Author: Slyso Admin

on by Slyso Admin

Asanda Mqiki, a true, passionate and versatile “Vocal Explosion”.

An outstanding register, a stage presence other artists can only dream of, a versatility almost unheard of in South Africa as she often spans genres in a single performance with such ease. She is one of those artists it simply is impossible to pin to a single genre. A voice that can be intense like her life depended on it and yet free as the breeze from the shores of the Friendly City, where she hails from. Asanda Mqiki is simply a marvel.

An alumni of Rapp Studios in Port Elizabeth under the tutelage of Brown Nel, it’s only natural that she will merge both her professional and raw ancestral- given talent to create a uniqueness that lands her invitations to the best performance stages both in South Africa and as far as Sweden. With a Gold Ovation award at the National Arts Festival, Eastern Cape MEC Awards and numerous recognitions such as the espAfrika espYoungLegends under her belt, Asanda is one on a lane of her own.

Asanda performed regularly with acapella group The Soil, she was a lead vocalist for Take Note, with whom she released two albums and wowed the South African Joy Of Jazz festival. Mqiki’s first solo album was released to international acclaims, in September 2018. With that body of work, she would be recipient of invitations to more prestigious stages sharing them with the likes of Sibongile Khumalo, Freshly Ground, Khaya Mahlangu Bongeziwe Mabandla and more.

She has been busy exploring her other creative abilities and putting successful projects together, with extensive work in Cape Town. Today (Saturday, 4, Dec, 2021) she shares not only her journey but news on the release of her latest work.

Slyso caught a snippet of one of the singles from the upcoming album and insisted that Asanda features on his Umhlobo Wenene FM radio show, Iqonga Labatsha (#IQL) As carefree as she always is, Asa indulged Slyso and joins him for a chat and that snippet of the single. Catch the interview, tonight on 88-106 Nationwide at 20h15 and news about her upcoming performances, which include the Vocal Explosion Vol.3 at @The One Room, on Westbourne Road, Nelson Mandela Bay on the 11th of December.

 

Asanda Mqiki booking details : mqikia@gmail.com

HOME

on by Slyso Admin

Lulu Harmaans Communications’ launch coincides with her CSI project.

The name Lungiswa Harmaans is synonymous with radio and it was only expected for it to venture into the communications space.

With almost 20 years of radio under her belt, a witty creative whose girl-next-door humour won the hearts of many over the years has not been without challenges. These were touched on during the launch of her company as she described her personal encounters and challenges with abuse. These left some of the patrons at the elegant four star, Port Alfred’s My Pond Hotel sold out event teary at the fact that, this always bubbly personality endured such challenges. Lulu, as she is fondly known the world over, took the beautiful black and gold themed room into her confidence as she laid her heart bare.

Along with her high school friend, Sinawo Jantjie who heads PR & Marketing at Lulu Harmaans Communications as well as Thanduxolo Faltein are the people behind the birth of the company. Sinawo has, amongst others, a qualification in social work while Thanduxolo leads “Men for Change”. One of this particular event’s communication hands were those of none other than Nomfundo Nonzube, owner of “Abafazi Exclusive” based in Makhanda but works throughout the province. The company offers Master of Ceremony (MC) services, facilitation, voiceover work, obituaries recordings, as well as translations throughout the Eastern Cape and SA.

Lulu was flanked by her Umhlobo Wenene FM former colleagues, Mafa Bavuma, Dr Tebelele, Bulelani Koyo, Sizwe “Slyso” Saliso as well as talented musician and friend, Dumza Maswana who delivered equally exceptional.

The message was clear, women can no longer protect their abusers or those of their children while society and their well-being suffers. Lulu described how she would either miss work, due to heavy beatings, wore thick make up to work to hide bruises and how in-between songs, she would sob and quickly compose herself before her next speech-break, burying her pain in the joy she found in radio.

She promised that a book that details her journey and place in female radio royalty and challenges “is in the works”.

The event trickled with Lulu’s playful nature, elegance, tears, hope and positivity lived by each patron, ended with performances by his former colleagues.

My Pond Hotel’s elegant catering abilities and service and after party at nearby Bathurst’s recently renovated Emzini Lounge might have been the last item for the evening, but one thing for sure, a lesson on living your truth, being of sincere through your pain and cementing a future not only for yourself but a legacy through caring for women and children who have walked her far from rosy life rang as loud as her hunger for a new chapter in her life.

