Jucy Africa

Award winning Hip Hop group shot a video for their latest single off their 2012 release album “Number Number” called “Paradise” last Saturday. We caught up with one of the members, K.O for a quick chat about the shoot.

Jucy Africa – What made you decide to work with Toya on this track?

K.O – Toya is fresh and has really made a name for herself.

It was a chance collaborate with a new person and create a new relationship with a fellow peer.

Also the association of both strong brands will open some doors in each other’s markets and possible create some great opportunities

JA – What makes this music video different or unique from what we’ve seen before?

K.O – We used a new production company that we have never used before and that in itself creates a different aesthetic from the stuff we have seen before.

Molotov Cocktail have done some great videos and they are great at delivering concepts form ideas to actual.

Creatively this video is more conceptual from what we have done before because we wanted to present ourselves in a different way.

JA – What was it like working on set of this vid?

K.O – It was amazing, Molotov was so professional and everyone was on time

The hours ran from 3pm to about 3am but it was about putting in the necessary hours to achieve a quality product

Besides it being cold it was great vibe and it was cool to work outdoors as well.

“Paradise features 2013 SAMA winner, Toya Delazy.  The track “Paradise” is a very inspirational feel good track. The lyrics and the over all theme of the song speak of “getting by”, and being hopeful in otherwise difficult circumstances, the ultimate goal is to reach a state of paradise. Expect to see the video soon on your favorite music shows. All artists will be dressed in very dramatic attire, much like the Gladiator clothing, but with a modern twist. The video does not have a running narrative, but rather an underlying theme, of living in a state of hell, and slowly moving towards paradise.

By: Just Denis (@denphat)

Radio Presenter, House and Club DJ and new health enthusiast Sikhululo Maliwa known to many as Lulo Cafe remains one of the most sought after DJs and remarkable eligible bachelor. Besides making new music and being that guy on most ladies’ fantasies, he is a father to his only son Sazi. We caught up with hear him gush about the most important person in his life

You are a father to Sazi. What is the biggest challenge in being a young father?

Lulo Cafe: In my case being a young father, it’s being in entertainment and working odd hours. Me and his mother are not together that’s also a challenge, but I’m somehow grateful for the person that she is and how we manage to make it work. In all honesty, not all men separated from their baby mamas are in good terms with them get to have great relationships with their children. Props to her for not being bitter or vengeful. She is doing a great job in raising our son. I’m always with him, during the week we do things together, I pick up from school, we hang out together. It’s not always easy.

What are the biggest life lessons Sazi has taught you?

Lulo Cafe: So much!! when he was born, we struggled to keep it together, we were both young first time parents. He taught me that being at peace doesn’t require external influences you have to find it within you. That’s what he is peaceful, he is the one who pulled together both families, even with my separation with his mother, he was calm. He reminded me so much of what I used to be, he brought me back to myself.

Would you like to have more children?

Lulo Cafe: (smiles) Yes, I’d love to have one more. I’m not sure I’d want it to be a girl though…I’m too soft when it comes to women, she’d probably get whatever she wants…but we’ll see hey. (chuckles)

What are your dreams for your son?

Lulo Cafe: I hope he doesn’t get to make the same mistakes as me, not to say he won’t make mistakes but I want to be who and what he wants to be freely and that he pursues his dreams and explores his passions. There are people working as doctors and lawyers but miserable at their jobs. I’ll teach him the basics of life and encourage him to be happy with himself.

With that said, would you encourage him to pursue a music career?

Lulo Cafe: Well, if that’s what he wants yes. I would be there to help him with that, it’s what I know. Even if he were to go for something else it is my duty as a parent to do my research on that subject and be of help to him. I will support him in everything he wants to be.

How do you deal with your overzealous fans?

Lulo Cafe: ha ha ha!!! On twitter I try to respond to everyone who tweets me or wants my attention. At clubs you get those that throw themselves at you…in all honesty though, I love my fans I know they mean well. Some need the line drawn though. I’m not a mean person and If it means I have to be mean I’d rather not say a word.

You are working on your new offering Soul Africa. Please tell us about that.

Lulo Cafe: When Soul Candi was celebrating their 10th year anniversary I collaborated with Wanda Baloyi and that gave birth to the album. She sang in Portugese and that made want to explore what Africa is all about, and especially South Africa, to showcase how soulful we are. Soul Africa made sense, I contacted a few people some from Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria and some artists from South Africa. It’s been a hectic journey but I have been working with incredible people like Moneoa and Donald, Themba January and Model lady by the name Zia. I have these people from different spaces, bringing them into my world.

