by Danny Mdluli -

REMA SET TO MISS HEY NEIGHBOUR PERFORMANCE DUE TO HEALTH REASONS

Johannesburg, South Africa — Organizers of the upcoming Hey Neighbour Festival, set to happen next weekend, regretfully announce the withdrawal of Rema from the festival’s performance due to health reasons.

In addition, Duckwrth is currently dealing with Vertigo, while JZYNO, unfortunately, won’t be able to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.

The festival team received this news from Rema’s management team this week. We send our best wishes for his recovery and hope to see him on our stage in the future!

13 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT HEY NEIGHBOUR

Warren Le Grange, Hey Neighbour Festival Director, expressed understanding for fans’ disappointment and apologized for any inconvenience.

Hey Neighbour Festival remains dedicated to providing an engaging lineup with exceptional talent from various genres. The festival team looks forward to welcoming attendees to an unforgettable event filled with incredible music and memorable experiences.

Get Ready for Fresh Vibes and Festival Thrills: AXE South Africa Teams Up with Hey Neighbour Festival for an Unforgettable Experience


ESSENTIAL HEY NEIGHBOUR INFO 

DATE             8-10 December 2023

VENUE          Legends Adventure Farm, Pretoria

TIMES           Gates open at noon, and close at midnight

TICKETS       Phase 3 Tickets available now! (Only for the 18 and above crew)

Stay tuned to our vibes, folks! Catch the latest updates about our NEIGHBOURHOOD through our official website and our popping socials:

Website – www.heyneighbour.co.za

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/heyneighbourfest/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086670110342

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@heyneighbourfest

Twitter – https://twitter.com/HeyNeighbourFes

Snapchat – https://www.snapchat.com/add/heyneighbourfes

YouTube – https://youtube.com/@HeyNeighbourFest

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/heyneighbour/

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 -

Get Ready for Fresh Vibes and Festival Thrills: AXE South Africa Teams Up with Hey Neighbour Festival for an Unforgettable Experience

Johannesburg, 20 October 2023

In an exciting collaboration that promises to infuse an irresistible blend of scents and a groundbreaking festival experience, AXE, the globally renowned grooming and personal care brand, has announced its partnership with the eagerly anticipated Hey Neighbour Festival.

The Hey Neighbour Festival, a dynamic celebration of music, art, culture, and community, has swept across South Africa, becoming a focal point of conversations nationwide. AXE’s reputation for keeping you fresh and confident aligns seamlessly with the festival’s mission to create unforgettable moments.

AXE’s presence at the Hey Neighbour Festival is set to take the event to unprecedented heights, with the introduction of the AXE Dome—a first-of-its-kind concept in South Africa. The Dome will serve as a canvas for interactive displays and captivating visuals, promising to transform this year’s festival into an extraordinary multisensory experience.

Gareth Marshall, Sponsorship & Partnership Lead at Unilever South Africa, expressed his excitement, saying, “We’re absolutely thrilled to join forces with Hey Neighbour Festival and introduce this ground-breaking experience through our AXE Dome. The Dome embodies the very essence of AXE, delivering a sensory experience that deeply resonates with our audience. Our partnership with Hey Neighbour Festival allows us to connect with our fans in a way that’s truly unique, all while ensuring they stay fresh and confident throughout the event.”

As part of the dome activation, festival-goers will not only have the opportunity to sample AXE’s diverse product range but also immerse themselves entirely in the world of AXE, exploring various variants and ingredients. From body sprays to deodorants, attendees will enjoy a hands-on experience with AXE’s products, enabling them to discover their favorite scents and stay fresh, regardless of how long the festival lasts.

RAISE YOUR FESTIVAL GAME WITH HEY NEIGHBOUR’S CAMPING LEVELS

Glen, Managing Director of Hey Neighbour Festival, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We’re thrilled to welcome AXE as our partner for this year’s Hey Neighbour Festival. AXE’s dedication to enhancing the festival experience through the ground-breaking AXE Dome and sampling opportunities aligns perfectly with our mission to create moments of joy and connection that are simply unforgettable. Together, we’re poised to make this festival season the best one yet.”

The partnership between AXE and Hey Neighbour Festival promises to redefine the festival experience, leaving festival-goers with lasting memories and, of course, an invigorating feeling of freshness. Be sure not to miss this electrifying collaboration at the Hey Neighbour Festival.

For more information about AXE and Hey Neighbour Festival, visit:

by Danny Mdluli -

DAVIDO, J HUS AND BALCK SHERIF ANNOUNCED AS HEADLINERS FOR THE AFROFUTURE FESTIVAL 2023

ACCRA, GHANA – Culture Management Group (CMG) announces afrobeats superstars Davido, J Hus, and Black Sherif as the musical headliners for AfroFuture Festival 2023. To help heat up the stage, these heavy hitters will be joined by a number of local and international musical acts to make this year’s festival one you don’t want to miss.

Sponsored by powerhouse brands like TuneCore, YouTube, Black Ambition, Topicals, Martell, and Jameson, this highly anticipated two day event will make its return to El Wak Sports Stadium in Accra, Ghana on Thursday, December 28th and Friday, December 29th.

AfroFuture continues to be a leader in celebrating Africa’s unique culture and the lively work of its many creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs across the continent. To strengthen its commitment to unify the diaspora, AfroFuture’s 2023 theme is “Black Unification & Pan Africanism,” which honors the achievements of Black pioneers throughout the diaspora and highlights their contributions to art, culture, and innovation. This year’s theme will delve into the global connections and shared experiences of African people, including conversations on the history of the Pan-African movement, the role of diaspora in global politics, and the significance of diaspora unity.


