Byo duo charms Euphonik, Lulo Cafe

Bruce Ndlovu
The Bulawayo deep house duo of Skaiva and Rakeem is revelling in the praise of top South African DJs, Lulo Cafe and Euphonik after the two made their music a regular feature of their shows on top South African stations Metro FM and 5FM.

Skaivaaï¿½ï¿½s acclaimed house tunes got a spin on the controversial Euphonikaï¿½ï¿½s popular My House show while Lulo Cafe listed Skaiva and Rakeem second on his Audiogasm house chart ahead of the likes of Mobi Dixon of City Rains fame.

Despite being twice nominated for a Nama award and winning one, Skaiva is still a relatively little known artiste in Bulawayo in contrast to his ever growing influence on the South African music scene.

Skaiva has been making music for the last six years, shared the stage with South African DJs Oskido, Tira, Fresh and Pepsi.

His song, Day Dreamer, off his latest album Glory Diary, stayed on YFMaï¿½ï¿½s top charts for a consecutive three weeks.

Sweet Jesus, which features on South Africaaï¿½ï¿½s DJ QTaï¿½ï¿½s album, Quantized 7, was a Best House Single contender at the South African Metro FM awards.

In an interview with B-Metro, Skaiva said that he was delighted at his growing stature and influence south of the Limpopo.

aï¿½?I think it is humbling to see all these guys playing and supporting my music. Guys like Vinny, Christos, Oskido and Black Coffee have played my music or are still playing my music on their sets or radio. I think that maybe itaï¿½ï¿½s because I really pushed my music hard that side because as everyone knows South Africa is the house music capital of the world,aï¿½? he said.

Skaiva said his decision to push his music in South Africa was justified because of the countryaï¿½ï¿½s love affair with the genre.

aï¿½?The kind of house music I make is received better in South Africa. House in South Africa is like hip-hop in the US which is what built the relationships I have that side,aï¿½? he said.

Skaiva said that as a Nama winner he was not complaining at the reception that his music received in Zimbabwe although his music did not have the penetration he desired.

aï¿½?As for Zimbabwe I am not complaining because although people might like the music, itaï¿½ï¿½s not comparable with South Africa. Maybe one track will get popular and break the chain of apathy,aï¿½? he said.

The DJ went on to describe his chemistry with the velvety voiced Skaiva. Skaivaaï¿½ï¿½s production and Rakeemaï¿½ï¿½s harmonies have made for a seamless blend of dance beats and soul music.

aï¿½?He brings a new flavour to the music and he is particularly effective in live performances where I am mostly in the background,aï¿½? he said.