It’s due for release by mid July, which in South African terms is August. There will be house tracks, there won’t be house tracks, I’m just exploring my musical self. I want to introduce the crowd to a different sound a whole new kind of me.

Is it a continuation of your work or you are taking a completely different route with this album?

Lulo Cafe: It is a continuation of my work. I’m now more aware of my music and the direction I want to take with it. It won’t be DJ mixed and it will be one song after another. It even has interludes…a proper album.

What have been your career highlights?

Lulo Cafe: Everything that happens to me now, it’s all so surreal. I never thought I’d be the front line guy in the music industry, I know though I had always wanted to be the go-to guy. I wanted to help people, just be in the business and not necessarily the front guy and with Audiogasm I’m getting to where I want to be.

….and the challenges?

Lulo Cafe: Whew!! This industry is hard work, very challenging. One need to figure it all out because there is so much that is happening. When you are outside you really won’t know much about it, I know people who have been disappointed and broken by the industry. There are certain monopolies and I never wanted to be under anyone’s wing. I am my own man and that is also visible in how I market myself. A lot of people belong to crews and I have my way of doing things which at times poses as a challenge on its’ own. After a gig, I’ll want to meet and greet my fans and take photos and not be dictated to on when I should and shouldn’t go.

Your star is shining even brighter. How do you stay so grounded?

Lulo Cafe: As cliched as it may sound really, this all work for me. Media is what it is, media and I’m not a super social person. I try to stay as far away as from spaces that have nothing to do with me. I try and guard myself., I hardly go out when not working. I also avoid interviews that are not in line with my work or who I am. I want to keep my life to myself as much as I can. Being out there, doing every other interview is somehow uncomfortable for me, I have tried it, its’ not me. There are people who do so well at these things, I’m a fan of some and I watch them on TV, I want to know what’s happening in their lives but for me the celebrity life is a bit overwhelming.

Now  fill us in on your health venture….

Lulo Cafe: I have a business partner who is a medical doctor Tshidi Gule, she loves house music. We spoke about starting this business and being in this business I took advantage of the opportunity and knowing the type of influence the industry commands. I am part of her Medispace wellness center and in the same building I opened a gym In Motion Studio in Rivonia. The facility has a very health centered approach with physiotherapists. It enables one to get checked and know about their health and embrace it. We want to add playful elements to it, activities like hiking and fun walks for our people. The reception has been great, we have people like Tumisho Masha going there. I am still learning about it and grasping all these medical terms.

Now you are under pressure to live a healthy lifestyle….are we also likely to see you pose topless?

Lulo Cafe: ha ha ha! I have to lead by example, healthy living all the way…as for the topless situation…very unlikely. The point is not to be buff and insanely muscular but to be healthy and comfortable in your body.

When are you getting married?

Lulo Cafe: ha ha ha ha!! whew! I don’t know….maybe when I’m with the right person…..marriage should happen for the right reasons and when it happens it will happen…you never know I could just get married next week. (chuckles)

Happy Fathers Day Lulo Cafe, thank you for being awesome and hanging out with us!

@LuloCafe www.lulocafe.com

By: Bonnie Meslane @BonnieMes

Make up: Mina Shembe @Minaashe

Photography: Lebo Len

Many thanks to Sheryl Manchisi for the beautiful location.

DJ Black Coffee is an award winning, internationally acclaimed DJ and producer one of South Africa’s greatest musical asset. This quiet and stylish beat maker is also a husband and a father. Jucy Africa had a chat with him and his teenage son Esona in celebration of Father’s Day. This is what he says:

Tell us about yourself…

BC: I am the biggest music fan. Before making music I was a music fan. I started out recording songs as a young boy. Music has always been a huge part of my life.

Who are your musical influences?

BC: I have plenty…I can’t name one and leave out others. My influences are varied from those we consider legends to the youngsters making good music. I admire the young and the old. I listen to all types of music and decide on what to incorporate into my music.

You have enjoyed great success as a DJ, Producer and with your Africa Rising offering and concert. What’s next for Black Coffee?

BC: I am planning on taking the show around the country, hopefully we will get great sponsors and take it to the people. There is an inspiring story behind Africa Rising and we would love to share that musical story with the people. I am also focusing now on building the stable Soulistic Music. I am not really rushing into making another album but rather on the artists on the stable. We are releasing a couple of albums this year. I don’t know when I will be releasing my next offering, maybe 2 or 3 years. Also with Africa Rising it’s not just me but a whole lot of people including the artists I work with.