HOME

on by Slyso Admin

Off to “Umgidi Ka Boy” Imba goes!!

Sands’ “Tigi”, Brenda Fassie’s “Mamgobozi”, Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s “Umqombothi”and Lesego’s “Viva Tau” are just some of the songs that resonate with a quick scan of the HRH Wandile Funani ka Mnqanqeni composed & Imba’s latest single “Umgidi ka Boy”. So obviously, as a music curator, I give songs more than 3 listens before I can hatch an opinion about them. “Umgidi ka Boy” was no exception. As it turned out, I was “…not hearing things”, the song has a lot more to offer, musically.

I am particularly glad that Autotune was disabled to capture the beautiful natural vocal talents of Imba. The rich, unmistakable afro-bass, peppered with indigenous African instruments to deliver ancestral inspired melodies, sets this a par above the disguised Amapiano tempo, shakers and wooden drum patterns that almost autograph a uniquely South African genre.

Umgidi ka Boy is an urban dance song; a hit inspired by social media trend which started when Lonalinamandla Bawuti , a young actress from Mthatha whose heart was touched by a story of a young boy who needed help with umgidi wakhe(a joyous ceremony done for his passage to manhood).Within 12 Hours Lona with her huge Facebook following they raised up to R25000 for umgidi kaboy.

Tune in to #IQL, hosted by Slyso on Friday, 5th October 2021 at 20h10, as he re-introduces Imbo, but finds out what this all arts movement is about and samples this future smash hit at traditional ceremonies, reminiscent of the Sands & Brenda Fassie classics on Umhlobo  Wenene FM.

Follow and contact them on:

Facebook        : ImbaSA

Instagram        : Imba.sa

Tweeter          : @imba_sa

Contact e-mail : imbasouthafrica@gmail.com

 

 

HOME

on by Slyso Admin

It’s time we discussed Ikati Esengxoweni

IkatiEsengxoweni joins the long leniege of South African alternative outfits such as Masauko Chipembere and Neo Myanga’s Blk Sonshine and the recently revived Kwela Sekele’s Kwani Experience. This dynamic collective, made up of a choir master’s daughter, Lark Wantu and former Riebeek College Girls High School Choir member and film production, sound engineering as well as theatre experienced Anam Manyati hails from Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth respectively.

 

Like most alternative bands, Ikati Esengxoweni’s rise has been pleasantly and beautifully marred with an unconventional approach into the music industry. These range from intentional use of indigenous languages such as Xhosa, Bemba & Swahili fused with violins, bass and indigenous instruments to create a futuristic sound. Their journey which started via a chance meet at a Uitenhage event in 2013, includes being handpicked by IMEXSA (Independent Music Exporters South Africa) to perform, network and attend business conferences specifically at Primavera and Midem in France, in 2016.

 

These winners of the 2018 Afro Punk Battle of the bands competition which led to them being selected to perform on the main stage at the APF in Johannesburg will be speaking to Slyso on Umhlobo Wenene FM’s #IQL (Iqonga Labatsha) this Friday the 22nd October 2021 at 21h15.

The interview will be around their latest single “The Cradle of Humankind” as well as their upcoming showcase at the Constitutional Hill on the 27th November 2021. They will be joining some of South Africa’s music royalty, such as Thandiswa Mazwai, Stogie T (Tumi of Tumi and the Volume), Sampa The Great and more.

Connect with them on:

Twitter – www.twitter.com_ikati

Facebook – www.facebook.com/ikati

Instagram – www.instangram.com/ikati

YouTube – www.youtube.com/ikati

Bookings : ikati.esengxoweni@gmail.com 

HOME

on by Slyso Admin

Melani’s IdolsSA journey of self-discovery, resilience and new single, “Love Song”.

Aaliyah put it melodically well and clear on the lead-single of the soundtrack to Romeo Must Die. On the Timberland produced single, which would also be available on her 2001 self-titled album, ‘Liyah says, “if at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself up and try again..”.

These words couldn’t ring truer for Newcastle, KZN born Asimbonge Zwane, better known as Melanin. While she asserts that she’s been singing since she could talk as a little girl, at her mom’s insistence, Aaliyah’s words would find home in her, during her quest to conquer IdolsSA. A journey that began in 2018 until 2020.

