1. Redifining African Music.
2. Promoting African languages and culture through music.
3. Unifying all Africans together with a common knowledge of ONESS
4. Using his voice as an entertainer to reach out to the less privileged.
5. To make a remarkable impact that becomes a Legacy.
6. To satisfy your soul with undiluted sound and using music as a tool
7. To remain there for you
Through the Swazzilians (his fans), Swazzi is bringing Africa to the world. Signed to label Thugluvin Records, Swazzi is highlighting his newly released record after the release of his smash hit “Elele” produced by Dj Coublon. His new song is titled “Skolo”. It’s also produced by Dj Coublon. The video is directed by UK base Nigerian, Director Q. Check out the video below and be sure to follow him on social media at @OfficialSwazzi.
Lebo Mathosa enthralled our nation with her chart-topping and internationally acclaimed Kwaito hits. One of Africa’s leading and most electrifying music performers, she was certainly gone too soon, but her legacy continues to move African music forward. 2016 marks 10 years since her passing.
10 Years of Lebo Mathosa Honoured
In her memory, The Lebo Mathosa Foundation was launched July 28th at Hard Rock Cafe, Mandela Square. The founders, Lebo’s family and friends, introduced The Lebo Mathosa Foundation to the guests, explaining their vision to celebrate Lebo’s life, music, and inspiration.
The Mathosa family expressed how proud they were to celebrate Lebo’s lasting influence. Solly Mathosa, Chairman, shared their desire to motivate young people to be tenacious & bold in their pursuits. The Foundation is based in Daveyton, Gauteng, where Mathosa was raised from her teenage years.
The Mathosa Family (Founders)
Soul and pop singer and actor Moneoa Moshesh, was also there to honour Lebo. She recounted how Mathosa inspired her and looked forward to the motivation the young musicians would receive from the work of the Foundation.
@MONEOA
An array of new talent currently pushing their way towards their dreams, entertained the guests & supporters of the Foundation, many incorporating a tribute to the queen legend. The depth and variation of the rising musical talent the Foundation aims to nurture, was showcased by guitar and vocal duo TOES, Hip Hop artists K9, GovenderzEmpire, SbuMathosa, Magzin, as well as solo artist Lynol. Hard Rock Cafe, Nelson Mandela Square, was a fitting venue with memorabilia displayed from various musical legends, giving some of these new artists a first taste of performing in an upmarket venue.
@LOVE TOES SESSIONS
@LYNOL BROWN
In October, a musical experience concert will take place to commemorate the day the nation mourned Lebo Mathosa’s loss. The Mathosa family and Showbizafrika (the creative agency supporting the Foundation) promise to celebrate “The Madonna of the Townships” in style.
Thulani Mbatha, Co-Founder
Director @SHOWBIZAFRICA
Ambassador @CLASSICMANSTYLE
@AFRICAN RHYTHM PRODUCTIONS
@EVO CANIVO
SHOWBIZAFRICA PRODUCER
@AFRIDRUM CREW
Many thanks to: Anna-Marie, Kasi FM, HardRock Café and everyone who came to support this initiative.
Evaluate, Educate and Express the dynamic lineage of Ancient African Royalty!!! Who is Kearabetswe Setlhare?
She refers to herself as the girl next door, who loved dressing her dolls and playing in her mom’s closet. Staying true to that today, “I am an accessible, affordable, qualified fashion designer.”
After completing her fashion design studies at LISOF, she decided to go straight into creating “House of Khalid” which is a family brand founded by herself, co-owned by her sister and mother. They focus mostly on the administrative photography and sales side of the business, while she manages the creative direction as the head designer.
“When I initially started, the brand only had one label, Khalid Couture, that was in 2011, and today, House of Khalid is a fashion brand that houses three labels namely Khalid Couture, Bow & Arrow Accessories, and Khalid Kids.”
The name House of Khalid means House of “Eternity” in Ancient Egyptian.
The concept behind the label is to promote everything that distinguishes us as Africans be it textured fabrics, loud print, bold and bright colours and the beautiful lushness of the African continent, and its people. “We intend to bring uniqueness and individuality to a world otherwise ruled by fashion clones.”
The 12 performance run of The Diary of An Afro Goddess, a fresh, new unapologetic, dynamic one-woman show in NYC, started July 21 and runs until August 5, 2016. Cherie Danielle created and stars in a cutting edge play.
Synopsis:
Isis, the Afro Goddess is not only a Goddess, but she is also the main source of entertainment at “The Goddess Lounge”, a special place between heaven and earth, for those who need an extra boost of self-transitioning to the next dimension. But the only person who seems to need an extra boost is Isis herself, which leaves her audience questioning, how did she become an Afro Goddess? Experience her journey from her hair to her career as an artist; from her beginnings of being born in 1950s Birmingham, Alabama to falling in love; to self love. Witness her transformation as it unfolds through text, humor, drama, poetry, song and multiple characters.