Are we likely to see Africa Rising touring the rest of Africa?

BC: We would love to see that happen, so far we have been getting enquiries for shows and to have it air in some TV stations around Africa. France and Switzerland have also made enquiries regarding some festivals. Hopefully something comes out of those and that we get to take it to the world. It’s nice to see the great reception from people from all walks of life.

Now let’s talk about Black Coffee the father. How do they refer to you at home, do they call you dad?

BC: (chuckles) they call me dad but the young one calls me so many names. Sometimes he calls me by my name which is a bit weird.

What are the biggest challenges of being a father in entertainment?

BC: The traveling is the biggest challenge. I’m always traveling and many times when I am at home I’m too exhausted. I always try and make time and be involved with my family. I fetch the kids from school when I can, when I can’t I will always call their mother to help out.

What are some of the biggest lessons your children have taught you?

BC: Whew! They have taught me so much and without having to say much they remind me of how important family is. For a while I was concentrating much on my work but priorities change and now I know I have to work for them. My family comes first and everything else second and there is also the greatest feeling at being at home with your loved ones. I remember last year around Esona’s birthday, I had to play in Newcastle on the Friday, on Saturday we had to go to his hockey game. We went down to where I was to play and drove back together on the Saturday to be with him, I had to leave again for a gig in Nelspruit and after all that I realized that I should get my priorities right especially as far as my family is concerned. I made a conscious decision that on the important dates in my family that I am available and not playing, I had to instruct the office as well to know that. No bookings on those important dates.

That’s great. So would you like to have more children?

BC: Ha ha ha!!! Yes one more….we want to have a girl. In that house are a lot of boys now…a little girl would be nice.

 What can you say about the scourge of absent fathers in our country?

BC: To the guys not present in their children’s lives they are missing out on so much. Fatherhood is a great thing and conversations with these little people are always refreshing. How they think is special and a relationship with your kids is the most fulfilling thing ever.

What are your dreams for your children?

BC: I hope they grow to be happy with their choices and do what they feel is necessary for them. I don’t want to put my kids under unnecessary pressure and I don’t want them mentioning my name to get ahead. They have to work as hard and earn their success without using their dad. I will support them in all they want to do and be.

When you go out with your family and  fans ask for photos and autographs, how do you deal with that?

BC: I am strict, especially when I am with my kids. I assess situations though because I know my fans mean well but at the same time I have to be a family man. Some people don’t take it well that I have to refuse them much attention but sometimes I have to draw the line.

Now Esona, what is the coolest thing about having Black Coffee as your dad?

Esona: He’s stylish!! I can talk to him about anything, anything I feel like sharing with him. He is easy to talk to.

BC: Part of the reason he says I’m stylish is because I always bring him stuff he likes and that looks good on him.

Esona: Yes that too, I mean I’ll like something but never be sure about it but he gets me, he always brings me the best and coolest things. I don’t even have to tell him what I want, he just gets it right.

Nathi, you are really stylish! What inspires your dress sense?

BC: Me?? ha ha ha!! Thank you! I have always had an idea of how I wanted to dress and look like. I would look at certain guys and be like “that’s the look I want”. I have learned early that style is not just rocking up at an awards show in a suit and tie but an everyday thing, from the socks you wear when no one is watching, your underwear- everything!! It goes a long way…it shouldn’t be about dressing to impress. I am currently working on something (fashion line) with the family.

You are married to a beautiful lady Mbali, how do you deal with the intense female attention you are still getting ?

BC: (chuckles) whew! For a while I have been out there, from the year 2005 when my solo album came out, now it’s 2013…I have done everything any young guy has done or would want to do. In every corner of the world I went to it was fun but I had to grow and realized that I had had my fun but now this is much better. It’s a struggle every weekend, every other day but I know I have to look at the bigger picture and that means my wife over everything.

Back to you Esona, would you ever consider a career in music like your dad?

Esona: ha ha…I doubt it….

BC: He has recorded a song, he sings and he raps. (laughs)

Esona: If I would pursue music I don’t think I would want to do the same genre as him. I wouldn’t be as good.

BC: I was actually asking him why he stopped singing because his singing voice is quite good. I also think it’s not necessarily about having to do music full time. I know many people with day jobs yet doing music, people like Bantu Soul. Esona has featured on the song We Are One, we sang together. That inspired Louis Vega to do the same in the remix featuring his wife and kid.

 What is the highlight of your career?

BC: Africa Rising definitely!! From conceptualizing it, staging the show,the orchestra, the DVD, I doubt I will ever get used to it.

