From Blaklez’s effortless cadences, K.O’s multi-syllabic delivery, to Emtee’s combination of rapping and singing, we bring you the verses we found impressive this year. In no particular order.

1. Emtee on Stogie T’s “By Any Means”

On Stogie T’s “By Any Means”, Emtee delivers another one of his catchy hooks. He also proceeds to drop a fire verse alongside stellar names in Yanga and Stogie T fka Tumi Molekane. The well-structured verse shows an appreciation for schemes, and the switch-up of flow is insane in the second half of the verse. Emtee rides the beat amazingly when he reminds us how he’s “been banging in them streets/ I been slanging to these fiends”. If he keeps spitting this way we foresee more “snackin’ on weak rappers” in future. He’s got to be crowned leader of the new school after this.

2. Yanga on AKA’s “Dreamwork”

Yanga’s contribution to this joint is as memorable his appearances on AKA’s “Run Jozi” and “Baddest”. Yanga always seems to have a quotable on deck. “I keep a hunna for the cop car/ Chuck it in the corner” is so relatable and delivered with a cadence so nonchalant you can’t help but feel his confidence oozing. He really did “put the work in like a grown up” on this one.

3. Riky Rick on Nasty C’s “A Star is Born”

Ricky Rick has largely made headlines for his fashion sense this year, and has built his brand into more than just being a musician. I’ll never forgive him for his “boyzin, toyzin, noyzin” line on Major League’s “Zulu Girls” in 2015, but he more than makes up for it on Nasty C’s “A Star is Born”. On the heartfelt verse, Riky reminds us of his early days struggling. He raps, “I turned savage/ I’m scraping like every cent/ A couple years ago, baby mama covered the rent/ Then she covered the gas to get my car to the studio.”

 RELATED: The 10 best South African albums of 2016

 4. Rouge on the first verse of her “Sheba Ngwan O'”

Rouge’s inclusion in the MTV Base Cyphers ahead of the MTV Hottest MCs List is proof of her growing reputation as a raw emcee. This track signals her intent to be a notable name in the SA hip-hop industry. Her flow is incredible and fits snuggly with the producer Wichi 1080’s bassline. With lines like “I’m too put together/ The haters and gossip can miss me/ Wannabes all tryna diss me but I’m too busy”, she’s definitely focused, and you should keep a lookout for her if you haven’t been.

5. Cassper Nyovest on Tshego’s “Hennessy”

Cassper’s verse on “Hennessy” is the culmination of a huge couple of years for him with both his albums having gone platinum. On this track, he’s laid back and just lays in the cut. The standout line has to be “Me and my niggas call it Tupac’s tears, you call it Henessy/ You want some I got two cups here”. And oh, honestly Cassper, you can stop being an underdog with lines like “Everybody loves you until you’re loved by everybody.” Great verse, but stop complaining.

6. K.O on Pro’s “Pholas”

It felt like K.O had gotten rather too comfortable with his flow and delivery for a while, but he pushes himself on this one, starting his verse off with the line, “Earthquake when I move, I spark a new wave”. Shuu. This whole verse is the classic multi-syllabic Papa Action we’ve come to love. Peep this: “Baby Jake on the mic, my punches are so lethal/ Spectacular, miraculous flow uthelawayeka la/ WeGanja Beatz awenze lapho”.

7. Blaklez second verse on his “Spoko” (ft. Khuli Chana)

There’s never mistaking Blaklez for anyone else. He’s in his own lane in terms of flow and delivery. His cadence on this track is amazing. With such a comfortable tempo, he sneaks in smart lines like, “I’m not a jailbird but baby mceli number”. What makes this track memorable isn’t just the Lebo Mathosa sample, but how delectable Si Pitori sounds against the backdrop of this beat. And for any lyricists tryna pose a challenge, Blaklez provides a warning at the beginning of his second verse: “Ek se fida my authi, ska re chanceetsa. Ha re claime ha re o chaela hore re dikwankwetla.” Smooth.

RELATED: Here are the dopest South African posse tracks from the last 10 years

8. AKA on DJ Sliqe’s “Bay’ 2″

AKA has struck the perfect balance between spitting hardcore bars and flowing rhythmically over feel-good tracks. DJ Sliqe’s “Bay’ 2” sees the dream team of him, JR and Yanga combine to great effect. The standout verse has to be AKA’s, though, with sprinklings of vernac lines. The flow is incredible, while the now-trademark pauses mid-bar make this effort shine as bright as the 22 carats on his neck.

9. Kid Tini on the second verse of “No Drama”

Kid Tini is one of the pretenders to the throne, and his sharp, witty punchlines are on full display on his debut mixtape Coming of Age. Try deciphering this line off his track “No Drama”: “Same dude with flow colder than Mayweather/ Bob, weave, jab, even the hook is a haymaker”. At the risk of sounding corny, he’d TKO a lot of rappers bar for bar. Keep a lookout for more crazy lines in 2017.

10. Youngsta’s first verse on his “Top Ten List”

Youngsta delivers a well-constructed song with name-dropping as the basis of his content. Everyone from Nasty C to ProVerb gets a mention here. This is a bold statement from the Cape Town rapper at knowing your dopeness and staking your claim as the best. The song’s rugged verses are separated by a catchy hook that balances it out perfectly. If your faves didn’t get their props as we round up the year, then fuck a top 10 list ‘cause “this shit is rigged like machines at casinos” as Youngsta aggressively reminds us.

Feature image of K.O shot by Sabelo Mkhabela

What were your favourite verses of 2016? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post The 10 best South African hip-hop verses of 2016 appeared first on Live Mag.

While we are still trying to figure out the logic behind Emtee’s “She used to ride me like a rodeo/ Until she heard me on the radio” line, he strikes again with another line that doesn’t make any sense. This time on Stogie T’s self-tiled album. On the video below, our contributors Mayuyuka Kaunda and Aseza Pupuma discuss more lines from SA rappers, such as Cassper Nyovest and Riky Rick, that make no sense. If you get what the lines mean, feel free to break down the meaning in the comments section.

RELATED: [Video] This is why South African rappers sound the same

Video shot by Lukho Witbooi and edited by Mayuyuka Kaunda

The post [Video] Lines from your favourite SA rappers that don’t make sense appeared first on Live Mag.

As we’re nearing the end of 2016, one thing’s for sure, the producer, singer and rapper Anatii has had one hell of a year. He dropped his debut album Artiifact and brought RnB heartthrob Omarion on his Artiifact Tour. The duo recently released the video for their song “Tell Me”.