To bring this theme to life, the AfroFuture festival grounds will be transformed to encompass several cultural concepts – all created to take a deeper dive into the worlds of art, music, fashion, culture, and food. Each area will bring together a variety of local creatives, culinary professionals, musicians, and artists to create an engaging and unexpected world for festival guests to experience.

       “AfroFuture has always been more than just a festival; it’s a full-circle celebration of everything African – our culture, our people, our talents, and serves as a platform for us to appreciate and acknowledge the larger contributions we make in the world,” said Abdul Karim Abdullah, AfroFuture’s CEO and Co-Founder. “This Detty December, we’re back bigger, better, and stronger and we can’t wait to give our global supporters an unforgettable experience by beautifully blending the worlds of food, art, fashion, and music.”


       “Every year, we look forward to contributing to the growth of Ghana’s tourism and hospitality sectors by welcoming international visitors back to the country to experience not only our events, but all that Ghana has to offer.” said Kenny Agyapong Jr., COO & Co-Founder of Afrochella. “As one of Ghana’s most recognized cultural moments, AfroFuture will continue to foster engagement, increase interest, and boost tourism within the country, with a goal to make Ghana a premier destination for all travelers worldwide.”

AfroFuture has partnered with Streamline Travel and TravelMo to provide visitors from abroad with the best deals on flights and hotel accommodations when planning their trip to Ghana.

Back by popular demand, AfroFuture’s Vendor Village will again feature a one-of-a-kind exclusive food experience, located right on the festival grounds. The market will include 35 vendors including 12 fashion, beauty, and arts merchants as well as 23 food vendors featuring cuisines from all over the continent.

The road to AfroFuture continues on Monday, December 18th through Saturday, January 2nd and will feature the following flagship events and elements:

  • ●  Afro Expo 2023: A two-week expo that will host a series of digital experiences, wellness sessions, screenings, and panel discussions centered around the worlds of culture, technology, health, film, music, and art – connecting the diaspora to industry experts and changemakers who are creating opportunities on the ground and across the continent.
  • ●  Black Ambition Pitch Competition: A one-day entrepreneurship activation including panels and a pitch competition for African entrepreneurs, curated in partnership with Black Ambition, a non-profit initiative founded by visionary recording artist, producer and songwriter Pharrell Williams. Entrepreneurs will be able to pitch for a chance to win up to $5,000 for their business.
  • ●  AfroFuture Music Museum: A visual musical library-like experience that will transport the audience across time and space through live performances, art installations, and digital and printed material.
  • ●  Rising Star Challenge: Aspiring artists across the continent will have the opportunity to submit their musical profile for a chance to perform at the 2023 AfroFuture Festival and market their music to the masses. The 1st place winner of the Rising Star Challenge will win a cash grand prize, a studio session with an acclaimed producer, and more.
  • ●  AfroFuture x Black Film Space Film Competition: A partnership with the non-profit organization Black Film Space curating a short film contest highlighting Ghanaian filmmakers. The 1st place winner of the Film Competition will win a cash prize and an all expenses paid trip to represent Ghana as an Ambassador at Cannes Beach Film Festival.
  • ●  New Year’s Eve Celebration x PVO: AfroFuture teams up with PVO (Positive Vibes Only) to ring in the New Year with an unforgettable year-end celebration.
  • ●  AfroFuture Foundation Giveback: AfroFuture will host its annual community service day by providing packaged meals to various communities across Ghana.
  •       


For more information on AfroFuture 2023, please visit https://www.afrofuture.com/ and follow @afrofuture on X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest news and events.
 

by Danny Mdluli -

Heavy K and Ami Faku Collaborate to Bring the Song of the Summer, Andikayeki

Johannesburg, Friday, 29 September 2023 – South African record producer, composer and DJ Heavy K has teamed up with Afro Pop sensation Ami Faku to deliver the song of the summer, ‘Andikayeki’ which is undoubtedly the perfect addition to your summer playlist. 


Andikayeki tells the story of an individual who has faced numerous challenges and overcome adversity in their life. It emphasizes their resilience and the moments of introspection when they recall the difficult situathey’ve been in. Despite the ups and downs, the person remains determined not to surrender. They acknowledge that some of their hardships were a result of their own actions, but they are actively working to rectify those mistakes. Ultimately, the song conveys a strong desire for acceptance and forgiveness as the person strives to move forward.


Andikayeki introduces 3 Step, a new music genre that borrows from Afro House, Amapiano and Afro Beat, making it the consummate new dance sound from streets and clubs of South Africa. The 3 Step sound is characterised by the missing 4th kick and Amapiano shakers in a measure that offers a truly African unstoppable rhythm. It is the perfect genre for clubs, braai’s, festivals, car drives and street parties. 
Heavy K, affectionately known as “The Drumboss” has perfected his craft from a very young age and has gone on to work with some of the biggest names in the game such as Black Coffee, Oskido, Professor, and Bucie to name a few. 

Ami Faku receives SAMA nod for Record Of The Year


“I have been wanting to work with Ami Faku for a while, and we’ve finally come together to create something amazing. Andikayeki is a song about having the strength to overcome life’s challenges and becoming a better person because of it.”  


With a voice that commands the attention of every room she sings in, Ami Faku brings a unique feel to the single. Ami Faku is renowned for her ability to deeply touch the emotions of her audience through her music, and once more, she has captivated listeners with her enchanting vocal ability.




Andikayeki is now available for download on all digital service providers. 
 
Connect with Heavy K: 
Instagram: @heavykdrumboss
Twitter: @HeavykDrumboss
Facebook: Heavy-K Drumboss
 
Connect with Ami Faku: 
Instagram: @ami_faku
Twitter: @Ami_Faku
Facebook: Ami Faku