6 degrees of SAMA 2011 separation...

Its been a while since we did a good 6 degrees of separation, and in the spirit of the recent South African Music Awards, we bring you some SA music trivia in this fun format...

Are you ready to read all about it...?

1. I really should write more about Yoav, the Israeli-born, Cape Town-based, world travelling musician who won 'Best Alternative Album English' at this year's SAMAs.

I once met Yoav (right) at Zebra & Giraffe's album launch in Stellenbosch at the end of 2010 - he was the support artist - and a very lovely guy!

We also met Z&G's lead singer Greg Carlin (below), a very friendly guy and possibly the tallest SA muso I've met (ok, so maybe just shy of Kurt Darren's 6.4)

2. Zebra & Giraffe, who I adore, performed 'The end of the road' at the SAMAs, a track off their latest album 'The Inside' (which was nominated for Best English Rock Album, but which was won by Prime Circle).

3. Amongst the other live acts at the SAMAs, was a SAMA special combo act - two artists who both had one of their songs nominated for Record of the Year. One part was the Durban girl group The Arrows with their successful radio single 'Lovesick' combined with SA's R&B crooner, Loyiso Bala and his popular radio hit 'Wrong for you'!

4. Next up, what would the 2011 SAMAs be without acknowledging the band who dominated the interweb in 2010. And if their name was in English, it would sound similar to the 'Lovesick ladies' (The Answer / The Arrows - geddit?). With Ninja singing on stage and Yo-landi floating above the audience much like a ninja-styled butterfly, it was apt as she sung 'Ai-i-ya-i-ai.. I am your butterfly!'

5. Ninja, the main man from Die Antwoord, on accepting the 'International Achievement Award', said (and I paraphrase) "I'd like to thank all the people in the overseas who helped Die Antwoord with their first SAMA!" When collecting the award, Ninja was wearing a very unique patterned suit, and with no shirt underneath, you could see his washboard stomach and the array of seemingly homemade tattoos for which he has become famous. (And Yo-landi, for what its worth, was dressed in an orange, over-sized fluffy bear outfit thing!)

6. And talking about 'the people in the overseas', just to say that to everyone reading ZAmmm! - there will be more plenty more insights on artists like Israeli-born, Cape Town bred (and according to some sites, London-based), or at least 'world-based' Yoav. I know he was abroad for a while, maybe he too is home now. But as with all great SA musicians - have SAMA, will travel :)


Rock on SA artists coming to London, and being recognised for their work,
x

Nothing beats live music to start a new year... (part 1)

I couldn't think of a better way to see in a new year than surrounded by live music! As always, there was too much choice... but as always, plans came together perfectly at the last minute!

Plan A was to head to the Falls Fest at Vic Falls in Zimbabwe, where Mann Friday were playing with the Parlotones. Cost cut that option short alas. Plan B emerged soon after when I spotted the Rock the River festival. Alas, there was a contesting evening of rock at the V&A Waterfront. So, as always, I aimed to do a bit of everything...

The evening started with sushi and champagne, followed by seeing 2011 in with Zebra & Giraffe (and some Jaegie and Millers!) I even scored a delightful blue head scarf from the lovely Josie, and thus was able to avoid the wind having its way with my hair!

We caught the end of CrashCarBurn when we arrived - long on my list to see - and I was thrilled they saved top tune Twisted to last! Zebra & Giraffe after them were indeed great, and after them - a fabulous surprise, unannounced on the bill - Good Luck!

Self-described while chatting to Ben Peters before he went on stage (Ben is brother of Dom of Goldfish duo and part of the Good Luck trio), he said, "We are kind of a Goldfish rip-off!"

I guess no one could say it quite as frankly as a blood brother, but I'd challenge Ben by saying we could do with more Goldfish-esque acts in our arsenal of SA music reaching the world! A delightful blend of electronic music with live on stage instruments and vocals - it is a fabulous recipe to close a stage, lift a crowd or just create a vibe! It was no wonder that this was Good Luck's third gig of the night! Good Luck performed a few current commercial winners, including 'Americano' - and they sure added fuel to the blaze of an already vibing new year's energy!

Rock on rocking new years (part 2 to follow!),
x

SA music on a world stage!

I look at the last post in horror. How did two months pass without a post? I only have my state of mind to blame. I returned from SA a month ago... and have spent most of that time longing to be back. But Ive still been following as much SA music if not more...

To put this to rights, just a few things to mention this Friday:

1) It is the official World Cup Draw today - the day they announce which of the 32 world teams will play who and when. And its taking place in Cape Town right now! All sorts of fancy people are there, including David Beckham and Charlize Theron. Plus the afro fusion bunch of Freshlyground will be playing. Now this surely is quite a nice little gig to land! World TV domination in one show!! I also remember reading somewhere that Johnny Clegg could be playing, and it would make sense for him to add to this event... but I cant confirm that right now... so, anyone who is there - do share!

