Refilwe Matabane On Her DJ Title, Music And What Sets Her Apart

Shika Refilwe Matabane aka Fif_laaa / 24 / Account Manager, Strategist & DJ

How did you get into DJ’ing?

I have always loved music for as long as my memory serves me. During my recovery, after being diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety, I wanted to find something that would be my personal therapy. I then decided to attend Pussy Party workshops at Kitcheners once a week and my journey literally began there.

What genre do you play?

I play underground and old school Hip-Hop. Occasionally, I play old school House music too. I also play a lot of alternative Rap and Pop. It depends on my mood or the event I have been booked for.

Biggest platform you’ve been given to play at so far?

So far, I have played at Tshwanefontein. I was also been given the opportunity to play for Budweiser at BudX The Rhythm hosted by Punk Mbedzi.

Congratulations on AfroPunk Joburg, anything exciting you’ve got planned for that?

Thank you! Right now I am planning a lot around it – so branding, visuals etc. WE GOING BIG! I just shouldn’t lose focus on putting the perfect set together, I genuinely want it to be memorable.

What do you believe sets you apart from other DJs?

I wouldn’t say that there’s much that sets me apart, however, I do try and alternate between genres as often as I can so that I don’t sound redundant. As a woman, I think I’ve taken advantage of being known for the old school music I play, considering how young I am (I have the older peeps in my family to thank for this taste and knowledge).

Top 3 items you never leave the house without?

My normal headphones, lipstick and my phone. Even when I’m on the move, there has to be music playing.

What do you love about music?

Besides many other things, it truly is a healing component. It’s spiritual and has the power to influence ANYTHING. It carries so much inspiration, emotion and variety.

Plans for the rest of 2019?

I’d like to travel more. Get more major gigs and secure more deals that align with my brand which I am currently building.

Where can people hear your dope sets and what are you social media handles?

I play almost everywhere in Johannesburg, hopefully some international gigs will be secured in the near future too.

Follow me:

Instagram: @fif_laaa

Twitter: @Fif_laaa

Facebook: Fif_laaa – DJ

 

–Bridgette Makhela

WurlD On New EP, Contagious Single And Being Human First

Nigerian-American Singer and Songwriter, WurlD (real name Sadiq Onifade), recently visited South Africa for the first time, giving an amazing musical showcase at the Universal Music Group South Africa head offices in Rosebank, Johannesburg. #BKoolMedia got to sit down with him following his showcase, this is what he had to say…

First and foremost, why South Africa to showcase your music?

South Africa represents the future for Africa, it is an amazing country. What Mandela has done is truly inspirational, and it takes a village to continue that good work. I have a song called Mother’s Prayer with a line that actually says “When I was young, I dreamt of being Mandela”. I’ve never been to South Africa, this is my first time but I am a fan of the growth.

What’s the EP about?

My EP is titled Contagious and it is a universal conversation. It’s Africa, it’s the US, it’s London. It’s free music. My only hope for the project is to touch as many lives as possible and I can’t wait to share it, it has different colours to it.

Time spent between Nigeria and America, how did that come to be?

Most of my childhood was spent in Nigeria, I went to high school in Nigeria and went to college in America, Atlanta. I actually have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and a Master’s Degree in Information Technology.

Music has always been a part of me, in my spare time after school I used to go and take part in talent shows and go to studios in Atlanta. Atlanta has always been a hub for Hip-Hop and R&B music. I’ve found myself in the midst of really talented people. I have however, had to work five times harder because I’m African, people would always have a perception of how my music is supposed to sound.

What’s Contagious about?

Contagious is me going back to my childhood, being inspired by Juju, Fuji and Afro Beats music, the kind of music my parents would listen to while I sat in the backseat of their car.

Any South African artists you’d be keen to collaborate with?

I’d love to collaborate with Shekhinah, she’s dope. Nasty C is dope as well, I love what he represents for the youth and the kids. I also love what artists such as Black Coffee are doing, it’ gonna touch hearts.

Before the end of the year, I’ll be releasing the Contagious EP. I’m also doing a lot of collaborations with different artists. It’s a beautiful time to be African, the rest of the world is watching.

It’s Women’s Month at the moment in South Africa, anything you’d like to share about women?

Happy Women’s Month by the way, it should be an everyday thing actually. I’m so inspired by women that are doing amazing things in various fields. I have an amazing mother and sisters so I know what women are capable of, I mean I’ve met so many women killing it in fields are mainly male-dominated.

Any big names you’ve worked with?

 I’ve worked with a lot of producers and artists. Names such as Akon, B.O.B, Timabaland and Trinidad James to name a few, I’ve also written for some successful artists. I worked with them as a songwriter and as an artist as well. And there’s still so much more to come.

Follow WurlD!

Instagram: @thisiswurld

Twitter: @thisisWurlD

Facebook: WurlD

 

–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

Shelton Forbez Releases Smoke Music Video

Why the name Smoke for your song?

The song was inspired by the feeling of intoxication and “Smoke” just sounds cooler than “Drink”.

How did you come up with the concept for the music video?

I followed the feeling of the song and how it made meed feel. I wanted to visually bring it to life, hence the trippy parts, the smoke and colour palettes.

Where was the music video shot?

The video was shot at my house.