Anatii has also bagged two nominations at the South African Hip Hop Awards, for best video and best collabo for the song “Jump”, which features hip-hop sensation Nasty C.

Anatii has been producing hits for your favourite artists

We’re sitting in his studio, probably one of the places he feels most comfortable in, if you consider that he’s been making beats since he was 16. The first big hit he produced was L-Tido’s 2010 single “When It Rains.”

Since then, Anatii has become one of the biggest South African hip-hop producers, producing hits such as L-Tido’s “We Ain’t Leaving”, Cassper Nyovest’s “Bad One”, Chad Da Don’s “Hola”. In 2010, he worked with DJ Khaled on the track called “Bananaz”. He also produced most of DJ Dimplez’s Zeal album in 2014.

RELATED: The 5 young producers behind your favourite SA hip hop hits

On his 17-track album, Artifact, released in September, Anatii featured Omarion, Tiwa Savage, AKA, Nasty C, Uhuru and Faarrow. Artiifact is a piece of art, as the name states. He produces, sings and raps, and does all of them well. The album straddles genres like afrobeats, pop, RnB and trap, but still has an underlying sonical uniformity.

Artiifact was long overdue. The artist says he waited this long to drop his debut album because he wanted to ensure it was a priceless work of art. “I had to ensure that everything was organic,” he says, “so my collaborations and the process itself were organic. It was meant to be released last year this time, but the timing wasn’t right.”

The album’s cover is minimalistic yet effective, as it sells the artefact concept, with a golden sculpture of Anatii. For Anatii, the graphics and videos are as important to him as the music itself. “I spent countless hours on the visuals and the themes,” he says. “My music is really personal in terms of the kind of effort I put into it.’’ Anatii insists this album is not a reflection of the events in his own life, but a compilation of what’s happening globally on the social and cultural scene.

To promote the album, the artist toured the country and spent seven weeks preparing for it. “Putting together a show of that magnitude was life-changing,” he says. “Preparing the repertoire I was going to perform, and mixing it with Omarion’s visuals and production.

“I met Omarion through a friend,” he says. “I walked into the studio and he was playing some new music and he was just like, ‘Plug out,’ so I plugged in my laptop and played ‘Hours’, and he got vocals on that.” The impromptu session led to more songs that are in Anatii’s archives.

Does he really charge R80, 000 for a beat, though?

AKA, on his 2015 song “Composure”, rapped: “I’m the only reason fans had ‘The Saga’ on repeat/ Now you wanna charge me 80, 000 for a beat.” I ask Anatii if he really charges R80, 000 for a beat, and he admits he used to. He further explains that his rates depend on the magnitude of the production. However he adds that he wouldn’t work with anyone just for the big bucks; a good vibe is what dictates who he works with. “If you had a certain flavour that I could only get specifically from you, then sure, that’s more important than money. Money will sort itself out later,” he says.

Anatii says, when he’s not creating music, he’s creating visuals, throwing around ideas for his clothing range or taking pictures. When asked how he remains relevant, he insists that’s not his main concern. “I’m always in the process of creating. So whether it’s relevant or not, I’ll never stop,” he says.

He’s already started working on his next album and will be dropping more visuals for Artiifact in 2017. Could 2017 be his year too?

On the video below, Anatii talks about how he chooses his features, his Artiifact Tour, the response to his album and more.

Image courtesy of Anatii

You can get Artiifact on iTunes

The post How Anatii totally owned 2016 appeared first on Live Mag.

Three days ago, the renowned Joburg performance venue, Bassline, was announced to be closing down. Qhakaza Mthembu, who is one of the founders of the poetry movement Word N Sound is not that perturbed, as she feels the Newtown Arts Precinct (where Bassline is) doesn’t care that much about the arts.

Ten years ago you didn’t need a plan to go to Newtown. You’d simply take a walk around knowing that in no time at all you’d hear the “1-2-1-2” of a mic check or live music blaring from Bassline.

You could bump into poets heading to Shivava for an open mic. And if you were in the mood for a good laugh. Or awkward silence as a comedian bombed out on stage, you’d check out the dungeon at Horror Café. And if all else failed, you’d go hang in the park for the inevitable cypher or jam session.

As I write this, it breaks my heart that all these venues are no more, except for Bassline. But even this legendary space is closing its doors at the end of this month.

Where has all the art in our art precinct gone?

For the last six years, we’ve hopped from venue to venue trying to find a home for our monthly Word N Sound poetry sessions. We’ve even been kicked out of the Bassline because poets weren’t buying enough over-priced beers. A blessing in disguise really. We never would have found eMonti on Bree, a tavern on the border of Newtown and Fordsburg where we hosted a year of shows unearthing amazing talent each month and an international poetry festival.

All in a tavern because the “arts precinct” up the road had no love for our dreams or our art. We are one of the only youth companies who have been consistently working in the city, producing events and festivals for the last six years, yet still, getting access to venues is near impossible.

The City of Joburg needs to step up

The privately owned Maboneng, with all its gentrification and exorbitant gourmet food, is doing a better job at creating spaces for art and artists than Newtown and the City of Joburg. Even the city’s flagship festival, Arts Alive, took place at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein instead of this “arts precinct” we’re all so proud of. The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has found a new home in Sandton; Xarra Books, a haven for African literature has moved out and the annual New Year Carnival no longer brings Newtown to life with drumming, costumes, floats and singing.

Five years after the launch of the Mzansi Golden Economy, we still have no arts resource center, no rehearsal rooms, no plug-and-play live music venues (that don’t come with a R30 000 hire fee), no independent cinemas or studios or theatres that won’t have you subject to internal politics.

What spaces has the City Of Joburg invested in for artists to create new work? What venues has the city built for artists to showcase their work? Where are the collaborative spaces and communal offices for creatives? What is the strategy driving arts tourism to the area?

Where is the arts in this so-called “Arts Precinct”?

Photography by Sithembiso Xaba

Qhakaza tweets as @Qhakaza

Project Demo finds the voices of young people in South Africa, amplifies their stories and turns their cause for change into a reality. Tell them your issue. They’ll take it on and campaign with you.

www.projectdemo.org.za

The post Dear Joburg, where is the “arts” in the Newtown Arts Precinct? appeared first on Live Mag.

We compile a list of some of the music videos that we thought deserved a standing ovation this year, from Kwesta’s James Bond-esque “Mayibabo”, the short film that is “Ekuseni” by Sjava, the minimalistic “Come to my Kasi” by Priddy Ugly, and more. The list is in no particular order.

