by Danny Mdluli -

DUREX ANNOUNCES UPCOMING PRE-ORDER EP ‘FORPLAY’ THAT FEATURES A STAR-STUDDED LINEUP FOR MUSIC ENTHUSIASTS

Johannesburg, Wednesday, 15 November – Durex, a name synonymous with sexual well-being and freedom, is proud to announce an upcoming EP available for pre-order, which promises to be an electrifying musical journey. This EP, a testament to Durex’s commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing freedom, brings together some of the most talented artists in the music industry. With a diverse range of songs, including “Do Ya Thing,” “Sweet Escape,” “Forever,” “Gentle Magic,” “Real Feel,” and “Duet,” music lovers will find something to enthral their senses.

The EP boasts an impressive lineup of superstars and multi-award-winning artists, including Blxckie, Musa Keys, Una Rams, Tshego, Money Badoo, Nanette, ThandoNje, Ricky Tyler, Mx Blouse, Gemma Fassie and Stephen Of Kent. These artists have come together to create a musical masterpiece that is set to captivate audiences and redefine the boundaries of musical artistry.

One of Durex’s primary focuses is to support emerging artists in the music industry. This pre-order EP features artists who are on the cusp of stardom, and Durex aims to play a pivotal role in propelling these talents to the forefront of the music scene.

The EP is a celebration of artistic diversity, ensuring there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of R&B or future bass, the tracks on this EP will satisfy your musical cravings. Notably, the artists selected for this EP cater to a youthful market, characterized by tech-savviness and an unquenchable thirst for innovation.

This EP ensures that it resonates with a tech-savvy audience. Music enthusiasts and fans of these talented artists can soon pre-order the EP, ensuring they are among the first to experience this groundbreaking musical compilation.

Listen to ForPlay HERE

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About the artists:

Blxckie: Sihle Sithole (born 24 November 1999), known professionally as Blxckie, is a multi-platinum selling South African rapper, songwriter and record producer from Sydenham Heights, Durban. He is popular for using soothing vocals on a range of beats, creating a fresh new sound and he also produces most of his songs.

Musa Keys: Musa Appreciate Makamu, professionally known as Musa Keys, is a South African record producer born in Giyani and raised in Flora Park, Polokwane. Makamu is known for his 2021 single “Vula Mlomo” which was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

Una Rams: With a unique blend of abilities in rapping, singing, and producing, Una Rams developed into a modern-day South African musician. Una Rams create music that vividly depicts the realities of young people who were born without parents. His pop tastes give him.

Tshego: Tshego is a popular South African singer, rapper, songwriter and record producer. Born in Atlanta, Georgia but raised in Mafikeng, South Africa, Tshego is most famous for his songs Hennessy and “The Vibe”. He released his initial EP titled “1990” in 2015.

Money Badoo: Jade Alves, mostly known as Money Badoo, is a South African rapper and a rising star in the music industry. Her unique style and relatable lyrics have made her a popular figure in the South African music scene. Further, Badoo has quickly become one of the most promising up-and-coming artists in the country.

Nanette: Singer-songwriter emerged on SoundCloud and has cultivated a small fan base as one of the most promising rising R&B acts in the country. Equally adept in singing as she is in sing-rapping, her ability to enter multiple pockets of flows while delivering an emotive vocal performance set her apart from the rest of her peers.

MX Blouse: Born Sandiso Ngubane, has performed at some of South Africa’s most popular music festivals in addition to touring Germany, Switzerland, and France. Mx Blouse’s entry into the music industry was through their first single, WTF(SQUARED).

ThandoNje: Born Thando Sibanyoni, Thando Nje is a recording artist that was born in Johannesburg and raised in Pretoria. She decided that she wanted to pursue a career in music when she began remaking covers of popular songs and receiving great reviews from those around her.

Stephen Of Kent: Is a South African singer-songwriter, rapper, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He is also, along with Michael Taku and David Weru, the founder of the lifestyle collective and creative firm, “thisisart”.

