying power to continuously reinvent your brand?

Yes. Longevity is very important to me. A lot of the time, you have to conform to current trends in music in order to remain relevant with a specific era. Those trends however may not be a true reflection of your personal interests or artistic genius. I therefore think it is important that, once you get the attention of people, to then reinvent yourself according to what YOU want to do so that your brand does become more diverse. Essentially, I plan on creating music which will resonate with people for years to come, as opposed to creating something which is easily forgotten.

Any special lady in your life?

Yes, there has been one special lady in my life for 6 years.

Timbs or Air Max’s?

Timbs for sure.

What other avenues in the industry would you like to start exploring?

I’d definitely like to go more into modeling, specifically in the health and fitness department. Other than that, I’m open to any opportunity that presents itself which does not interfere with my music.

What can your fans/followers expect from you this year?

GREATNESS.

 

Follow Shane!

Instagram: @shane_eagle

Twitter: @Shane_Eagle

Facebook: Shane Eagle

 

–Bridgette Makhela