Originating from Johannesburg’s Vosloorus, Bhek’Zizwe from the East has emerged, poised to initiate a new movement.
With his diverse and vibrant sounds, he is set to disrupt the South African music scene. His debut offering, “African Stories: When the rhythm hits, the soul reacts,” encapsulates both healing and an alternative journey, resonating deeply with listeners.
Having honed his craft behind the scenes of major South African entertainment platforms for years, Bhek’Zizwe is well-versed in the technical intricacies necessary for creating a masterpiece.
His album launch at Carnival City was a spectacular affair, etching unforgettable memories for his devoted fans. With a growing presence on live stages, he solidifies a musical identity reminiscent of his influences, Salif Keita and Stimela.
His rendition of Ray Phiri’s “Stimela” at the event was a heartfelt tribute, evoking nostalgic reflections of township life. “African Stories” serves as a poignant commentary on contemporary socio-political realities, released amidst a backdrop of societal turmoil preceding the 30th Democratic elections.
Through his music, Bhek’Zizwe underscores the imperative of introspection and societal examination.
Bhek’Zizwe explains why he decided to record an album after being behind the scenes for so many years
“I think this is a calling, everytime I helped someone on stage it felt like that should be me on stage, and especially knowing that I can sing and play guitar, I have always known that am meant for the stage but I guess the fear held me back all like. The proximity to the stage made it feel better but it is not the same, I had to honour my talent, it was inevitable.”
Bhek’Zizwe explains how his technical background in sound engineering influenced his approach to music creation and performance
“Oh the technical aspects of it have made no difference to my musical prowess because these are just tools to deliver to a wide audience, if you sit with 5 people then things change completely however the opposite has a much bigger plus, knowing how to handle microphones, guitar, feedback and weird noises that can be cause by a large band makes the job easier for engineers and thus we produce a smoother performance.”
Bhek’Zizwe delves into the inspiration behind African Stories
“African Stories is simply just that, a typical young man being brought up in the hood, experiences all the terrible things that come with being in the hood and then deciding that there’s something bigger to life and all the negativities cannot be just it, how are the people that are living their dreams do it?”
“Abantu abanjani bona? You know, this kind of thinking opens worlds and that basically is African stories for me.”
The musical voyage commences with “Mvelinqani,” a track where Bhek’Zizwe pays homage to the cherished hymns of Xhosa Folklore music, intertwining themes of divine supplication and national healing. This establishes a spiritual atmosphere, characterized by harmonious melodies and emotive musical delivery.
As the journey unfolds, a standout single emerges: “Lomhlaba Esiphila kuwo.” This track, beloved by audiences, delves into themes of self-identity and the persistent challenges faced in contemporary South Africa. It poignantly portrays the frustrations of a young black man navigating a world marked by poverty and daily struggles, depicted as harrowing ordeals.
Questioning existential theories and confronting the lingering injustices of post-apartheid society, the song serves as a profound reflection on the complexities of modern life.
Guiding the listener through esoteric realms, the mystical journey transcends temporal and spatial boundaries. “Lomhlaba Esiphila kuwo” stands as a timeless masterpiece, crafted to evoke introspection and elevate one’s consciousness to higher realms of awareness.
You can stream African Stories HERE.
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