Gemma Fassie: Another Young Fassie Coming Up To Be Big! Gemma Fassie is a sing-songwriter from the Southern suburbs of Cape Town. Music has always been in her, from the age of six, she used to go and sing at local fashion shows. Music seems to be her family thing.

Ricky Tyler: R&B artist and rapper Ricky Tyler is part of a generation of young South Africa artists who are making waves on the local scene.

by Danny Mdluli -

DUREX REDEFINES PLEASURE WITH “FOREVER” – A GROUNDBREAKING SINGLE BY BLXCKIE, UNA RAMS, MX BLOUSE FEATURING MUSA KEYS

Today, Durex, the global leader in sexual well-being, is proud to announce the release of “Forever,” the third single from the upcoming EP that is set to revolutionize the music industry. This exceptional collaboration, featuring South Africa’s finest musical talents Blxckie, Una Rams, Mx Blouse, and Musa Keys, pushes the boundaries of creativity and celebrates the joys of music and the pursuit of sexual liberation.

“Forever” – A Prelude to Pleasure:

The single “Forever” is a mesmerizing blend of diverse musical influences, reflecting the essence of unity and freedom. Blxckie, Una Rams, Mx Blouse, and Musa Keys seamlessly merge their distinctive styles, creating a musical masterpiece that evokes passion, desire, and unapologetic expression. This single is a crucial part of an upcoming EP that will redefine the concept of pleasure, just as Durex has done for the last century.

“Forever” Availability:

“Forever” by Blxckie, Una Rams, Mx Blouse featuring Musa Keys is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. Stream, download, and enjoy this groundbreaking track, and stay tuned for the upcoming EP, which will take your pleasure to new heights.

by Danny Mdluli -

IMACSOUL Unleashes His Musical Magic with “USHUNI WAM” – A Captivating New Single Set to Mesmerize Audiences Worldwide

IMG_20230909_110931_439.jpg

Johannesburg 27 October 2023– IMACSOUL, the dynamic and highly acclaimed New-Age Maskandi artist, is back with a mesmerizing musical creation titled USHUNI WAM is bound to take the world by storm. The Nongoma based singer songwriter has once again pushed the boundaries of New-age Maskandi music.

“USHUNI WAM” is more than just a song; it’s a sonic journey that showcases IMACSOUL’s extraordinary talent and his unique ability to blend different musical elements seamlessly. With an unmistakable fusion of genres and a distinctive sound that defies categorization.

IMACSOUL’s journey in the music industry has been marked by innovation and a constant drive to create something that stands out in a sea of mediocrity. “USHUNI WAM” is yet another testament to his commitment to originality and artistic expression. The single is a bold step forward in his musical evolution, and it promises to connect with a wide and diverse audience.

Join Imacsoul on an unforgettable musical journey through the heart of the African music scene. In his smash hit single, ‘The Dove of Africa,’ Imacsoul weaves a heartfelt tale of his adventures in the music industry. With his electrifying guitar, he pays a vibrant homage to Kwa-Nongoma, creating a fusion of sounds that’s both soulful and electrifying. Get ready to dance from dusk till dawn as ‘The Dove of Africa’ takes you on a festive, rhythm-infused ride you won’t want to miss. Immerse yourself in the beats and melodies of this chart-topping sensation and let the music carry you away.

Listeners can expect to be transported into an ethereal realm where every note, beat, and lyric paints a vivid picture. “USHSUNI” weaves a musical tapestry that resonates with emotion and captures the essence of life’s rich and diverse experiences. The song’s evocative lyrics and haunting melodies will leave a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who hear it.

IMACSOUL GEARS UP TO RELEASE ULIMI

Here are some comments on Ushini Wam

Nkosenhle Thusi

Hit!!!

