Latest news with #NeoSoul
Eyewitness News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Eyewitness News
How Jozi's underground music platforms are redefining live entertainment
JOHANNESBURG - In the heart of Johannesburg, a new wave of young creatives is transforming how live music is experienced. From cosy bookstores in Braamfontein to open-air picnics, platforms like Soundcheck, Mzansi NeoSoul, branches of Nairowbi and Hidden Spaces are reimagining performance culture and offering artists a creative community space. These spaces are platforms mostly created by artists or people who have a deep passion for art to allow artists to freely express themselves. As music band member from Arrange Esdras Nshimba said, these platforms have presented them with opportunity and belonging. "Every creative wants to find themselves in an environment where they are allowed to just express themselves to the fullest extent, and at the same time, you can use it as a springboard to work on your craft." Music producer, curator, and founder of MzansiNeo Soul, Phumlani Makuoa, said his platform, which gives a spotlight to South African Neo Soul artists, stems from his deep passion for music. "Mzansi NeoSoul is a vibe where South African artists specifically gather and have the space to express themselves in front of people that enjoy this type of music, R&B, and Neo Soul." Passion seems to be a key element that all the founders of these spaces share. The drive to support and empower local artists runs paramount. Founder of Hidden Spaces, Tate Mhunduru, said that although such platforms do come with their own difficulties, they have managed to stay afloat since they began in 2020. "It's tough. I think what we're trying to do and what keeps us going is we're trying to build a culture. We're trying to get people to understand this culture of live music and appreciate the artistry of live music." When asked what the future looks like for these platforms, assistant producer of Soundcheck, Nairowbi's offshoot, Sememi Mosupye said: "The future looks very good for spaces like this. As intimate as it is, I really appreciate and I really hope that it stays this intimate so that more conversations, more artists can feel more welcome in spaces like this." Independent South African artist, Ovuyonke Sotsaka, shared that these platforms help him find his audience and give him an opportunity to connect with the people who listen to and love his music.
TimesLIVE
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Amapiano star Laud releases his album 'Melokuhle'
Amapiano star Laud has released his album Melokuhle. Laud, whose real name is Tumisang Kekana, hosted a listening session on May 8 at Tempo restaurant in Sunninghill, Sandton. The 13-track album was released on Friday on all digital platforms under Gallo Music and features artists such as Cassie Ntuli, Neo Soul, TMan Xpress and Josiah Disciple. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, the Vanderbijlpark-born artist said the album is about fatherhood, resilience and a tribute to his best friend. 'It's an album close to my heart. I've invited everyone to come and listen to a piece of art that I'm about to render. Melokuhle is a special child — she's my friend's daughter, so she's the first baby in our squad and he doesn't have a relationship with her because the mother isn't allowing him to spend time with her or access her.' According to Laud, the album is a mixture of sounds but grounded in amapiano. 'With this album I'm expecting to boom because I put my blood and tears towards this project. I went to hell and back with this album. I think it should make something big out of it. This album took me five months to complete, people will definitely enjoy it.'
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Erykah Badu Working On First Album In 15 Years With The Alchemist
Erykah Badu has been in the studio, working with none other than acclaimed producer The Alchemist on an upcoming album. On the cover of Billboard, the Texas native explains her creative process and shares minimal details on the pending work. Journalist Damien Scott describes the album as 'taking up most of her time,' and continues adding the 54-year-old's anticipation for completion. Once released, the unnamed work will be her first official album in 15 years, however, the gap in drops has not hindered the Grammy-winner from performing. According to the interview, her intention behind her music is to bring it to life on stage. 'I tour eight months out of the year for the past 25 years,' she explained. 'That's what I do. I am a performance artist. I am not a recording artist. I come from the theater. The Mama's Gun creator continued, 'It's the immediate reaction between you and the audience and the immediate feeling. The point where you become one living, breathing organism with people. That's what I live for. It's my therapy. And theirs, too. We're in it together. And I like the idea that it happens only once.' Badu's most recent solo release came in the 2015 mixtape But You Caint Use My Phone, however at this year's Grammy Awards she earned a gold trophy for her '3:AM' collaboration with Rapsody, featured on the latter's latest Please Don't Cry album. 'That's the one record I have enjoyed the most because it was a process, and getting to know her more and building a deeper friendship. She's such a beautiful human being. You know the talent is in this style icon. She FaceTimed me the first time and she didn't even say hello. She was in bed and she had a microphone and she was just humming melodies, and it was so dope to see her process. And we were speaking the other day and I told her, 'I appreciate your process. You taught me how to slow down.' detailed Rapsody of working with the Neo Soul veteran. As for The Alchemist, the collaborative Life Is Beautiful with 2 Chainz and frequent collaborator Larry June was issued earlier this year. Badu is set to be recognized with the Icon Award from Billboard later this month at the magazine's annual Women In Music celebration. Doechii, Tyla, GloRilla, and more will also be honored at the live-streamed event. Read the full list of recognitions below: Doechii – Woman Of The Yearaespa – Group of the Year AwardÁngela Aguilar – Breakthrough AwardErykah Badu- Icon AwardGloRilla- Powerhouse AwardGracie Abrams – Songwriter of the Year AwardJENNIE -Global Force AwardMegan Moroney- Rulebreaker Award presented by Crown Royal WhiskyMeghan Trainor- Hitmaker AwardMuni Long- Rising Star Award presented by Honda StageTyla- Impact Award presented by Bose. More from J. Cole's Final Dreamville Festival Is Bringing Out The Hip-Hop And R&B Heavyweights Doechii Named 2025 Billboard Woman Of The Year GloRilla, Tyla, Muni Long, Erykah Badu Announced As Billboard Women In Music 2025 Honorees