1. DJ Citi Lyts ft. Saudi & Sjava – “Vura”

When it comes to music videos, the concept of having rappers rapping their way through a house party is nothing new. However, Ofentse Mwase, the director behind this video, inserted interesting lifestyle commentary cutaways to make it slightly different. The dance crews on the streets and Saudi being told to take money to Bab’ uNxumalo, which he says in his raps. These go quite well with the narrative of the song, which is about driving a Vura (VW VR6) ekasi.

2. Euphonik ft. Donald – “Runaway Lover”

This music video is the definition of slick and clean. It’s very simple and it utilises the rhythm of the music to drag you into it. The sound interacts perfectly with the visuals creating something you wouldn’t mind watching over and over again.

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3. Mi Casa ft. Eddy Kenzo – “Movie Star”

What I love about this music video is the witty performance by the artists. J’Something is usually the one taking centre stage with the dance moves on Mi Casa videos. However, on this song, the rest of the group as well as the Ugandan artist Eddy Kenzo, who is featured, joined in, because what would men not do to impress a young lady? The colourful imagery works with the playful storyline.

4. Sjava – “Ekuseni”

This video captures a beautiful love story set in the apartheid era. The director creates an emotional narrative by using a lot of close-up shots to show you the characters’ facial expressions. From when the lady character cries after the police took her husband (Sjava) to when he is actually in jail. It really makes you want to drop a thug tear there for a minute.

5. Riky Rick – “Sidlukotini”

The production of this music video is outstanding. The self-named King Kotini shows us why he is worthy of such a title. He lets the visuals and the necessary essentials do the talking, from the luxurious fur to the grills on his teeth. The video has great cinematography, the lighting and special effects display something that appears to be quite expensive.

6. Kwesta ft. DJ Maphorisa & DJ Buckz – “Mayibabo” 

This video reminds me of a James Bond movie. The concept may not be anything new, but it’s definitely something fresh for the South African music industry. The video has this fast motion technique in the beginning where Kwesta is driving and being chased by motor bikes, which compliments the song well. But Okmalumkoolkat’s scene, where he is driving a speedboat, is probably the illest much like his verse, without a doubt.

7. AKA ft. Yanga – “Dreamwork”

Adriaan Louw shot a dope video with an interesting concept. However, a lot of self-proclaimed critics on the YouTube comments section were not really impressed because “it has nothing to do with what the song is about”. The video’s concept is open-ended, we all have different understandings of it. AKA was trying to communicate a message, and you have the liberty to decide what it is.

8. Priddy Ugly ft. YoungstaCPT – “Come to my Kasi”

This music video is great for two reasons that don’t even need an expert to analyse. Firstly, the aerial shots are the definition of “dope”, and they enhance the production of the video making it a work of art. Secondly, the minimalism is what makes me love it the most, and that is courtesy of Nkululenko Lebambo the producer and director.

9. Emtee – “We Up”

I am a fan of anything that has insightful content, and that’s why this video is on this list. It’s in synch with the rhythm, visualising exactly what Emtee is rapping about. My favourite scene is when all the dreamers come together at the dinner table celebrating their successes in their professional attires. And, of course, the granny from the beginning of the video gives me life.

10. Khuli Chana ft. KayGizm, Victoria Kimani & Sarkodie – “One Source”

This video is as immensely powerful as the song. Khuli Chana raps “flip the anger to passion”, and that is reflected by the expressive dancers. That elicits some kind of emotion or reaction in you. What stands out for me are the graphics; they capture unity and creativity. It’s quite cinematic, and I am not using that word lightly.

Feature image of Kwesta by Sabelo Mkhabela

What was your favourite video this year? Let us know in the comment section below.

RELATED: Lines from your favourite SA rappers that don’t make sense

The post The 10 best South African music videos of 2016 appeared first on Live Mag.

New York-based South African poet and TED Fellow Lee Mokobe doesn’t hold anything back in his poetry. His latest poem, “The Not Yet Burning Country”, makes comparisons between how South Africa handled xenophobia, homophobia and transphobia to how America, with the election of Donald Trump, is poised to deal with immigrants. The poem is in light of US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration happening today.

“I have seen a burning country before. The kind that just crumbles and asks of its citizens to call the ruin victory,” he begins the poem. “I have seen a country break itself apart to make faggots of queer bones, and swore they saw God in the mirage of flames. They called it divine faith, elected themselves deputy Jesus’s, and scorched all that which did not look like them (See: trannies, See: fags, See: I respect gays just not in front of the children).”

He then goes on to address how people that are affected by the ills in America, end up being vilified themselves and debated if their responses are valid.  “America, you are not yet burning. But there is plenty of smoke, and people arguing whether it is fair to say this smoke kills, or debating whether those who are already choking are being dramatic or truthful.”

He also goes on to mention the hypocrisy of present day America – how Native Americans were welcoming to the immigrants that are now known as Americans.

He ends the poem on an optimistic note, We will use our voices as fire extinguishers, use physical intervention as water that calms the inferno of violence and our commitment to inclusion as the sand dunes that engulfed the embers of trumpery.”

Watch the poem below and be sure to follow Lee on Twitter and Facebook, for more poetry.

The post SA-born, NY-based poet, Lee Mokobe writes a moving poem ahead of Trump’s inauguration appeared first on Live Mag.

Andy Mkosi (second from right) and her band perform in a house in Kloof Nek Street. (Image: Sabelo Mkhabela)

A petite rapper and her three-piece band perform in front of an intimate audience of about 20 people in a house in Kloof Nek Street, Cape Town. She raps and sings about personal issues like still living in her mother’s tiny flat at 25, having male friends wanting to get into her pants even though they know she is lesbian. She cracks jokes in between, and invites fans to ask her questions. This is the living room of Noncedo Charmaine’s house, one of the many stops of the Cape Town rapper Andy Mkosi’s Bedroom Tour.

From the clubs into people’s bedrooms

“I’ve always felt like my music didn’t do well in a club,” Andy tells me. She sometimes ends up not performing in shows she is booked for. “I respect my music, I can’t perform when people are stupid drunk,” she says of one show in which she refused to get on stage at 2am.

Andy’s music is mid-tempo boom bap, and it’s always an oddity in shows where most of the performances are hard-hitting trap. Her music, because of its serene nature, is usually an anti-climax to turnt up fans. She looks uncomfortable spilling her soul out to an inattentive audience.

Her solution? Earlier last year, she put up a callout on her Facebook page for any of her fans to invite her and her band – Tatenda Wekwatenzi (vocalist), Nkosinathi Matomela (keys) and Prince Mafu (bass) – to perform in their bedroom, with about 20 of their friends.