Somlaba KaNzobo II

Asambe Juba lakwethu

Thabatha Mngomezulu  

Khuphuuuka lapho nkabyam

Anzo  

All the best nkabi 

leverage_a1

Ngafika bebaningi ngadlala ushun wami

Don’t forget to catch up with Imacsoul on the socials

Connect  with IMACSOUL

Facebook: Imacsoul SA

Twitter: @imacsoul_sa

Instagram: @imacsoul_sa

by Danny Mdluli -

Mr Eazi Unveils “The Evil Genius” Album with a Unique Blend of Music and Art

Recorded across multiple countries, Mr Eazi’s latest album, “The Evil Genius,” explores personal themes, supported by an impressive lineup of guest features and diverse producers. The artist also dives into the world of fine art, creating a unique fusion of African music and visual art.*

In a musical journey that spanned across borders and touched on deeply personal themes, Mr Eazi has released his highly-anticipated album, “The Evil Genius.” With a unique blend of music and art, this project is set to be a groundbreaking release in the world of contemporary African music.

Recorded between the picturesque settings of Ouidah and Cotonou in Benin, Kigali in Rwanda, Accra and Kokrobite in Ghana, Lagos in Nigeria, and major global cities like London, Los Angeles, and New York City, “The Evil Genius” features some of Mr Eazi’s most personal work to date. The album delves into topics such as love, betrayal, loneliness, and family, and it is expressed through three distinctive acts.

What makes this album even more exciting is the star-studded guest list. Angelique Kidjo from Benin, Tekno, Efya, Whoisakin, and Joeboy from Nigeria, and the renowned Soweto Gospel Choir all make appearances on the project. The diversity of talent highlights the international nature of Mr Eazi’s music and its ability to connect with audiences around the world.

Behind the scenes, an impressive array of producers worked on the album, including Kel-P from Nigeria, Knucks from the UK, Michael Brun from Haiti, M.O.G Beatz from Ghana, and many others. This collaborative effort has resulted in a diverse and rich musical landscape.

But “The Evil Genius” doesn’t stop at the audio experience. In a pioneering move, Mr Eazi commissioned visual artists from various African countries to create unique physical art pieces that represent each of the album’s 16 tracks. Recognizing the lack of meaningful collaboration between Africa’s booming pop music scene and the continent’s fine art creators, Mr Eazi personally selected 13 artists from eight African countries. This addition of art curator and patron to his extensive resume showcases Mr Eazi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of his creative pursuits.

To accompany the release of the album, Mr Eazi has been hosting multi-sensory exhibition listening experiences, inviting the public to immerse themselves in the music alongside the art. The first two events took place in Accra, Ghana, and London, where it was a part of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair. More exhibition locations are set to be announced shortly, promising to bring this innovative fusion of music and art to a global audience.

Notably, the album’s cover art was a result of collaboration with celebrated Nigerian stylist, designer, and photographer Daniel Obasi, known for his work with Beyoncé and Louis Vuitton. This collaboration underscores the album’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and aesthetics.

“The Evil Genius” culminates with “Exit,” the final track and the centerpiece of the project. Conceived during a tumultuous period, “Exit” represents one of Mr Eazi’s most personal and introspective songs, beautifully enhanced by a powerful choral arrangement from the Soweto Gospel Choir. The song’s infectious production from Nigerian beatmaker Kel-P, known for working with Burna Boy and Wizkid, creates a memorable sonic backdrop.

In the words of Mr Eazi, “‘Exit’ is a song of disappointment and thankfulness.” It reflects his journey through the music business, feelings of betrayal by friends, and, amidst all the disappointments, a profound sense of gratitude.

The accompanying music video for “Exit” is set against the breathtaking backdrop of South Africa’s Drakensberg, the world’s oldest mountain range, and was directed by Allison Swank Owen. It perfectly captures the song’s spiritual theme, offering heavenly visuals that match the profound emotions of the music.

The album’s cover artwork for “Exit” was created by Samuel Tete-Katchen, a Togolese painter based in Accra, Ghana. His piece, titled “You Prepare a Table Before Me,” draws inspiration from DaVinci’s “The Last Supper” and beautifully reflects the spiritual essence of the song. Tete-Katchen shared that he felt a deep spiritual connection with the song and aimed to depict a king humbly serving those blessed by God, surrounded by his brotherhood. This powerful image captures the themes of gratitude and betrayal that are central to “Exit.”