Melanin’s hopes were dashed in 2018, when she didn’t even make it to the judges auditions that season. She would make a return in the 2019 season, where she would only make it to the Top 32.

At this this point she admits that after this latest disappointment, she discovered her strength and the importance of being unapologetic about it. Melanin is not disappointed at all that she did not make it all the way, but instead credits the singing talent show for helping her find herself, accepting who she is and how she wanted to present her music. She says she is grateful for the many lessons Idols SA taught her, from interactions with the camera crew to the vocal coaching sessions among them.

Melanin has since spent time in studio, pouring all these varying and fruitful experiences into her single, a beautiful, sultry piece of music called, “Love Song”. The first 15 seconds of the song a crisp guitar ushers her silky voice with just the right amount of reverb, on this well produced song. “Love Song” will debut on Slyso’s #IQL on Umhlobo Wenene FM at 21h15 on Friday the 14th October and followed by an interview with this gifted and resilient rising star.

To Book Melanin – melaninbookingsza@gmail.com

Follow her on:

Instagram – @melanin_rsa

Tweeter – @AsimbongeZwane

Youtube – Melanin_RSA

 

HOME

on by Slyso Admin

Flash iKumkani & Slyso sip on umhluzi about his latest single Mninawa” on Umhlobo Wenene FM

Hip hop basics and simplicity fused with current sonics is only part of his success, as far as I can tell about Flash iKumkani. From it’s title “Umhluzi” in this day and age of lacklustre music, I approached the single with that, “who is this and what is this now”. It was the somewhat contradictory title and the few seconds of hearing the beat that I was like, “hold on, where is this going?”. I could pick up hip hop, trap & some very clever play in his home-language, isiXhosa. As Hlumile, a Peelton, King William’s Town native tore through the verse, I knew there was something different here. As a music curator, nothing excites me like a song I have never heard before slapping different.

Which is why the single went on to do wonders and introduced this 25th March born rapper to a diverse audience. This was obviously on the heels of his very first single “Ubizo” had also enjoyed airplay on MTV Base, Trace Africa, Channel O and on radio stations throughout the country.

Umhluzi went on to enjoy stays on music charts from as diverse a platform as 5FM to Tru FM and Cape Town TV.

Catch him live with Slyso this evening on Iqonga Labatsha / #IQL on Umhlobo Wenene FM at 8:15pm as we get to know him and sample his latest single “Mninawa”. We will also talk about him & his professional relationship with Emtee & his record label.

For Performance and Interview bookings, contact his manager:

Prince Masuku

Contact – 061 858 8152

E-mail – princemasuku@live.com

 

HOME

on by Slyso Admin

SA award winning Reggae artist, Nathi Bantu resurfaces with a Covid 19 single

South African Award Winning Reggae singer Nathi Bantu resurfaces with a new single titled ‘Sanitizer’. A prelude to his full-length album, the track (and two videos) is released on the new Running Order label and distributed through Content Connect Africa.

Written at the height of the 1st COVID19 wave in 2020, the dancehall-influenced production was recorded as a livestreamed performance at Soda Studio in downtown Johannesburg. “With this song, I sensitise and conscientize. It’s a fun tune about awakening and awareness. We say don’t just sanitise hands but mind and soul too”, the 2012 SATMA award winner posted ahead of his release.

The track also highlights how the poverty stricken semirural community Nathi resides in lacks basic services and has no access to the proverbial sanitizer to protect themselves from the virus. The two videos which premiere simultaneously on VivaNation TV are Nathi’s audio-visual interpretation of the content and energy carried by his new music.

 

In this song, Nathi puts a spotlight on the devastation caused by the pandemic. He also makes a gloomy prognosis about the future of the pandemic due to developed nations’ reluctance to waiver intellectual property rights for development of vaccines in Africa.

The single is part of Nathi Bantu’s 10 track album coming out in October 2021 and is out on all popular digital stores to stream or download.

Catch Nathi Bantu on #IQL (Iqonga Labatsha) with Slyso on Umhlobo Wenene Fm, on Saturday, 25, September, at 7:10pm. You can tune into the station on DStv: 818 or www.umhlobowenenefm.co.za (listen live). 

 

HOME

on by Slyso Admin

La Trattoria, in Mooikloof bags Slyso’s music curation skills.