It seemed like a joke to some. Completely misunderstood by others. “It’s mostly rappers who just want to perform,” she told me when I asked her how the response was. One fan got it, and invited her. She has since performed in four Cape Town houses – two in Observatory, one in Langa (where she’s from) and of course Kloof street in the CBD. Depending on the fan’s house, she will perform either in their living room or bedroom.

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Zoë Modiga, the Cape Town-based jazz artist you have to see perform

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Andy doesn’t stay in her lane, she creates new ones

This is not the first time she has done something different. About four years ago, tired of waiting for bookings that weren’t coming, she and an artist friend, OBie Mavuso, started their own series of events – Jam That Session – with like minded artists. Jam That Session grew to be one of the most reputable music and arts events in the Cape Town underground circuit – with headliners like the rapper Youngsta, the singer Nakhane Touré, fine artist Loyiso Mkize, the jazz artist Zoë Modiga, among others.

There hasn’t been a JTS event in close to a year, with the last one taking place early last year. “What we are trying to do now,” says Andy, “is release music and sell merchandise through JTS.” Their bigger goal is to, one day, throw a massive “Afro Punk vibes” event in Cape Town.

Who is Andy Mkosi?

Andy has paid her dues as an artist and a documenter of culture. She started out rapping in cyphers, and went on to share the stage with American rappers Jean Grae and Pharoah Monch in 2012. In 2014, Andy performed at the annual Cape Town’s Most Wanted hosted by Kool Out, the head honchos of hip-hop events in Cape Town at the time. She rocked alongside reputable names such as Black Vulcanite, Youngsta, Ill Skillz and Bliksemstraal.

She has also performed at the annual African Hip Hop Indaba. As a photographer, she has documented the underground hip-hop circuit, hosted a hip-hop show on Bush Radio and another at the now-defunct Assembly Radio.

In all these artforms, Andy always strives to do things differently. She tells me she would like to relocate to Europe, where she feels her kind of music is celebrated. She mentions rappers Little Simmz and Rapsody as her inspiration for being independent, not succumbing to the status quo, but still managing to eat from your craft.

Even playing with a band as a rapper is all part of setting herself apart. “I like playing with these guys,” she says of her band to her audience at Noncedo’s house, “because they make my music, music. It doesn’t necessarily become hip-hop on stage – the possibilities are endless.”

In 2017, she is taking the Bedroom Tour out of Cape Town, to Johannesburg, Pretoria and the Eastern Cape. Her next show is in Braamfontein on February 11. Her EP This Audio Is Visual is due for release later this month.

Watch a video of Andy Mkosi performing at a house in Kloof Nek Street below.

Keep up with Andy Mkosi on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and SoundCloud

Photography: Sabelo Mkhabela

The post This is why this Cape Town rapper is performing in people’s bedrooms appeared first on Live Mag.

AKA and Bonang are #RelationshipGoals, no doubt. On the rapper’s latest video for the song “The World is Yours”, he is on holiday in Thailand apparently.

He’s alone in most of the shots in the video, but there’s a steaming shot of him and Bonang kissing in a swimming pool that should set the tone for Valentine’s Day. The last time these two were on the same video was on AKA’s “Jealousy“, before they became an item.

“The World is Yours” is another attempt in AKA’s forage into pop, and it just works. You should know this; the song was everywhere in December. The new video just gave it a new life. Watch it below, and keep an eye on that AKA album coming sometime this year.

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The post Watch AKA and Bonang’s baecation on his new video appeared first on Live Mag.

The Cape Town rapper Patty Monroe was “Killing it” in 2016. Not only did this collaborative single with Uganda’s Bebe Cool, get voted number 1 on the #AfricanCollabos fan poll, but she performed in Kenya and Uganda – her first gigs outside South Africa. But if 2016 proved she could rap with the best of them, 2017 will be the year her versatility makes her stand out, for all the right reasons.

“I don’t wanna be seen as just a rapper”

It’s a Tuesday morning and Patty Monroe is sitting at the Mugg & Bean in Claremont, grinning from ear to ear. Her debut album, Malatjie, has just dropped three days before. “How am I supposed to feel?” she repeats my question back to me. “It’s a form of euphoria, you know. When you’ve had this vision and now you’ve completed it,” she says about releasing her first album.

Her star has been on the rise ever since she released her first single “High Fashion”, where she rapped over a house beat by Culoe De Song, followed by “Talk”, where she showed she could spit hard bars over a hard-hitting trap banger. But now there’s Malatjie.

The album took two years to make and boasts production credits from seasoned producers like Sketchy Bongo, MarazA, Muzi, Psyc’ AK, among others. It’s teeming with personality and emotion – you can see Patty sneering at you when she spits those braggadocios rhymes. And when she gets vulnerable, she takes you down that dark alley with her, kicking and screaming for more.

RELATED: This is why this Cape Town rapper is performing in people’s bedrooms

A huge amount of the production leans towards pop. “Killin’ It” has its counterpart in the dancefloor-ready “Oh Na Na”. “To The Top”, featuring Ameen, takes off where “Talk” left off with an eardrum-wrecking baseline and Patty’s energetic delivery. On songs like “Castles”, “Good Girl”, “Momma” and “Reminiscing”, it becomes clear she can sing as well as she raps. It’s this versatility that makes sure the 15-track Malatjie never sounds monotonous.

“I don’t wanna be seen as just a rapper,” she says. “I’m not just a rapper, I’m an artist, I’m a musician. But the only instrument I play at the moment is my voice, so I will sing when I feel like.” She enlisted up-and-coming singer, Caleb Williams, to coach her and bring out the full range and depth of her powerful voice. “If it wasn’t for him, the album wouldn’t sound the way it does,” she says.

“Some of the songs (“All I Got”, “Messi”, “Oh Na Na”) were recorded in a cupboard in Jozi, as in a mic in a cupboard,” she says, giggling. It’s surprising, considering how crisp the tracks sound.

“Half of the album was recorded at Ameen’s place and one song by Sketchy Bongo’s place.” Ameen, whose production credits appear on albums by the likes of Kwesta, Jimmy Nevis and Zubz, produced the songs “Castles”, “To The Top”, “Momma”, “Reminiscing”, “Fighter” on Malatjie.

“I get hurt, I get depressed, I get anxiety sometimes”

The cover of Patty Monroe’s latest album out now.

Patty opens up about “Fighter”, which she says was “difficult to write”. The song is emotional, revealing her struggles in the industry. It’s probably why she “wasn’t vibing with the beat at first”. But Ameen challenged her to do the song, and it’s now one of her favourites on the album.