With “The Evil Genius,” Mr Eazi has not only crafted a remarkable musical journey but has also broken new ground by seamlessly blending music and fine art. The album showcases the depth and diversity of African creativity and marks another milestone in Mr Eazi’s ever-evolving career.

”
 “Exit” artwork by Samuel Tete-KatchenEvil Genius Tracklist

1. Olúwa Jọ̀ 
Produced by: E Kelly, Stikmatik, Timmy, Mr Eazi 
2. Advice 
Produced by: M.O.G Beatz
3. Òròkórò (feat. Angélique Kidjo)
Produced by: Kel-P
4. Chop Time, No Friend
Produced by: Killbeatz, Andre Vibez 
5. Notorious 
Produced by: Kel-P, AoD
6. Panadol
Produced by: Type A
7. Jamboree (feat. Tekno) 
Produced by: Yung Willis
8. Good Lovin’ (feat. Efya)
Produced by: Type A 
9. Lack of Communication
Produced by: Kel-P, Mr Eazi
10. Fefe Ne Fefe
Produced by: Kel-P, KDaGreat
11. Legalize
Produced by: Michaël Brun, E Kelly, Nonso Amadi
12. Show Dem (feat. Whoisakin)
Produced by: Phantom 
13.  We Dey
Produced by: Knucks, AoD, E Kelly, Wade Oghenejabor and Venna
14. Zuzulakate (feat. Joeboy)
Produced by: Type A, Kel-P
15. Mandela
Produced by: KDream
16. Exit (feat Soweto Gospel Choir)
Produced by: Kel-PABOUT MR EAZI

MR EAZI is a musical innovator, business leader and philanthropist. As a recording artist, the Nigerian multihyphenate is the voice behind afropop hits “Pour Me Water,” “Skin Tight” and “Leg Over,” as well as groundbreaking collaborations with the likes of Beyoncé and J Balvin, and the creator of Banku Music, a fusion of Ghanaian and Nigerian sounds and culture. A serial entrepreneur, he founded emPawa Africa in 2018 as a talent incubator program designed to accelerate the careers of African artists.

Hailed by CNN, Rolling Stone,Billboard and Forbes for its innovative approach to expanding African music’s global reach, emPawa Africa has since grown into one of Africa’s largest independent music companies, with a track record of breaking global stars like Joeboy and Major League Djz. Mr Eazi has clocked over 4 billion streams of his songs across DSPs, making him one of the most streamed African artists worldwide. 

Connect with Mr Eazi
Facebook: @officialMrEazi
Twitter: @mreazi
Instagram: @mreazi
by Danny Mdluli -

Commemorating The Memory of Lucky Dube

Latest Edition – Johannesburg, 20 October 2023

Remembering Lucky Dube: A Musical Legacy that Transcends Time

On Wednesday, October 18th, 2023, South Africa and the world at large commemorated the 16th anniversary of the untimely passing of one of the country’s most iconic musical figures, Lucky Dube. In tribute to this legendary artist, Gallo Music is set to pay homage to his profound impact on the world of music over the next two weeks.

Lucky Dube, in a remarkable career spanning 25 years, graced the music world with 22 albums that carried a powerful message of societal awakening. Beginning his journey as a Mbaqanga artist, Dube later embraced reggae as a vehicle to break down racial barriers through his music and lyrics. His songs resonated with messages of hope and unity, effectively bridging divides not only within South Africa but also across the African continent and the globe.

In a poignant twist of history, Lucky Dube’s tragic passing in 2007 occurred just two days before the Springboks secured victory at the Rugby World Cup in France. At that time, South Africa was grappling with pressing issues related to crime, and President Thabo Mbeki believed that the Boks’ triumph would serve as a fitting tribute to Dube’s memory.