Restaurants and creatives have been equally hit by Covid 19 and most have been forced to permanently close their doors. This is while the pandemic has been dealing irreversible damage to most creatives in the arts space. Seemingly this is what led to the relationship between Slyso and this establishment with a menu as diverse as its patrons. Marshall, a manager at La Trattoria says, “I met Slyso when he became a regular the restaurant and a chance conversation about the state of the two industries led to this partnership, between our establishment and him”.

Slyso who has held various residencies including News Café and various other food and entertainment venues in Port Elizabeth, over the years is in charge of Thursdays (Ladies Edition) and Sundays (The Gentlemen’s Edition) at La Trattoria. Slyso says, “It’s about creating a vibe for the matured patrons and give them both a soulful restaurant music and club experience while enjoying their meal or catching up with friends at the restaurant’s bar”.

The restaurant which serves from mean starters, sushi, seafood, burgers, traditional mains such as lamb shank, ribs to steaks delivers daily to the surrounding estates and Mooikloof area and has free wi-fi.

Join Slyso every Thursday for the Ladies Edition as well as Sunday (Gentlemen’s Edition) while DJs, Tim & Jikufurito host your Heritage Day celebrations on Friday, 24th September and every Friday & Saturday.

 

HOME

on by Slyso Admin

German Embassy gives South African creatives a golden opportunity.

Germany, has a relationship that stretches over decades with South Africa. This includes amongst others, the illustrious vehicle manufacturing sector which boasts Mercedes Benz, Audi and BMW components and cars. This relationship sees a continued contribution by Germany to the South African GDP while creating employment for thousands of South Africans to date.

This relationship has recently stretched over to the creative arts and sees Germany launching and calling on South African creatives to take part in a competition to celebrate the German Day of Unity 2021 with cash prizes and a chance for musicians to work with the legendary House Music producer and DJ, Ralf Gum to produce a song that celebrates the relationship between these two countries.

The German Embassy is calling on fashion designers, musicians and cartoonist to create pieces in their respective fields that celebrate the relationship between Germany and South Africa.

To access more information including guidelines and how to enter, please visit the website of the German Embassy below, and listen to Slyso’s radio show, Iqonga Labatsha (#IQL) on the 3rd largest radio station in South Africa, Umhlobo Wenene FM on Heritage Day, 24th September, 2021 at 20h05. Slyso will be speaking to the German Embassy to unpack this lifetime opportunity for South African creatives who have been hardest hit by Covid- 19.

https://southafrica.diplo.de/sa-en/-/2481706

HOME

on by Slyso Admin

Slyso’s Isuzu Blanket Drive 2020

Isuzu South Africa has been the wind beneath “Slyso’s Blanket Drive 2020”. Our campaign, fittingly takes place not only during August (Women’s Month) but during the Covid 19 pandemic, whose challenges have seen a rise in GBV (Gender Based Violence) cases. These have stripped women and children off their right, homes and dignity in the process.

Gifting a blanket has significance with new beginnings, like when a child is born, when one leaves home to go to school or find employment and even starting a home.

We kicked off the blanket drive in Rustenburg on Friday, 14, August with Roots 2000 in tow. Roots 2000 is a duo made up of two Eastern Cape born and Johannesburg based artists, MXO & Sliq Angel. They have just released a single fitting of our campaign, called “Aye Afrika” in celebration of their 20 years as a duo. The aim was to, (in addition to embarking on the drive with celebrity “Friends Of Slyso”) but to have an interview onboard our Sponsored Isuzu X- Rider A/T about their journey. This interview as well as the heart-warming journey to our blanket drop off, will be made available on this website when we launch Slyso’s YouTube Podcast

We were hosted by Curvy Queens SA, who led us in a convoy of cars, to an old age home in Ramochana, Sunrise Park in Rustenburg, where they had prepared cake and cold drink to make a jol out of the beautiful occasion.

We ended up staying way longer than anticipated but eventually, Slyso and team had to head back to Johannesburg for him to host his radio show, on Umhlobo Wenene FM. This turned out to be a piece of cake for our elegant Isuzu X-Ride Double Cap, Automatic, which did all the work as soon as we shifted the gear to “drive”. It is not a Ferrari by any means, but it does a decent job of giving you power when you need it and surprising stability on curvy tarmac for a high ride bakkie. Oh, by the way this particular model forms part of the company’s 5 Automatic Transmission bakkie- range offers, since the D-Max 3.0 Litre in 2018.

 

HOME