“I get hurt, I get depressed, I get anxiety sometimes,” she says, explaining her vulnerability that comes out on songs like “Fighter”, “Reminiscing” and “Whiskey Sours”. “Nobody wants to expose that side of them. Humanity is just so obsessed with the social person. But in my album, I had to show the person I am inside. That’s what had to come out.”

Malatjie brings Patty Monroe closer to finding her own sound, she says. She knows she’s not where she wants to be, just yet, but she’s content with where she is today and optimistic about the future.

“Last year was the year of realisation and now I feel like it’s the year of manifestation. In 2016, I got the first stamp in my passport. I almost cried because I got showered with confetti in Nairobi.”

With all the hit single prospects on Malatjie, Patty Monroe should probably get used to confetti showers.

Buy Malatjie on iTunes

Follow Patty Monroe on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and SoundCloud

Image: courtesy of artist 

The post Patty Monroe displays vulnerability and versatility on her debut album appeared first on Live Mag.

The Cape Town Electronic Music Festival returns to Cape Town (and also Jozi, this time around) this weekend, and as usual, it promises to be a jump. Below we recommend five acts you shouldn’t miss at the Grand Parade in Cape Town.

Zaki Ibrahim

Zaki is an amazing performer. She’s light on her feet, and her vocals are enchanting. We can’t wait to see her perform her new songs from her latest EP Orbit: A Postcoital Prequel, which we listed as one of our favourite albums of 2016. If you are going to miss any performance, hers shouldn’t be on that list.

Push Push

There’s no telling what a rapper whose SoundCloud bio reads “Your girlfriend’s favourite rapper.” will do. This Eastern Cape-born up-and-coming rapper stretches boundaries with each and every release. She raps over varied electronic beats, and sounds at home. The fact that we don’t know what to expect is what makes us even more excited.

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Moonchild

Image courtesy of artist.

Moonchild’s music is hard to categorise – it borrows from house, kwaito, pop and electro. Her singing is natural, like, she doesn’t even try. Her fashion sense makes her a spectacle to witness and her energetic stage antics complete her set. We are looking forward to seeing her perform hits like “Rabulapha” and “Fox with That”, and we are certain she will bless us with new material.

YoungstaCPT

Image: Sabelo Mkhabela

The Cape Town rapper is a strong lyricist, but his stage game is one trait that puts him in a league of his own. While most rappers rely on fans rapping along to their famous hits, Youngsta, with his clear delivery, demands your attention. You will hear every punchline, metaphor and simile, and those “Oh”s are a guarantee from you.

STAB Virus

This newly-formed Cape Town duo consists of Makonwabe Bekwa (Audiojerk) and Siphe Tebeka. Their mixes are as on point as their own compositions. Down a few Red Bulls and get your dance moves ready for their set – it promises to be lit. We hope to hear more new music from the two.

Peep the full line-up here and revisit our coverage of the festival from last year, here.

Holding image taken at last year’s CTEMF, by Storm Wright

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We didn’t see this one coming. Today, in a series of tweets, the rapper A-Reece announced that he was leaving the label he released his debut album Paradise under. He tweeted this morning, “To whom this may concern the most: The fans. I would like to say that I’m no longer a part of #AmbitiouzEnt as of now moving forward.”

The Pretoria rapper signed with Ambitiouz Ent in early 2016, and released singles, such as “Couldn’t”, “Mngani”, “Zimbali”, “Sebenza”, all which were in his album Paradise, which won him Best Lyricist at the South African Hip Hop Awards last year.

He also released an EP prior to Paradise called Cutaways (it was on point, by the way). The rapper also retweet a tweet that read,  “Mash Beatz, La Flame, B3nchMarQ  & Reece are no longer part of Ambitiouz.” confirming he wasn’t the only artist who is leaving the label.

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Ambitiouz Ent is home to the some of the biggest hip-hop artists in South Africa, including Emtee, Fifi Cooper, Saudi, Sjava, and producers Ruff and Lunatik.

Read A-Reece’s tweets about the departure below and revisit our list of dope Ambitiouz Ent hits here.

To whom this may concern the most : The fans.

I would like to say that I’m no longer a part of #AmbitiouzEnt as of now moving forward.

— A-REECE. (@reece_youngking) 17 February 2017

I thank the label and it’s remaining artists in abundance for making this journey interesting and for everything they’ve done for me. — A-REECE. (@reece_youngking) 17 February 2017

I have made a personal decision to avail myself to other greater opportunities. I believe in my supporters to help me achieve this.

— A-REECE. (@reece_youngking) 17 February 2017

I’m currently pushing myself ten times harder to keep the consistency going by working on new content for all my loyal followers.The #SLIMES — A-REECE. (@reece_youngking) 17 February 2017

To those in favor of me growing & expanding.I promise not to disappoint. You’re now introduced to the new genesis.

A-REECE CAN’T DIE.

— A-REECE. (@reece_youngking) 17 February 2017

AKA is so right. https://t.co/mSDg4ObLs8 — A-REECE. (@reece_youngking) 17 February 2017

nominated for two Metro Awards for the first time ever in my life.This game’s shady man this might be my last time too. BUT I GOT Y’ALL

— A-REECE. (@reece_youngking) 17 February 2017

the smoke will clear soon. Until then … FOR BOOKINGS : reecebookings97@gmail.com & NEW MUSIC COMING SOON. RT for awareness. — A-REECE. (@reece_youngking) 17 February 2017

it’s not. this shit is serious. I’m out. https://t.co/E4o3jiaDdQ

— A-REECE. (@reece_youngking) 17 February 2017

Fifi Cooper and BenchmarQ also made announcements that they left the label. Peep them below.

Yoh listen, note that I am no longer an @ambitiouz_entertainment artist. It’s been good but all good things come to an end. Fifi Nation, still yours the whole time. . . I’ve decided to push Fifi Cooper under fificooper’s Record Label MòCooper Records. I’ve learned I’m ready and it’s TIME!!!! #SingleDroppingSoon #MòCooperRecords #NewYearNewMoves Look at God

A post shared by Fifi Cooper (@ke_fificoopersan) on Feb 17, 2017 at 2:07am PST

To The TamatiGang ; The fans! We would like to say that we’re no longer a part of #AmbitiouzEnt as of now moving forward.

— B3nchMarQ #JANGA (@B3nchMarQ) February 17, 2017

The post Oh no, A-Reece, BenchmarQ, Fifi Cooper and La Flame just left Ambitiouz Ent appeared first on Live Mag.

