Written By Lex LaFoy
Raheem Kemet On Life After Sony and Signing To a New Indie Label
Raheem Kemet (Photo courtesy of Nthando Butho)
Raheem Kemet (Photo courtesy of Nthando Butho)
Written By Lex LaFoy
Written by Lex LaFoy
The KZN Youth Hip Hop Festival made a triumphant return this year with a sensational event. Held on Saturday, June 8th, at the Muni’s Hockey Club next to the Botanical Gardens in Durban, it was a celebration of the vibrant hip hop culture that pulses through the veins of KZN.
The crowd started trickling in slowly as the gates opened, with an electric atmosphere in the air. This year’s festival marked the revival of the My Connect program, designed to give emerging artists the chance to perform on real stages before live audiences. If you were there, you would have had the pleasure of witnessing some of the hottest hip hop acts, including Sazified, Ayonn September, Pretty Majola, Emdeeyou, and the man himself, Celestial Mic.
A standout moment was the performance by New Kids on the Block, Tony Dayimani and uSimamane. It was thrilling to see these rising stars command the stage, translating their streaming success into live energy. The crowd was so captivated by uSimamane’s hit "Cheque" that they demanded an encore, going wild for the song a second time.
The festival also attracted out-of-town love, with Maglera Doe Boy delivering a stellar performance in his signature stage suit. It was heartwarming to see the local Zulu crowd embrace his act with open arms. Heavy hitters like OK MalumKoolkat, Blxckie, and Sjava kept the party alive, with Lord Script closing the night with his electrifying hits.
While some social media debates questioned the festival's impact on the hip hop community, it's crucial to highlight the importance of such events. It’s easy to criticize but harder to create. There are few events of this caliber designed for and by the KZN audience. Fans and critics alike should appreciate this and recognize the festival's potential to build a thriving industry.
Kudos to Richie R Productions, his team, and DJ Lab, who worked tirelessly on the ground, despite looking a mix of happy, grumpy, and exhausted throughout the day. Their efforts paid off in a big way, delivering an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
Written By Lex LaFoy
Born and bred in uMgababa, on the south coast of Durban, w3stt's musical journey began in late 2020, garnering local attention with his unique sound and style. Influenced by artists such as Kanye West, Lebo Mathosa, Lira, and Lil Wayne, w3stt (all lower caps, pronounced “west”) infuses his music with smooth melodies while maintaining a versatile approach to his craft.
w3stt - a creative, carving a niche path with dark ambient and neon indie sounds, sets to captivate audiences with his latest single Move Your Body. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, w3stt shares:
"It's a love letter to be honest, a way of showing affection to my special person, since I'm not really expressive like that".
Through its enticing and fiery rhythm, the song invites listeners to embark on an emotional rollercoaster, experiencing the depths of love, joy, and even fear.
As a creative spirit deeply passionate about his art, w3stt refuses to limit himself, embracing the role of a musical influencer with sincerity and dedication. He reflects,
"Whenever I make music, I always think about how it'll influence the next person as a listener".
Move Your Body is now available on all major streaming platforms. Press play below, and let us know your thoughts.
Written By Lex LaFoy
Written by Tsakane Mhlongo
RubyGold All I Want Is You Artwork
Written by Tsakane Mhlongo
Zawadi YaMunga with her LIMA 2024 Award
Written By Tsakane Mhlongo
In a first. Philaman Beats and Percy breakdown their anthem Mfethu by DJ Meech, Beast_RSA & JR Emeow. The they breakdown how the beat and the song came about in the Deeply [Rooted] exclusive.
Tyla did the unthinkable when she won her 1st Grammy award recently during her breakout year 🙌🏽🔥. Join us on a captivating journey from Johannesburg to the Grammy stage as we explore the remarkable rise of the visionary South African pop star 🤌🏽✨
Discover the dynamic musical journey of Tyla, South Africa's Grammy-winning sensation! Dive into her story, from local success to global triumphs.
Discover the coolest homemade sips to beat the heat in our latest blog! From the best Arnold Palmer Lemon Iced Tea to a quirky Healthy Apple Cider Drink with surprising health benefits, and a tropical twist with Pineapple Sorbet.
Learn about vegan, vegetarian, and other diets that aren't strictly vegan. From tasty recipes to easy sustainability tips, we've got it all. Discover the differences and find a green lifestyle that fits you.
In an unexpected twist, the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) have decided to change their venue, much to the surprise and curiosity of Durban's residents and the nation at large. This change has come amidst mounting pressure from both politicians and local artists, who have voiced their concerns about the event's budget and the inclusion of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) artists.
Initially slated to take place in Soweto, the decision to move the SAMAs from Durban has left many pondering the motives behind this move. While there hasn't been an official statement providing a comprehensive explanation, reports from prominent news outlet eNCA shed some light on the matter.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), a significant political party in South Africa, has been at the forefront of pushing for the relocation. Their concerns stem from the substantial budget allocated to the SAMAs, which surpasses R28 million. The DA argues that these funds could be channeled into other critical areas, a viewpoint that has garnered public attention.