…and the challenges?

BC: Just like any other industry, one has to stay on top of their game and keep reinventing themselves. You always want to keep up, be on par with the world. Fortunately I travel a lot, I am always exposed to new things.

What’s your idea of fun?

BC: (Looks at Esona and laughs) Pro-evolution. For a while I was the champ at home but he has now taken over. My life is on the streets, my work so any chance I get is spent with these people. I’d rather be home.

 Esona what do you want to say to your dad?

Esona: Thank you Dad for all the support, for everything and for taking me to a great school. Happy Father’s day!

Happy Fathers’ day DJ Black Coffee, thank you for gracing us with your presence.

@RealBlackCoffee

By: Bonnie Meslane (too awesome a lady)@BonnieMes

Make Up: Mina Shembe @Minaashe

Photography: Lebo Len

Thank you Ms Sheryl Manchisi for the location.

For the music segment this week we decided to bring you a story about a genre thats flourishing in the country next door.

What was going on in Mozambique, which at the time seemed more remote than South Africa – at least we got to hear anti-apartheid music from South Africa? A civil war, unfortunately (1977 – 1992). Were we even aware of this? Some must have been, no doubt; they were pre-internet days, but news of important events were always reported in the papers, for those who bothered to read the news. Without meaning to sound flippant, could Metal have found an audience in Mozambique in such circumstances? No way of knowing, but it’s not that bizarre a thought. After all, over in Angola, Metal did provide a means to process the violence and aggression witnessed during that country’s civil war (1975 – 2002)

Metal in Maputo started with the rich kids, whose families could afford internet access and computers. (Their families could also afford to buy them instruments and amps.) The kids I film don’t all have computers. Some build their own. But they go to school and all have Facebook pages. Facebook is where most of them first heard Metal, how they share it and how they continue to communicate with each other. I think that the more young people in Africa, and India and China, for that matter, gain access to the internet, the more original Metal you’ll see coming out of these countries. Kids like Metal.

The Mozambican kids think of Metal as American music, so most of the bands sing and write in English as well as Portuguese. It depends on the language skills of the musicians. (They hated that I called the film “Terra Pesada,” because to them it didn’t sound Metal. They thought it should have an American name. I told them “terra” sounds like “terror,” and then they were ok with it.) They will often do a verse in Portuguese, then a verse in English, or sometimes do a song in English, another time in Portuguese. And as I said, they’re now adding Xangana to the mix. There aren’t enough bands to have two camps, as you put it. The band OVNI sings and writes in both English and Portuguese and has what I guess could be called a generic Metal sound, though I think they’re better. I think that a couple of the Mozambican bands are good enough to play anywhere.

Peace has given this generation of Mozambicans the luxury of being what we might call disaffected youth. They can rebel and play Metal.

The driver of Metal in Mozambique is the music. They like the music. Some of their lyrics have a political content, but it’s not what drives the music. He doesn’t really mean fight poverty, but he said it and I included it figuring potential donors might want to see a social conscience. (That guy, by the way, has a degree in journalism and is going for another in French.) They can’t fight poverty; they’re powerless. Poverty and HIV/AIDS are industries in Africa, big business. The lyrics might call attention to poverty, but since most of the Metal kids are poor and their audience is poor, it doesn’t really need to be mentioned. They could rap or write poetry or go into politics. None of which could fight poverty anyway. They play Metal. They like the sound of the music. So do I.

 Them are extracts from an interview about a documentary called Terra Pesada that originally appeared on www.thisisafrica.me . Read the full interview here   

The Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Paul Mashatile recently launched the south African Seasons In France 2013 with the announcement that more than 800 South African Artists, academics and sportsmen are set to benefit from the bilateral relations between France and South Africa.This announcement was made at a small gathering in Parktown with various dignitaries like Dr Joseph Phaahla who is the deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, French Ambassador to SA Madame Elisabeth Barbier, Commissioner-General of the France-SA Seasons Bongani Tembe and Laurent Clavel as well the Director General of the Arts and Culture Mr Sibusiso Xaba.

“The South African Seasons will offer the French a glimpse of the cultural scene in South Africa, which is as rich as it is varied” said Mashatile. This will allow our local artists, culture and heritage practitioners a chance to showcase their work to a French audience and allows for collaboration with their counterparts in France.

Between May and December , the French public will be treated to a wide range of over 150 different projects, performances and initiatives across 100 cities in France. Cultural activities will be combined in an array of events in other fields: innovation, science, technology, higher education, business, sports, languages and so much more.