Shekinah, who you should know for her hits “Back to the Beach” and “Let You Know”, just signed to the major label Sony Music Entertainment Africa. She announced the signing to her fans on Facebook. She posted pictures of herself at the company’s offices with the caption: “Sony and me, finally! The results inevitably here will be rosey. Happy to say we’re in motion and it’s time to snatch people’s wigs and grills! P.S: Thanks everyone for their patience and support, my album is on its way.”

“Shekhinah is undoubtedly one of the most exciting, young, gifted, female singer/ songwriters on the scene, who is focused on her career,” says Spiro Damaskinos, director of electronic music and A&R at Sony Music Entertainment Africa. “We are very excited to welcome Shekhinah to the Sony Music family, and look forward to working closely together to take her music to the continent and beyond.”

While the whole idea of signing to a major label is somewhat archaic, with most artists choose the indie route, it is still a huge step in an artist’s career. We are hoping to hear more hits from the talented singer. And of course we are looking forward to that album. If her singles and features are something to go by, the album will be a gem.

Revisit our 2016 interview with Shekhina here.

Image courtesy of artist

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The first thing that strikes you is their faces. They are covered in corpse paint, their dreadlocks whip back and forth, while tattoos stretch across their arms as they jump in ankle-high black boots and All Stars. This is Demogoroth Satanum, the all-black, black metal band out of Soweto. The band is made up of five friends who have been performing together since 2009, and are about to rock Witchfest 2017, Africa’s annual metal festival which takes place in April in Johannesburg.

They will be performing alongside DevilDriver (from the US and headline act at the fest), MANTAR (Germany), and South Africa’s Award winning Zombie Ate My Girlfriend, to name a few.

Where did Demogoroth Satanum start?

The band consists of Sthe “Tyrant” on vocals, Modiba “Get Stoned Rabtroule/ Belgaroth” on  drums, Thapelo “Bellicosus” on bass, Trevor “Paranoia” and Brian “Thronumgoroth” on the guitar. On the day I meet up with the band’s drummer at his home in Soweto, he is chilled, but still rocking the all-black look that the group is known for. Modiba says they started the group because him and his group members (who all live in different parts of Soweto) were into skateboarding and heavy metal music. He says they used to think the two went together, and because they all liked the same things, they started a band.

Demogoroth Satanum’s music consists of fast guitar riffs, blast beats and double bass. The music also boasts the classical heavy metal trademark of the death growl over the high tempo beats making their sound intense and energetic. They released their first demo, Flesh Viticum To A dying God in 2010. In 2012, they dropped an EP, True Black, available online on Bandcamp. They later released a single, “Kingdom Ov Hell” in 2014. They have gone on to perform with local and international artists like Bloodbeast, Maximum Carnage, Touched by Nausea, and Overthrust. They’ve landed gigs in places as far afield as Durban, Cape Town and Botswana.

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Meaning behind their name and future plans

Modiba says the name was derived from a Greek mythological demon – a demogoth. But they changed it to demogoroth. Satanum is Satan with “um” to spice up the name a bit. “We are not satanic, we are not religious, we just sing about such topics because we feel religion tends to put one in a box, so that makes it easier to sing about Satan and other things,” says Modiba.

Black people used to call them satanists and devil worshippers, but white people have loved their music from the start of their careers. Black people in the townships have now become receptive to their music, and attend their shows. He says the metal culture has unity with no discrimination.

Their favourite artists are Behemoth, Warthane, Spectral Realm, and many more. They would like to share the stage with a lot of metal artists, there are just too many to pick from – at the moment they only want to collaborate with artists in the metal industry. Further adding that touring Europe is at the top of their bucket list.

From looking forward to rocking the shows lined up in 2017, working on new material, Demogoroth says metal heads should expect an album towards the end of the year.

Listen to Demogoroth Satanum’s True Black EP below and keep up with them on Facebook.

The post This black metal band from Soweto used to get called satanist, but things are slowly changing appeared first on Live Mag.

Dala Fam, a 24-year-old rapper from Waterval, Limpopo, did a remix to Nasty C’s hit “Hell Naw” last year. He shared the song with Moloko Pretoria host Deso Banks and Moloko Pretoria club DJ Tyga Banks. One of them passed the song onto Nasty C. Nasty C was clearly impressed with the remix, as he invited Dala on stage to perform the song with him at a show in Laviato Lounge, in Pretoria.

From hustling a remix to radio airplay

The rapper, who switches between English and Tsonga in his raps, recorded a Tsonga track last year called “Spani“. It received airplay across Limpopo and also YFM. The song is about his struggle of being forced to choose between getting a varsity education and following his love for music. His new single, “Ni Famba Na Khutso“, has been playlisted on YFM, and is the theme song to one of their shows Charged Up, hosted by Khutso Theledi.

Dala Fam has flows for days, and keeps the punchlines coming. He is capable of jumping on any type of beat, from trap to boom bap, to even house.

Limpopo’s hip-hop scene has huge potential

Dala admits it’s hard to break through as a hip-hop artist in Limpopo, but not without hints of optimism. He believes that with the right exposure, he can make it. “Hip-hop in Limpopo is not that established,” he says. “That’s why some of us run to Jozi, forgetting that charity begins at home.”

Dala strongly believes in Tsonga rap. “If Tsonga rap can get me on Hype, get me on the Top 5 on Munghana Lonene FM, get me interviews on stations that have nothing to with Tsonga rap, and also get me a theme song, I think with the right exposure, we can take it to the edge,” he says.

Except pH, Mchangani and now Sho Madjozi (who appears on OkMalumKoolKat’s album, Mlazi Milano), Tsonga isn’t well represented in South African hip-hop. He used to rap in English, but feels rapping in Tsonga is what sets him apart.

The love of music resulted in the rapper starting a record label Nu Skool Rap Ent which aims to take artists and producers from Limpopo and introduce them to the industry by booking them gigs in Pretoria to showcase their talents.

#FillUpWatervalStadium

Dala is currently planning a massive event called #FillUpWatervalStadium happening in July. Waterval stadium is a small community stadium estimated to host more than 500 people. “If Cassper Nyovest can fill up The Dome I can fill up the stadium where I’m from,” he says.

In the meantime, Dala Fam hosts a student night every Wednesday at Joe’s on Faya in Sunnyside Barclays Square where he always fill up the VIP section, and still working on general access.

Stay up to date with Dala Fam on Facebook, Audiomack and ReverbNation

The post Limpopo’s hottest rapper: “If Cassper Nyovest can fill up The Dome, I can fill up the stadium where I’m from” appeared first on Live Mag.

