The Voice (Francistown)
18 March 2008
Francistown — For 14 years, Thato "DJ Fresh" Sikwane has dominated the radio/club DJ scene in South Africa. Along the way he has discovered and enhanced the careers of the likes of Dj S'bu, Ashiffa Shabba, T-Bose, Durban's Fines's Tira, Dj Cleo and Mozambican born Dj Dino Bravo.
He has helped educate many South Africans though his bursary with Boston City College. Many have wondered when he would set up base in his home country Botswana to do the same.
This week, he is taking the first step with the establishment of his company Big Dawg in the country. Big Dawg has already signed some management/booking contracts with Zeus and heavyweights DJ's, O'Neal, Ski, O and Monnamogolo. A press conference will be held this Sunday at the Big 5 Lodge, followed by a groove where the Big Dawg himself will be present. Already the label has released a house album with Ski and soon Monnamogolo's would hit the scene!
*Finally, after many years of trying to break his way into the local music scene, Em-Zee Mazala has done so with this sophomore effort entitled, Masheleng.
All I could say is that his debut album was worth quite the wait.
When I first listened to the new record, I didn't think much of it.
It wasn't until I kept getting the catchy tune of the title track, "Masheleng" stuck in my head that I gave it a good listen.
His signature sound and passion for music is intact, and I do believe it's this project that will make him rise to a higher level of sound and quality.
Tracks like "Bots", "Zola", and "Poko la Moratiwa" will fancy fans of Kwaito music.
Listening to the title track and the song "It's all out" it's no doubt that EMZ turned up the beat creating foot tapping hits.
He belts out clear, moving vocals that are accurately enchanting.
Even though I've never heard from this guy, Masheleng is such a remarkable album.
EMZ has honestly put together some beautiful tracks and soulful recordings. Musically and lyrically, this album hits all the marks, creating a standard for all future artists and listeners.
He is set to sprout more success with this release as he ascends into a higher level of respect among his peers and fans.
The only thing that he needs to beef up would be his voice, which sounds a little squeaky for a Kwaito record. Rudie's music barometre: 3/5
*Sometimes doing a CD review is a little bit like meeting a new girl. You always think you know the ones that are sweet and always hope for the real treasure, the real deal.
I had very little experience listening to Iceberg, and I have to say that I had no idea what I was getting into.
And like the sexiest girl who gives up the real treasure, this CD is full of pleasant surprises.
For fans of the Hip-Hop genre, Iceberg is a welcome addition to the roster of other acts like Eureka, Scar and Apollo Diablo who are masters at their craft.
But Iceberg makes his mark on the genre by adding fresh synth sounds to almost every track. These bright electronic sounds are credited to the producer known as Ozwald.
Simply entitled "Take Away", this is an album that has some great musical moments, thought provoking lyrics, and a big sound that will undoubtedly translate well into a stage show.
Most songs on the CD exhibit great Hip-Hop sound of frantic drums underlining straight-toned rhymes and a bass line that adds as much percussion to the mix.
One of the things Iceberg does best is to infuse tight vocal harmonies into several of the songs. "Bop Ya Head" not only has some of the most straightforward lyrics on the CD but also features one of the best melody breaks I've heard in a while.
Another impressive musical moment is in the song "Mini Party featuring Rose and King Ming". I was utterly fascinated with the way the rapper's voice jelled with the two acts' voices.
And one of the most intriguing musical moments is in the hidden track titled "Political System" which is a fun harmonic piece with nice instruments.
"Mama's Song featuring Louwie" is like an oasis of sound in the CD because of its strong message.
The lyrics are clear, strong, and solid and are enhanced by a laid-back instrumental.
The first rhyme: "Since my mama passed away. I've realized this life time is just hollow. Hard to live and follow. Which is why the Black Queen decided to find another residence in complete silence?" aptly describes the beauty of the way we long for those who have passed away.
I'm so impressed with the lyrics on this laid-back infectious track.
Overall, I was so much more impressed with this CD than I thought I would be, and the more I listened, the more I liked.
The only negative is that several of the tracks have a tendency to sound alike as they are written in the same key.
My own colleagues love this CD and they always gather around my desk and sing along whenever I play it.
But the best thing is; there's enough maturity and musicianship in it to keep me interested as well.
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