Dr Hugh Masekela and the Ladysmith Black Mambazo are some of the acts expected to be sharing our South African beauty to the French audience. The Eiffel Tower is also to be endowed with the South African flag.

The Season will include 250 dance and theatre performances, 100 musical concerts, 50 movies, 40 residencies, 35 workshops, 30 exhibitions and 150 South African wines will be available for the French to taste.

As we all should know by now, rapper 2 Chainz is coming to SA to watch our horses run the Durban July this year, okay perhaps not the horses but he’ll be entertaining guest that will be in the Miller BoomTown marquee at this years race on Saturday the 6^th of July. The final line-up of acts that will be supporting the US rapper has been annouced and the likes of  5FM’s Euphonik, hip-hop front lady Channel O’s Ms Cosmo, Milkshake, Fix and Rob Forbes will be behind the decks. In addition are industry favourites – DJs Dimplez, Vigilante, Speedsta, Capital and Fanatic. Rappers Reason, AKA and Khulichana will also perform live.

DJ Milkshake

Miller has been partnering with 5FM for the past four years and now Vuzu’s V Entertainment is also expected to broadcast live along with Euphonik’s “Ultimix Weekend Edition”.  I wonder what other marquees will be offering. Limited tickets are still available at Computicket. VVIP costs R2500, VIP is R1600, General Access tickets are R550 and a ticket exclusive to 18-21 year olds at R350 will ensure you don’t miss out. A series of hospitality packages will also be available, for further details visit www.millersa.coza.

AKA

By: Just Denis (@denphat)

The new swanky club in Sandton, Sway hosted one of the massive parties this Sunday. Soulistic Music manager, that behind the scenes guy, Amaru Da Costa celebrated his 20 something birthday in style, with the spot itself filled to capacity.

His music industry friends all came out to play and celebrate his birthday with him. It was also delighting to see his Soulistic Music family out and about showing him love and performing in his honor.

Entertainment galore!DJs Culoe De Song, Speedsta, Black Coffee, Sai&Ribatone, Sphectacular, Fanatic, Capital, Scratch Masta and Chriz Beatz made sure everyone was on their feet breaking a sweat, while Soulstar and Tumelo gave amazing performances. DJ Shimza who was scheduled to play there as well, was stuck in angola and couldn’t make it.

Also spotted at the do were Kaizer Chiefs players Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Siboniso Gaxa and Jimmy Tau. Morgan Gould was also there making some ladies weak on their knees. DJs Lulo Cafe, Major League twins, DJ Warras, Black Motion’s Bongani, Warras, Hip Hop muso Sean Pages, George Avakian,Euphonik and TV personality Bonang Matheba. Soulistic Music first lady Thiwe was there as well gracing her colleague’s party.

The party ended…well for some of us around 4:15 in the morning, in the words of Joburg’s party people “it was buck”! Hot DJs, great crowd, twerking ladies, flowing beverages of all sorts. It was a night to remember and yes the ladies were all too gorgeous…and the boys weren’t bad at all. Amaru should do the right thing and throw yet another one just for control, he sure knows how to party..

More photo’s from the rest of the party:

Blankets & Wine is the premier afro-based picnic styled music festival in East Africa designed to showcase genres of afrocentric music.Every first Sunday of the month, audiences are actively encouraged to drive down to the venue with a Maasai shuka, blanket or kikoys; a picnic chair; some wine; a picnic basket and their preferred company and proceed to share in this music and lifestyle experience.

Started in November 2008, the event has grown steadily to become one of the most highly anticipated music events in Nairobi and beyond. Currently in its fifth year of operation, Blankets & Wine in 2012 ventured into new territories within the wider East Africa region.

Hence, the event incorporates lifestyle brands such as fashion, cuisine and wine to attract its target audience who could understandably resonate with its distinct musical offering. And also afford the seemingly hefty attendance fees charged to keep the organisers in business.Four years down the line, Blankets & Wine has evolved into a must attend event not only for the burgeoning crop of middle class socialites but also the wannabes they attract.

As a result, everyone from corporate executives to young professionals, hustlers, celebrities, partyholics, singletons and what have you wishes to be associated with the event earning it the title of “Nairobi’s most photographed” event. Basically, it’s where anyone who wants to be seen needs to be.

This weekend promises an fantastic line up featuring south African superstar Zahara, Alsara from Sudan with Kenyan musos Dela and Prisca Ojwang also headlining. For the first time ever the festival will also feature a craft fair. If you happen to go have fun and tweet us some pictures!