The Metro FM Awards were just too lit. Mostly for the wrong reasons. A lot of the winnings didn’t add up. The most notable being Nasty C taking Song of the Year beating both Kwesta and Babes Wodumo for “Ngud’” and “Wololo” respectively. Whaaaaat?!

Riky Rick, as you might already know, in his acceptance speech for Best Hit Single (for “Sidl ‘ukotini”) spoke up against the corruption in the South African music industry. “There’s a lot of people that struggle to put music out in this country, and I feel like there’s too many structures that are blocking people from putting out the dopest music,” said Riky. “90% of the shit I hear on radio is garbage. The stuff is living on the internet, everything is on the internet right now. So if you’re a kid and you’re watching this right now, forget radio. If they don’t let you play on radio, you better go to the internet and make your songs pop on the internet.”

We are with you, Riky, we are with you.

Watch the whole speech below, and view the full list of winners here.

The post Riky Rick’s advice to young musicians: “Forget radio” appeared first on Live Mag.

South African hip-hop producers are getting younger with every year that passes, while the genre continues to grow. Below is a list of some new young producers who have produced big hip-hop singles like Riky Rick’s “Sidl’ ukotini”, Stogie T’s “By Any Means”, A-Reece’s “Zimbali”, Nasty C’s “Juice Back”, DJ Vigi and Cassper Nyovest’s “Ayeye”. In no particular order.

1. Gemini Major

In the past two years, he has risen to be among the elite of South African hip-hop. The Angolan-born producer and rapper is signed to Cassper Nyovest’s Family Tree. Gemini Major co-produced “Sidl’ ukotini” with Tweezy and Co Kayn Beats last year. He also produced one of the biggest hip-hop songs of 2016, the addictive “Mayo” by DJ Speedsta. He has also lent his ragga vocals on songs by the likes of Tshego (“Hennessy”), Reason (“All The Time”), and he is the guy behind Nasty C’s breakout single “Juice Back”. Also, what was 2016 without his own hit single “Ragga Ragga”? Phew! And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Need we say more?

2. The Gobbla

The Gobbla has been around since around 2014 as an electronic music producer, releasing his own music. He recently performed at Ultra Festival. But the man’s versatility saw him producing three songs on Nasty C’s Bad Hair album. “Overload” featuring Tellaman is a mellow emo joint, while “Good Girls and Snapchat Hoes” is a club banger with a catchy rhythm. “Vent” is a head-bobbing hip-hop song, one of the standout tracks on the album. His latest production for the Durban Nasty C is the aggressive bass-heavy “Verge”.

3. Whichi 1080

What would Priddy Ugly be without the ice-cold production of Whichi 1080? Those eardrum-wracking basslines and airy pads give the rapper’s voice an atmosphere to roam as he does those lyrical gymnasts. Whichi 1080’s production is heavily influenced by trap, but you can’t necessarily call it trap. He’s probably the most innovative producer in South Africa at the moment. His sound is hard to describe, but a listen to Priddy Ugly’s You Don’t Know Me Yet EP, which Whichi 1080 produced and it will give you a clue. He also produced most of KLY’s trapsoul EP, KLYmax. He has also made bangers for Rogue (“Sheba Ngwan O”), Refi Sings and Shelton Forbes. A beast of note.

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4. Psyc’ AK

When Uno July went solo, he roped in Psyc’ AK for the successful single “Skelem”. The bassline on “Skelem” is the meaning of life. Then there’s the 8-beat synth that gives the song an 80s arcade twist. Psyc’ AK hasn’t looked back ever since. He has released instrumental projects that showcase his other production styles. His recent accolade is appearing on Patty Monroe’s Malatjie album. Psyc’ AK also has his solo singles like “The Code” and “Send Location” which will feature in his upcoming album Does it Bump in the Whip?.

5. Co Kayn Beats

Co Kayn Beats, real name Cayenne Mudimeli, co-produced one of the biggest hip-hop songs of 2016, the anthemic “Sidl’ ukotini” by Riky Rick. Always rolling with the big dawgs, he also co-produced five songs on Stogie T’s self-titled album, “By Any Means”, “Miss Joburg”, “Chairman of the Board”, “Pray for Us” and “Clean Stuff”. His production credits extend to the likes of Stilo Magolide (“Gawd Level”, “Delusion”) and B3nchmarQ (“Janga”). One thing that ties the man’s production is how he gets his bass and 808s to bang the way they do.

6. Mashbeatz

Mashbeatz, formally known as the 808 God in Giyani, is behind A-Reece’s hit singles “Zimbali” and “Sebenza”. He produced a large portion of the former Ambitiouz Ent signee’s debut album Paradise. Saudi’s latest single “She Loves Me” is also the work of Mashbeatz. So is “Ugesi” by Miss Pru DJ, and Kid X’s “Dipolotiki” off his debut album 3 Quarter Pace. Add the likes of Kwesta, Riky Rick, Cassper Nyovest on that resume, and you have one of the most solid producer portfolios by a 23-year-old. Cassper Nyovest also used MashBeatz’ beat for his Freestyle on Tim WestWood TV last year.

7. YoMaika Beats

YoMaika Beats, pronounced “your maker beats”, is a producer duo consisting of Dowpe and KTStheDJ, who are both 21. They worked on Maraza’s breakout single, and one of the biggest songs last year, “Gwan”. We haven’t heard many other high profile productions from Yomaika Beats, but we are certain, after the success of “Gwan”, it won’t be long. Our eardrums are still trying to recover from that bassline, though.

8. Psyko Beats

Psyko Beats essentially makes trap beats. Last year was great for the Zimbabwean-born producer – he co-produced DJ Vigilante and Cassper Nyovest’s “Ayeye”, produced YoungstaCPT’s “Own 2016”. He also co-produced B3nchmarq’s “Bonang” alongside Tweezy. He has also done some work with E-Jay, Phresh Clique and a few more. With trap being the incumbent sound in hip-hop, Psyko Beats can only grow more in 2017.

9. AirDee

AirDee is one of the silent pioneers of the skhanda sound, producing one of the biggest hits from the Cashtime Life camp, DJ Vigi’s “Sorry Makhe”. His sound is also diverse – he produced non-skhanda bangers like iFani’s strident “Milli”, Nadia Nakai’s “Whatever” and DJ Capital’s “Imma Tell Her”, among others.

Story by Nhlawulo Chauke and Aziwe Rayi

Feature image of Psyc’ AK by Sabelo Mkhabela

Who did we leave out? Let us know in the comments section, below.