On the flip side, Durban's local artists have been clamoring for greater representation in the SAMAs, urging the organizers to involve KZN artists in a more meaningful way. T’zozo, a respected Durban Kwaito artist and Chairperson for the Cultural & Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA) in Durban, has been a vocal advocate for this cause. He emphasized the importance of KZN artists benefiting from the SAMAs and ensuring that the people of KZN truly feel the impact of the awards.
"We want our KZN artists to benefit, and we want the people of KZN to feel the SAMAs, hence we are saying we want to do activations in all 11 districts. We are in talks with the department and had a meeting with the SAMAs. If we [have] not agreed, there will be no SAMAs here in KZN," T’zozo stated.
This ongoing situation leaves a trail of unanswered questions and uncertainty surrounding the future of one of South Africa's most prestigious music events. The SAMAs have long been a celebration of the nation's rich and diverse music scene, and the decision to shift the venue amidst such controversy has left its future hanging in the balance.
In addition to the local dynamics, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in KwaZulu-Natal weighed in on the matter, welcoming the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA)'s decision to cancel the SAMA hosting. The EFF expressed concerns about allocating a significant budget to a one-day event, particularly when the province faces pressing issues such as high unemployment, infrastructural challenges, and water shortages.
EFF KWAZULU-NATAL WELCOMES THE DECISION BY EDTEA TO CANCEL THE HOSTING OF SAMAs IN KWAZULU-NATAL pic.twitter.com/d60zgS9jrj
— EFF KZN (@EFFKZN) October 25, 2023
"We welcome this bold decision, especially since there was no clear program of action as to how these awards would empower grassroots artists. This was just blatant abuse of resources and misuse of political power," the EFF statement read.
The EFF reiterated their call for resources to be directed toward addressing critical issues like poverty alleviation and job creation. With all these developments, the future of the 2023 South African Music Awards remains in limbo, a story that continues to captivate the attention of the music industry, the political landscape, and local artists alike. As the narrative unfolds, we'll be right here to keep you updated on the evolving fate of the SAMAs. Stay tuned for more from DeeplyRooted.World.
Dive into Muzi's sonic universe with 'uMuzi.' Take a road trip through a landscape of emotion, from the immersive experience of 'Emtunzini' to the disco-chic vibes of 'Light.' Explore collaborations with international acts like Chris Martin and The Last Skeptik. This isn't just an album; it's a rebellion, a invitation to savour Muzi's essence.
In the ever-evolving world of social media, where trends come and go in the blink of an eye, there are some individuals who manage to capture the hearts and attention of millions. One such talent is AyloWorldwide, a popular social media dancer hailing from the Eastern Cape in South Africa. His viral song "Dlala Ngesinqa" took TikTok by storm, amassing over 70,000 videos created to it. Aylo is not only a prominent figure in the dance scene but also a rapper, and his journey to fame is one that is deeply rooted in both creativity and hard work.
The 031Goats Connection
AyloWorldwide is not alone on his journey to stardom. He is a part of the online dance crew known as the "031Goats." Together, they have garnered a massive following on social media, showcasing their impressive dance moves and choreography. The 031Goats have become a force to be reckoned with in the world of online dance, and Aylo has undoubtedly played a significant role in their collective success.
The Swoosh Dance Phenomenon
One of Aylo's claims to fame is the creation of the "swoosh dance." This dance move has taken the internet by storm, with countless individuals attempting to replicate its fluid and captivating movements. Aylo's ability to create viral dance challenges and trends has solidified his position as a trendsetter and influencer in the dance community.
Collaborations with Renowned Artists
Aylo's talent has not gone unnoticed by the music industry. He has had the privilege of appearing in music videos for well-known artists, including the likes of Nasty C and the late Costa Titch. These collaborations have not only expanded Aylo's reach but have also highlighted his versatility as a dancer and performer.
International Recognition
What sets AyloWorldwide apart is his international recognition. Artists like Fivio Foreign and Chance the Rapper have taken notice of his incredible dance skills. In fact, Chance the Rapper himself participated in Aylo's famous dance challenge, #TheSwoosh. This kind of international acknowledgment speaks volumes about Aylo's influence on the global dance and entertainment scene.
The Transition to Music
While Aylo made a name for himself as a dancer, he has also ventured into the world of music. His song "Dlala Ngesinqa" not only became a viral sensation on TikTok but also showcased his talents as a rapper. This transition from dancing to music is a testament to his versatility as an artist, and it has garnered him even more attention from fans and industry professionals alike.
Conclusion
AyloWorldwide's journey from the Eastern Cape of South Africa to global stardom is a remarkable story of talent, dedication, and creativity. As a member of the 031Goats, the creator of the swoosh dance, and an artist who has made a significant mark in both the dance and music worlds, Aylo is a true sensation. With international recognition and a growing fan base, there's no doubt that AyloWorldwide is a rising star with a deeply rooted impact on the world of entertainment. Keep an eye on this multifaceted talent, as his journey is far from over, and his influence continues to spread worldwide.
Written by Lex LaFoy
Written by Lex LaFoy
Written by Lex LaFoy
Nao Para Artwork
Written by Lex LaFoy