How much work goes into putting a music video such as this together?

I have a team I work with so we pay for everyone’s service as apposed to paying a production company, then we create and direct it independently, so in my case it was very affordable.

Can we look forward to any more releases from Shelton in 2017?

Yes! I am releasing my first collective project (Mixtape) titled ‘New Season’.

Anyone you’d like to collaborate with?

At this point I am much more interested in collaborating with producers as it allows my sound to broaden but still keep my style of music.

Any current or upcoming projects you’re busy with?

I am busy with my music platform for aspiring artists, ‘New Melody’, as well as my training academy ‘Mzansi Shapers’, more business moves this year.

 

Urban R&B artist Shelton Forbez has officially kick-started 2017 with the release of the smoldering SMOKE music video – a Wichi 1080 musically directed single.

Watch the SMOKE music video, now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGUSgxJ-fhI

On the theme behind the self-produced video, the artist candidly shares how it was inspired by a night out with an ex. “I wanted to attach to the feeling the song gives you, and all the trippy effects associates with intoxication,” says Shelton Forbez.

Smoke is his latest offering, following the success of the debut single Butterfly (featuring Thaiwanda), which introduced fans to his melodious side, adding to the TV presenting, acting and choreography.

2017 will see Shelton Forbez embark on a series of tours to connect with the fan-base, nationwide. “The overall response has been really cool! I’m excited to be going forward, promoting my music. I’m at a point where I’m really taking my time in putting out quality work, and it’s now starting to pay off,” says the musician.

Follow Shelton!

Twitter: @SheltonForbez

Facebook: Shelton Forbez

Instagram: SheltonForbez

YouTube: Shelton Forbez

 

–Bridgette Makhela

DJ Kinetic On Music And His Career Path

Thabo Damari aka Kinetic / 25 / House DJ & Producer / OB Engineer at YFM 99.2 & MD of Pro Tech Events & Entertainment

Why the DJ route?

As cliché as it may sound, I never chose “it” but “it” chose me. From as early as 7 years I had already started collecting music on tapes. I was 9 years old when I first saw a DJ mixing on turn tables, I can still remember how fascinated I was. I knew then where my path would lead, and I have never looked back.

Motivation…What does it mean to you?

It means never looking to others for validation, but rather remembering why you started in the first place and never losing sight of YOUR goal.

What does music mean to your craft?

Music is my craft, so with that being said I can only explain it as…Without music the word craft is meaningless to me. Music features in every aspect of my life, from the work I do as a Sound Engineer, to the business I run.

That one moment you always dream of reaching?

Being able to make timeless music that will one day be looked upon by future generations as revolutionary.

How do you prepare for a gig you’re meant to play at?

It always starts with the music. I prepare my sets depending on the kind of event, venue and crowd. I then prepare my outfit because I will be presenting myself to people, and people always need to have a visual reference (put a face to the name so to speak) and I want that reference to be a good one. Lastly, I have a home cooked meal (whenever possible) before I leave the house.

Money or love?

I get money doing what I love. Does that answer your question?

Are you happy with where you are in your life right now?

I cannot say I am happy, but I can say I am content. I still have lots to achieve and as long as GOD keeps me on this earth I will soldier on.

That one song that is timeless to your ears?

It has to be Planet Noir – Children Of The Ghetto from the Mekonko compilation mixed by the legend Khabzela in the year 2000.

What do you think of the industry you work in?

I never have a clear answer to this question because I become too subjective. My answer is always influenced by personal experiences which in most cases have not been to my liking. I do however try my best to shy away from all the negativity and focus my energy on building myself and those around me. This industry is what you make of it and I choose to run my own race despite the many challenges.

Follow Kinetic!

Instagram: Kinetic_SA

Twitter: @kinetic_err

Facebook: KineticSA

Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/kineticsa

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

 

 

Locnville Twins On Grapevine Single And The Music Industry

Locnville

Brian & Andrew

 

Why did you guys decide on the name Locnville?

It is a name that represents both our American and South African roots.

Who is older? Lol…Andrew or Brian?

Brian is older by nine minutes, and a tiny bit taller.

How is the Grapevine single doing?

Amazingly well! We entered the charts at forty five and are currently at twelve after just a few days. This is all without traditional media and radio spin as of yet, which is quite something. 

Favourite South African artist you have worked with? 

There are a few we get along with really well, but in terms of actual friendship, probably Chad Da Don. 

Any new music projects that fans can look forward to soon?

Plenty. We have a bunch of singles lined up before the release of our fifth studio album, which will be coming out mid 2016 so look out for that.

Was the dream to always make music?

We’d be lying if we said no. That’s never been a question for us. 

Any special ladies in your lives?

Currently, no. 

What’s the secret to your consistency?

A fine question. We’ve found we can be a bit all over the place musically, so we appreciate that. We think it’s about knowing what your sound is and what it is that people ultimately want from you.

Any fellow musicians you look up to within the industry?

Plenty. People like Diplo are inspiring because he also produces his own stuff in a unique yet Pop manner, which is kind of what we do. 

Dogs or cats?

Cats, unless we’re talking about puppies. 

Follow Locnville!

Instagram: @locnville_

Twitter: @Locnville

Facebook: Locnville

 

–Bridgette Makhela