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For any artist, getting international recognition means you must be doing something right with your craft. And now the same can be said about Simphiwe Nyawose (24), better known as Robin ThirdFloor, a young hip-hop artist from Umlazi, Durban. He is scheduled to perform at the SXSW festival in Texas, which starts tomorrow.

“It was unexplainable hey, my team had been working on trying to get me to SXSW for the longest time, and finally I have a showcase, and it feels great,” Robin ThirdFloor says via email, describing the first time he found out he was billed for SXSW.

The annual festival is a notable feature in the global music calendar. It consists of showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. South African artists like K.O, Moonchild Sanelly and Petite Noir have performed there.

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 Gqom, kwaito and house all co-exist in his music

Robin ThirdFloor’s sound dares to spill over into other genres like gqom and kwaito. On his latest single “Somdanger”, he attests to his versatility: “On the mic I’m Biggie, I’m Jay Z, mang’thanda ngiy’Trompies/ Mang’thanda ngiwuTira, uSox, uMpintsho, uBongz/ Mang’thanda ngiwuDanger, uProf/ Either way ng’yay’shubisa strong”.

“Somdanger” trended on Twitter this past weekend, and even got a cosign from DJ Cleo. And deservedly so. For someone like me, whose phone is filled with everything soul music, the song made me wanna dance and “vula my own sekele”.

Robin ThirdFloor says he wouldn’t classify his music under one particular genre. He rather makes music that reflects his mindset at the time. “It just so happens that I’m in a happy space and therefore ‘Somdanger’ was the product of that,” he says.

The artist has achieved a lot in a short space of time. His singles “Rolling Stone” and “Fly Away,” got him airplay on stations like Ukhozi FM and Gagasi FM.

His music, from the days of his 2015 EP Sounds Empty Pockets Make (S.E.P.M), has seen him delivering honest lyricism over boom bap production. “Sounds Empty Pockets Make was me telling the story of the challenges I faced as young black man following graduation,” he says. “Fast forward to late 2016, I was in a better space, and it started showing with the music I was making.”

The artist directs all his music videos, and prides himself in involving his community to help create unique music videos. “With ‘Somdanger’,” he says, “the concept came just after recording the song. I already had it planned out in my head that it would be shot in my hometown, and involve people from my community as much as possible.”

Comparison to OkMalumKoolKat

“Somdanger” is a party starter, which sees the rapper rapping in sparse sentence like OkMalumKoolKat does, over a high tempo drum pattern. Robin ThirdFloor admits that people have likened him to KoolKat. “We are from the same township, Umlazi, and the slang and aesthetics may sound or look similar, but really it’s just a reflection of where I’m from,” he says.

We are looking forward to hearing more from the artist.

Keep up with him on Twitter, Facebook, and SoundCloud

The post Meet the up-and-coming Durban rapper performing at SXSW appeared first on Live Mag.

Last week Friday, Da L.E.S released F2D Presents: Hall of Fame, a surprise compilation album showcasing artists signed to his Fresh 2 Def imprint and its partner labels Young Legend Music (owned by Yanga) and Rudebuoy Major (owned by Gemini Major). And it’s bananas! – with features from industry heavyweights like L-Tido, Maggz and NoMoozle.

It’s on joints like “One for the Team”, “Saucing”, “Wagwan”, “Can’t You Tell”, “One Night Stand”, “Dungeons” that Gemini Major’s unique ragga vocals and production make the album an even greater listen. He gives the project a refreshing twist, which makes it stand out from the standard autotuned hooks you hear on every mainstream hip-hop song.

Da L.E.S did a great job recruiting Gemini who was, up until a few weeks ago, signed to Cassper Nyovest’s Family Tree. The Malawian-born artist is the hottest new artist at the moment, having produced and featured on massive hits like Nasty C’s “Juice Back”, Aewon Wolf’s “Walking and Dabbing”, Riky Rick’s “Sidl ‘ukotini”, among others.

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All the artists on the album bring it. Da L.E.S himself makes a great contribution through hooks and verses, and his personality is infectious, as the album maintains the same happy aura Da L.E.S is known for, throughout. NoMoozlie drops charismatic verses on two songs. The song “Baddest on the Planet” was nostalgic for me – hearing Maggz, L-Tido and Da L.E.S on one song took me back to the late 2000s, when Jozi and Glitz Gang were the frontrunners of new school rap. Yanga also brings his street-centric raps. Stunt Double’s laidback rhyming and singing also works.

F2D Presents: Hall of Fame is a solid offering – the production is impressive. The basslines bang throughout, and a selection of synths and pads and different rhythms make the production varied.

I just can’t get over songs like “Water Under Bridges”, “Baddest on the Planet”, “Yeah”, “One for the Team”, “One Night Stand”, “Now You See Me”, “Dumb it Down”, “Late Nights”… that’s like half of the album!

With such a roster, Fresh 2 Def has one of the most solid set of artists in the game at the moment, especially considering how labels seem to be in turmoil in South Africa.

The concept of artist running labels has been in question for a long time, after labels like Cashtime Life and Motif Records collapsed. We can only wait and see, because, in the words of Gemini Major on “Wagwan,” North God got the answers.

Listen to the album below or grab a copy on iTunes.

The post Gemini Major totally owns the new Fresh 2 Def album appeared first on Live Mag.

Our latest Street Player video, shot in Langa township in Cape Town, features legendary South African DJ Black Coffee. Dancer, Leo Picasso Jose, shows us how to move to Inseparable by Black Coffee (Ft. Ribatone).

The post Watch the latest Street Player video featuring legendary house DJ Black Coffee appeared first on Live Mag.

Black Coffee is the man of the moment. Getting shouts from his BFF Diddy, and also appearing on Drake’s record-breaking “playlist” More Life, which dropped last week.

He recently sat down with American music website Pigeons & Planes to discuss how his collaboration with Drake came about. The song followed Drake playing Black Coffee’s song “Superman” on his Beats1 radio show last year. Black Coffee says he didn’t see anything coming from the spin.

“We got the email from his people saying they wanna use the song,” says the DJ, “and we just sent them the files. So that’s how it happened. We were not in studio together.”

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There were mixed feelings from fans last week about the song. Mostly because of the exclusion of Bucie who was on the original song. On the Drake version, she got replaced by UK singer Jorjia Smith. Black Coffee is nothing but over the moon about the song, expressing how Drake is uniting the world. “What makes it really big and special is that it’s not just a sample,” says Black Coffee. “He took the whole song as is. And it’s a 2008 production. Nothing was replaced to make it much more slicker.”

Watch the full interview below and listen to More Life below.

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