Fast forward to 2023, with the Springboks once again competing for rugby’s ultimate prize in France, we witness the realization of Dube’s vision of a nation embracing its diversity. The transformation within the Springbok team reflects the progress South Africa has made since the dark days of apartheid. Captain Siya Kolisi and his teammates, drawn from diverse backgrounds, receive unwavering support from the nation’s populace, symbolizing the embodiment of Dube’s message, as heard in songs like “Together As One” and “Different Colours, One People.”

RAISE YOUR FESTIVAL GAME WITH HEY NEIGHBOUR’S CAMPING LEVELS

Lucky Dube’s music continues to resonate across social, political, and cultural landscapes, his lyrics echoing through time. “The time is right now in South Africa for people to come together,” he proclaimed years ago, a call to unity that rings more important than ever as the nation rallies behind the Springboks.

As we remember this musical legend, let us also remember his words from “Different Colours, One People,” a song that continues to inspire unity across borders and generations:

Different colours (One people)

Different colours (One people)

Hey you government, never try to separate the people

Hey you politician, never try to separate the people.

They were created in the image of God

And who are you to separate them

Bible says He made man in his image,

But it didn’t say black or white.

Now is the time to kick that away

Join me in my song

Differеnt colours (One people)

Differеnt colours (We are one people)

Hey you government, never separate the people

You politician, never try to separate the people here

Hey man, hey man, never try to separate the people

Some were from America – We were from South Africa

Some were from Japan – We were from China

Some were from Australia – We were from the UK

Some were from Zimbabwe – We were from Ghana

Some were from Jamaica – We were from Russia

Some were from A-ha-ha-ha…

Differеnt colours (One people)

Differеnt colours (One people)

Differеnt colours – We are one people

Listen To ‘Different Colours, One People’ Here

Find Lucky Dube On:

Website | Spotify | Apple Music | Facebook

Find Gallo Record Company On:

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

For Radio Play, Listen Here.

by Danny Mdluli -

TRACE URBAN ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF TRACE FEST AS THEY ALSO EXPAND ACCESS TO DSTV SUBSCRIBERS

 Johannesburg, South Africa – TRACE Urban, the leading destination for urban and contemporary music entertainment, is thrilled to announce a significant milestone for its viewers. From Wednesday, 1 November 2023, TRACE Urban will be available to DStv subscribers across the spectrum, from the Premium package all the way through to the Access package.

This move reflects TRACE Urban’s commitment to providing its audience with uninterrupted access to the best urban and contemporary music content, making it easier for fans to stay connected with their favorite music, artists, and cultural trends.
 
      “MultiChoice is thrilled to bring TRACE Urban to our DStv Access customers,” says Georginah Machiridza, Executive Head of General Entertainment Channels at Multichoice Group. “We are constantly tuned-in to our viewers’ interests and keep abreast of their evolving taste as a means to enhance their experience. The addition of TRACE Urban strikes the right note to an already exciting lineup of entertainment on DStv Access,” Machiridza adds.

TRACE AWARDS GOES INTERSTELLAR AS HOT NEW ARTISTS JOIN THE LINEUP


 
In addition to this exciting expansion, TRACE Urban is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated TRACE Fest last held in 2019!
 
Music enthusiasts and entertainment aficionados, mark your calendars for Saturday, 2 December 2023, as TRACE Fest, Unlocked by Vodacom, is set to take the stage once again in Soweto, South of Joburg.
 
TRACE Fest has become an annual celebration of music, culture, and entertainment, featuring some of the biggest names in the industry, electrifying performances, and memorable moments. This year’s event promises to be even more spectacular, with a lineup that will leave fans eagerly counting down the days.

STAR-STUDDED TRACE AWARDS LINE-UP ANNOUNCED


       “We are delighted to make TRACE Urban more accessible to our viewers through DStv’s Access packages. Now, everyone can enjoy the channel’s exceptional content throughout the year”  said Valentine Gaudin-Muteba, TRACE Southern and Lusophone Africa Managing Director. She added “Additionally, in line with the channel’s ongoing commitment to support local talent, we can formally confirm the return of TRACE Fest, taking place on Saturday, 2nd December 2023. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience, Unlocked by Vodacom!”