10% of all ticket sales and contributions will be donated to Blackdiaries.org
Written & Performed by Cherie Danielle
Directed by Mariska Phillips
Shows & times:
Sunday July 24th @3pm
Weds July 27th @8pm
Thurs July 28th @8pm
Friday July 29th @8pm
Saturday July 30th @8pm
Sunday July 31st @3pm
Weds August 3rd @8pm
Thurs August 4th @8pm
Friday August 5th @8pm
Note that a limited amount of tickets are available online. Tickets are also available at the door.
Art 2 Activism, hosted by Nasir and Sassy of Art 2 Ink and presented by Art 2 Ink & The Shade Room, cultivated awareness of the problems plaguing our community. Art 2 Ink, a tattoo studio at it’s core, covered its walls with art from featured artists such as @TheOneWillFocus and @CocaineandCaviar. Live Performances were given by the powerful @Mal.Mero of @NYCUnity and energetic @_AlexPhoenix. Donations were collected at the door for the International Youth Leadership Institute. Throughout the evening, video clips of controversial, yet pertinent, discussions looped on the tv, including a special message from The Shade Room.
When we’re being slain in the the streets, it’s important for us to commune and heal. The energy was felt. We look forward to the next installment.
Flip through the photos for a glimpse of the magic that occurs when our people are in one space emitting positivity. Photos by NayMarie for Taji Mag and budding 11 year old artist, Sean Jaiden.
In this edition of Lindi Roaming the Streets, Lindi highlights South African Band “African Rhythm.”
Celebrating our Youth…
“When you hit a wrong note, it’s the next note that makes it good or bad.”
Miles Davis.
African Rhythm is a percussion band that performs a combination of Afro Soul and Tribal House music. This young band chose to make a good note…
“We are from Krugersdorp, South Africa and a fresh approach to the healing properties of African Music”
They find this very appropriate as their main aim is to Unite and Heal through music. This team has been friends for 10 years, and decided at some point to start a group that fused music, fashion and dance. “Music was not always readily available, so we started playing African instruments to make our own rhythms to dance to. This led to the formation of our band.”
“Music unites”
*Bongane “Bongs” Vuso
*Thabang “Nikki Nak” Motsoahae (Shakers)
*Kamogelo “Youngman” Tshabangu (Percussionist)
*Tebogo “T.B.Z” Mabe (Percussionist)
*Katlego “K.Tee” Mathakeng (Xylophone)
* Vusi “Mavara” Mathule (Percussionist)
*Letlhogonolo “Mafa” Motshetshedi (Percussionist)
*Nthabiseng ”Nthabie” Sentso(Vocalist)
*Kutlwano ”Kaytee” Lubeko(Dj&Fashion
*Tshepo “Jozi” Mokgosi (Percussionist, Leader)
Their achievements include being featured in big music festivals such as:
Go West Festival in the Westrand
Jazz on the Lake at Zoo Lake
99% Local Music in Randfontein
Donaldson Dam Annual Picnic Explosion in Westonaria
“We spent Earth Hour 2016 performing for the mayor of Pretoria, Kgosientso Ramokgopa and various other dignitaries.
We have also been featured on “Skyroom Live” on SABC1 and won Brenda Fassie’s 10year Legacy Competition in 2014.
Thus far our biggest highlight has been performing at Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital in Krugersdorp, for World AIDS Day in 2014 and 2015. These performances solidified our belief in the healing power of our music as even the bedridden patients at the hospital got up to dance.
We have always believed in our talent but this became more apparent when our Facebook video went viral on 3 April 2016. Having achieved more than 900,000 views in 1 week, we have decided to dedicate the next few months to satisfying the overwhelming local demand for our live performances.
We are currently based in Pretoria and have been booked for events in Gauteng and the surrounding provinces, namely North West, Free State and Limpopo (MP, we are ready for you).”
“In the future, we want to elevate South African music by touring abroad and establishing fashion, music, and dance schools in under privileged areas in South Africa.”
This man is a living testament of what a father is.
“When I met African Rhythm they had been staying with Katlego’s Uncle for about 2 weeks.
About a week later they called that they needed to see me. Jozi, Nik Nak and Katlego came to see me and explained that their families were not too happy about them leaving home. Their Uncle approved and was willing to continue accommodating them but they didn’t want to be the cause of a rift between the Uncle and the rest of the families. So they asked if they could stay with me.
It was nearly month end and I thought we would be able to find a place for them before the end of the month but that proved to be a very difficult task.
No agency would allow 10 people to move into one place so we had to find a place being rented directly by the owner. We eventually managed to find a place 2 months later.
Finances come from multiple sources:
– Some of their parents send them a little money monthly.
– The money they get from performing and sometimes busking (when things get really bad)
– I handle the shortfalls
“I have an agreement with them to get a certain percentage of their performance fees but I haven’t taken a single cent yet. They just can’t afford it. Feeding, housing, and transporting 11 people is very costly.
What we need to resolve this is more gigs. They have been getting a lot of publicity and requests but very few gigs (averaging a gig a week).”