2) After no doubt killing Cape Town last night, The Killers move onto Joburg tonight with their epic catalogue of sing-a-long favourites. I saw them five years ago when they were promoting the Sam's Town single 'When we were young' and wow, what a stage act! Between the facial hair, good looks of Brandon Flowers and awesome collection of jackets, these boys put on an excellent show! But most of all, Im thrilled for Zebra & Giraffe who are supporting them! I've still yet to see this SA act who has undoubtedly been one of the biggest in 2009! But either they need to make it to London before I leave, or perhaps I shall just see them at home soon! Resolution for 2010: See Z&G LIVE!

3) Lastly, just outside London tonight - in Tunbridge Wells to be exact - SA heavy rockers Starseed will be playing yet another gig. I dont know quite when these guys are getting time to wash their clothes, kiss their girlfriends (well, wives) or any such things. They've been all around from north to south of late. Scotland two weekends ago, Wales this weekend past and now at least a bit closer to home so they can probably sleep in their own beds! But wow, it sure has been the year of the Seed!

And that's it for now folks. Happy Friday!

Rock on SA music smashing it on a world stage!
x

Aaah, feet in sand, live music and sunshine...

Being home is always such a delight in so many regards. Firstly, there's the the 3 F's... Friends, family and familiarity...

This means that the first week of being back always flies, especially when birthday celebrations and new babies are part of the equation. One of the delights of being home are all the opportunities to see those bands and artists Ive been following, listening to, writing about, interviewing and dying to see live...

Alas, on Saturday past was a night of amazing music I missed in Cape Town. But one which demonstrates just how incredible the quality is of music in SA. With three awesome gigs to choose from - it was maybe a good thing that I wasn't able to go to any!
- Sugardrive, Farryl Purkiss, 3rd World Spectator and Bed on Bricks @ Mercury
- Zebra & Giraffe @ The Assembly
- Taxi Violence launched new album The Turn @ Albert Hall

By Sunday I had my toes in the sand, looking up at the Hout Bay mountains surrounding Dunes - the perfect Sunday afternoon spot. And, complete with live music - and free live music nogal, in honour of International Peace Day apparently. Feet in the soft sand, sunshine pouring down and being outside with the beach in full view, I was left to wonder how I live in London, so emotionally removed from this epic grandeur of Cape Town in its simplest most beautiful state!

As part of this peace festival, there were six bands - organised by some kids from one of the local schools. It started by watching a six year old kid smash some drums - Yamaha's youngest endorsed musician - endorsed from the age of four, and recently returned from New Orleans!

There were a couple of other bands who had been on my list of ones to see while down - first up was Checked Zebra - a six piece ska band with both trumpet and trombone and lots of chilled latent energy.

Headlining were the newly re-jigged three piece, Little Kings - also on my list as one Ive recently written about in the Sept issue of SA PROMO. With Ryan Kidwell on vocals, looking 100% the part of a front man, as well as Nick on drums and a super chilled bassist, Little Kings were a fab end to a Sunday spent outside as the day turned to night and the lights came up on stage adding a romanticised tinge of light to the set.

Check out the Sept issue of SA PROMO online for an article on the ska scene in SA and coming up in the October issue, for an interview with Taxi Violence about their new album and upcoming tour around Europe, amongst other interesting interviews and music insight.

Rock on SA rock,
x

PS. Its good to be back after spending much time and love on the SA PROMO magazine, I am now making time to tell you all about SA music in and around London as it happens, and for now - as it unfolds in SA too as an added bonus to get you back up to speed and to make up for my distance!

Music marks the spot!

Ahead of tomorrow, election energy will inspire people in South Africa to stand in queues for their right to make the X that marks the defining spot... and potentially make a difference… Also making its stand, is MUSIC!

Electro funk artist Gazelle for one, is taking his stand and declaring himself as ‘President of Funk’ – swearing himself in tonight at his inaugural party at The Assembly in Cape Town. Check out the April issue of SA PROMO for an interview with this weird and wonderful artist making a mark on the music scene!

And elections totally aside, what is it about the animal kingdom taking over the music scene in SA? (and worldwide as I think of a few that float to mind – Wolfmother, The Animals etc)

Is it 'Animal Farm' coming to life... from the author of 1984, making bold statements about society through seemingly absurb contracts and comparisons? Or is it just me noticing this trend… in SA atleast, check this out – from varying grazing animals such as zebras, giraffes and gazelles to the more carnivorous types such as jackals, cats and chameleons – and not of course forgetting the cold blooded ones, goldfish!

Am I going crazy – no! Here is the lowdown of cool SA bands with funky animal inspired names:

Checked Zebra
Zebra & Giraffe
Gazelle
Mr Cat and the Jackal
Chris Chameleon
Goldfish

Rock on animal inspired artists,
x