Jam That Session

THE SANGOMA WITH A MUSICAL PURPOSE: MEET NTOMBETHONGO

What are the 3 songs, you’re currently listening to in your car?

Dirty diner by Michael Jackson.  Ngisebenzile mama by Mfaz’Omnyama. Asimbonanga by Jonny Clegg. These songs keep me going.

The music you make is deeply cultured, what would you like for people to take away from you as a musician?

The music I do is deeply cultured. At the same time very flexible to blend with other music styles like reggae, Afro soul and pop act. My believe is that my music was part of my calling as its all started with dreams during my Thwasa journey in 1992. Tell us about your top three musicians, have they influenced you in any way?

My top three musicians are brother Michael Jackson - He influences my voice articulation and my movements on stage.

The late father Mfaz’Omnyama - His Originality keeps me focused when I look at myself. 

Prince Rogers Nelson - His crazy movements whilst playing his guitar.

Your costumes and image is extremely colourful, what would you like for people to take away from your image? 

My Costumes and make up are inspired by being an African, sangoma, and musician. 

Bright colours are my usual wardrobe I love bright clothes, it symbolises happiness in me. The white dots on my face is simply African body make up, I add red colour and lipstick to spice up my artistic image so that I can look unique to my fellow Maskhanda artists.  

I would like people to not to lose who they really are because of the fast changing world. I believe if we keep our original Identity we will travel places in the world. Do you still practise being a Sangoma?

Yes I do work as a Sangoma still. I was called to be a sangoma at the age of 6, I grew up not knowing what other kids did. 

When the music took a professional platform, people from home were talking a lot about how can I be a sangoma but able to work with huge sounds and than they started to give me names like isigungu (fake sangoma). 

That just kept me going, I knew this was my calling too. I had never had big problems by being in front of big crowds with different issues but sometimes I will feel like to be alone after my performance. My music is the second herb to heal people’s hearts. 

How do you keep yourself happy?

I keep myself happy and in good mood most of the time by telling myself that each and everyday is different and that each challenge of the each day is ok, I make peace with my past even though its not an easy thing to do.  Where can people find your work?

My new released Album titled Amagamakho, can be found in most music stores in South Africa, and on iTunes, Deezer & Google.

My move in to Johannesburg is a big step that I took early this year, I’m looking forward to be welcomed by the industry up here. 

NEW MUSIC:

Introducing 'Afrojam sessions Vol.1'

AfroJam delves deep into the emotions of the artist - the musicians featured share their thoughts on world issues and further explore the complexities of the human mind.

This first song features OBie Mavuso & Andy Mkosi

Titled Discipline - the song talks about the complexities of being a parent in 21st century South Africa, the artist's interpersonal relationships with people in the country, observations on class struggles and privilege.

Recorded Redbull studios Cape Town in 2015.

Stream, share and enjoy:

https://soundcloud.com/jam-that-session-sounds/afrojam-vol1-obie-mavuso-discipline-ft-andy-mkosi

Clara & Andile were kind enough to accommodate the #BedroomTour in their home!

The BedroomTour went national last week Saturday!

1. 3 days ago, after watching a recent Erykah Badu interview and hearing her name drop dude, mentioning some of his influences - D’angelo being one of them (He happens to be my favourite artists btw) I made it my mission to search dude’s name. After a few searches on Google and mistakenly typing in “Drum” “Draaaam” I finally arrived at D.R.A.M and the music has been phenomenal till this day.

Give him a try:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzMhcP7ab3k

2. This is one of his magically melancholic releases to date and I appreciate it highly. “Seigfried” and “Nights” are my top 2 go-to songs, I am so happy this man has the ability to take me on his emotional journey, he has this thing, where he strips down a song or layers it to show intensity or lack thereof. The album has this certain coldness that I like. Sadness, heartbreak, disconnection from old friends are words that echo in this one.

Give him a go ;-)

3. Not to blow my own horn, but I listen to my own music (I think artists should be their own fans btw) This EP was sent from some place spiritual - it simply came together beautifully. To this day the streams are climbing higher and higher on Sound Cloud and I am so happy the music was well-received. 

You’ll find yourself using the words “You must be ready” a lot, after giving this one a listen. The song is open for interpretation.

We spoke to Caribbean musician Ben Ceaser who is based in Cape Town.Check out the cool Q&A below

Who is Ben Caesar and what kind of music do you create?

I'm an alternative in the mainstream. I live an alternative life but the mainstream has always been open to me. As an artist I've navigated many opposing spaces. From the most elite clubs to protests to exhibitions to mainstream media.

How was your upbringing? Did that influence you venturing into creating music?

My upbringing was multi cultural, from being born in the Caribbean bathed as baby in the rivers - to squatting in Brixton - to staying in Yeoville - to finishing high school at a private school in Cape Town. I've often been the intersection of worlds that don't often meet. I guess I had to distill it, make sense of it. Music has always been therapy for me.

Tell us about your creative process and what influences your work?

I like to write in my head, physically writing stops the flow. I also like recording one time in the vibe. I tend to need 3 takes max anything more I lose the spark.Vibe is everything in the studio. Different things influence me, right now I see a need for real intimacy, tenderness and humanity in our society. Also, I read a blog by Nora Samaran on men as nurturers which opened my eyes to the responsibility I have as man in society. Both of these themes have influenced my writing now.

What do you think about the alternative music industry in Africa, do you think it exists?

I think it does, it might not be as distinct. But that's the point isn't it?Alternative and underground creatives are the main source for mainstream. Look at Gqom, commercial radio is only catching on now. Mainstream doesn't exist without underground or alternative scenes.

If the alternative industry exists, does it cater for you or like-minded artists?

It's hard to say at this point if it's catered to me. Haven't thought about it really, it isn't what's important for me. The question for me is am I contributing to it?

Let's talk about your playlist, what kind of music are you currently listening to? (give us a max of 3

songs)

Roberta Sà a Brazilian singer is rocking my world.

Lupe Fiasco Tetsuo & youth I'm still tripping on.

Lord Kitchener's calypsos are often on my playlist.

How's a normal day like for you?

Normal is a red herring.

But generally if I don't do some writing or exercise I get restless. Also food, my day revolves around food.

What is your message as an artist?

Love yourself, take care of yourself, allow yourself to be all that you can be and allow others to be all that they dream.  Don't fear a damn thing, its an illusion. There are so many things that dis-empower and distract us, that make us feel inferior but they aren't real. We have to see past the arbitrary things that separate us. Most importantly, Love, it's all we really have, it's all that matters b. These are the messages I hope my artistry can voice.

#BedroomTour 

#BedroomTour  bringing music and performance to households.A concept put together by JTS & Andy Mkosi.

@AndyMkosi is due to share some music in the early new year!

#ThisAudioIsVisual

STAY TUNES.