We were introduced to vENv at the always dope Sehiii (“Pronounced Say-Hi, don’t forget the third eye”) in Brooklyn, NY. “Simply put, Victor ‘vENv’ Arumemi is a creator. A multi-hyphenate (I promise, it’s a real word) who believes in the power and purpose of bringing the things that lie within the imagination to life. Whatever the medium may be, art is all around us and it should be embraced and experienced by every soul, starting with yours.” Watch the videos below for a sneak peek into vENv’s artistry. Check out his instagram @venvthetrbldhrt and soundcloud for whole shebang!
Recently Ms. Reign released a music video for her track “Boom Boom Clap”. The song focuses on political influence and how it affects the 99%. Or, in layman’s terms, it’s about politics, prostitutes, education, and fighting the system. We encourage you to watch it, enjoy it, and feel free to share it! Check for more Ms. Reign on MissReignProductions.bandcamp.com.
At 1:05p I get a text from my longtime homie Shan that reads “WTF is up with these people saying my original Baby Daddy is dead!?!” I simply replied, “Nas??” half caring about internet rumors, especially when I’ve only been awake for 15 minutes. Awaiting her response I inadvertently check a facebook notification, hit the back button which led to my newsfeed, and lost all air from my body… No, God, Please… Not Prince…
I went to check the singular news source I rely on for death notices and they only confirmed “someone” died. Then, at 1:17p my King messaged me: “Hey baby. Prince died.” He was the first person to actually say it to me. A minute later my best friend called and whispered “Are you ok?” …”No…” We cried. Hung up. My King called, I was still crying, he just listened, only half understanding. I didn’t have the words to explain it to him at the time. I washed, briefly went to the gym, and cancelled the rest of my day.
I was too mentally numb to party like it’s 1999 alongside the rest of the Prince stans at the impromptu Spike Lee block party or with Quest Love at Brooklyn Bowl, so I stayed in bed. When I first realized it was official, I didn’t think being on facebook was a good idea, but I’m glad I hit the window accidentally. It was tough, but the out pour of love for Prince’s artistry has been so fulfilling. I’ve gotten to see a few clips I’ve never seen before and watched the globe bask in why I’ve loved him as far back as my memory travels… Throughout the day I received the messages I needed to use to explain why the loss of this particular icon crippled me.
@ElusiveJ explained it best!
It helped to know I wasn’t alone, like I so often felt when I spoke of Prince.
It also helped to laugh in between the blanket-soaking tears.
But of all, my heart was most moved by my King creating this piece for me… the tears burst through like a flood… The black and white version is in his Pan African coloring book, The Little Black Book. The colored piece is available as a print and t-shirt due to popular requests when he posted them.
My first facebook post read: “This sh*t is so unreal to me. I decided to go work more on [Taji] Mag to take my mind off of it and forgot I dedicated a page to him (it’s Vol 7, the theme is Afrofuturism, his Bday is June 7th and Vol 7 releases June 7th, etc), but now it has to be in memory of… I’m not ready.
Yesterday my old ipod finally died while I was listening to Insatiable (my fav song) and I was so momentarily pissed. If I only knew…”
I was devastated. I felt betrayed. But now… Now I’m listening to HITNRUN Phase One & Two imagining how his concerts would’ve been performing these songs so different from his 80s hits, yet still SO him.
How I will remember him. Afro. Smiling. Protecting his 3rd eye. <3
Brooklyn-based indie-soul/rock band Meridian Lights has been on the scene for about 3 years, constantly playing gigs around the U.S. Meridian Lights is the song writing team consisting of vocalist Bradley Valentin and guitarist Yohimbe Sampson. They have recently completed their “self titled” second release.
Bradley and Yohimbe both grew up with heavy musical and art influences in the home. Music was part of celebrating the greatest moments of life, maintaining optimism during its trials, and served as an outlet for self expression. Yohimbe, self-taught, started playing guitar as a teen and honed his skills studying the instrument while playing with various bands, one being popular Brooklyn based Rap/Rock band Game Rebellion. Bradley, writing since the age of 12, has penned everything from short stories to poetry. He started singing as a teen in his mother’s church choir.
After crossing paths several times while living in the BedStuy section of Brooklyn, it all came to head at a party where Yohimbe grabbed a guitar and nobody would sing. Brad stood up, they started rocking, and haven’t stopped.
Check out the sounds of Meridian Lights via the links below!
The 12 performance run of The Diary of An Afro Goddess, a fresh, new unapologetic, dynamic one-woman show in NYC, started July 21 and runs until August 5, 2016. Cherie Danielle created and stars in a cutting edge play.
Art 2 Activism, hosted by 
Brooklyn-based indie-soul/rock band Meridian Lights has been on the scene for about 3 years, constantly playing gigs around the U.S. Meridian Lights is the song writing team consisting of vocalist Bradley Valentin and guitarist Yohimbe Sampson. They have recently completed their “self titled” second release.