adminNkosilathi Sibanda Urban Beats
ALL that is good must end well. As 2014 kicks in, it’s either you get stuck to the old or join the bandwagon of the many of us who want to effect change.In every way possible change is inevitable. Even in the urban movement, we anticipate a cultural revolt.
Just under a week into January, there is some moodiness around the city. If feels like we have entered into some kind of condemnation after the festive season.
The merry-making mood is gone. January has come in with the usual “no money” story. But, gladly, this spells order in town (not that it is pleasant to be broke).
At least radios will be played at normal volume. No matter how we try to disguise it, January has its culture. Those with pennies to spend are sometimes forced to do so in private. Call your DJ and close the doors!
Neighbours do not take kindly to people who celebrate at a time when school fees and food is most important. They forget that we all have our place under the sun.
Big up to the January spenders, you certainly know when to party. Indlamuva yinkosi! Now, having toiled on the streets, got shoes worn off on the dance floor in December, there is not much to talk of. Every story is about how you spent the last day of 2013.
It felt good to be a DJ in December. With weddings and parties scrambling for space, DJs made a killing. While we danced and gave them man-hugs, the deck spinners were loading pockets. I pray this was the case with all professional DJs.
Owing to a terrible work schedule, most DJs I know this weekend, are surely taking a rest. They are going for their annual vacation. They need leave as no one wants their services this time of the year?
Tradition has it that, the only DJs we listen to in January are those on radio. Not that we listen to loud songs. The soothing, slow melodies are most appropriate, to help one meditate.
Walk around townships you will notice the unusual serene atmosphere. Bar talk is reduced to just lazing around the bottle store veranda, without beer at hand.
The only story that makes us gather around is that of how we spent the festive season. So rich are the stories that we do not want to miss out on what was happening while we danced the nights away.
On the last day of 2013 I had a few boring places to go for the New Year celebrations. I dreaded doing the traditional festivities of drinking and eating till the clock strikes midnight.
The only sensible step to take was to get my way to the Bohlinger’s Woza 2014 gig. I know that is one story you have heard and read about. It does not raise a nerve to share, even if journalists are giving us screaming headlines about it. Thanks to Delta Beverages for maintaining the party culture.
What has been evident in the past three editions of the Bohlinger’s music festival is its support for urban youth culture. The artistes invited for the gig are idolised by many young people who drive the urban movement. It had been a long time since I last welcomed the year by dancing the night away in an open space. Here was a chance to see South Africa’s DJ Ganyani.
The Soweto dude looks more like the guy next door, but intelligent though. Ganyani, known for his deep house music touch, was in 2013 famed for the Xigubhu hit with rising SA House queen FB.
In a lengthy chat with the South African, I caught some interesting insight that I have to share. DJ Ganyani could have made a bold decision to tell the truth about how they work in South Africa. He said there is no harm in “stealing” another artiste’s work – as long as you are not caught.
According to Ganyani, one has to “chop it nicely so that the creator of the song won’t notice.” That sounds crude and too ghetto.
He meant this is the latest trend of disc jockeying. Nothing is new under the sun.
We discussed renditions last year and this is what Ganyani is talking about. The advice was targeted at the “smaller” DJs who are yet to master the art of penetrating the hierarchy.
Those songs that your grandmother used to play on her 1975 stereo can be brought to life and loved by the young. Oftentimes we laugh at our DJs when they “try” to entertain us. We opt for Ganyani and the rest of the South Africans – not knowing they “chop” old songs.
Up-and-coming DJs must dig deep and research, as advised by the gurus.
I hope promising youngsters such as DJ Khumz, Gibson Ncube, Ryan Synth and other took note. A clever DJ who interacted with Ganyani or any of the Kalawa troupe, must have heard a thing or two about music production. Gone is the time when DJs would load CD players and have us nod our heads.
In 2014, we want to see a breed of DJs that foster a unique style that goes beyond fashion, extravagance, excesses and fame. Yes, we have bought the fashion outfits that DJs have advertised. We also accept that DJs have traditionally been part of alternative or subculture, but we want that to effect change on the entertainment industry.
At a time when piracy is wreaking havoc on musicians, DJs can rescue the industry. Ganyani believes there is no better way to fight piracy than if serious DJs collaborate with musicians.
“It is what we do when we travel overseas. Once you share a stage with an artiste in London, be clever enough to exchange notes and come up with a track. That is what keeps us on the market.
“Remember to do a lot of music production, that way you are going to gain respect and make a name.”
It is a deeply laid down resolution that our DJs change style this year.
Having rubbed shoulders with southern Africa’s idols, it would not make sense to me if DJ Khumz or Mzoe do not travel for gigs in Jozi. The time is now, seize it or remain with the old.
That was my December 31 story. I will not say more till I wait for another New Year welcoming party. So, go ahead DJs, “chop” it, nicely hey.
Follow the conversation on twitter @nkosi sibanda or whatsapp your thought on 0773 481 603
Online Reporter