This image was originally posted to Flickr by evilcabeza at https://www.flickr.com/photos/evilcabeza/325005242/ . It was reviewed on 17 January 2007 by FlickreviewR and was confirmed to be licensed under the terms of the cc-by-sa-2.0.
Cult singer/songwriter and visual artist Daniel Johnston, passed away on September 11th. The praised visionary, reinvented the folk music genre with his eccentric approach to performing and songwriting, paving the way for a legion of oddball musicians. His work has inspired countless other misfits including, Kurt Cobain, Tom Waits and Beck. Johnston lived an interesting yet tragic life as depicted in the critically acclaimed documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston. Below we pay homage to this pivotal artist with a playlist of some of his material, and the 2015 short film, Hi, How Are You Daniel Johnston?
From the Soul and Durban Tributes Fest, are busy putting together a weekend camping festival scheduled to take place early December 2019. Visit the following Facebook event for all the details and how to get your hands on tickets. For now you can check out the feature we did on their last event or watch this epic clip of Black Math below performing at the last aforementioned shindig. Black Math have also just released a new album, titled Birth Create Dissipate.
“A certain administration which I won’t call by name took the arts out of the schools, and that left the brothers out on the street with nothing, so they went to the turntables and started rhyming. Then they had a way to express themselves, and that’s the birth of hip-hop”. -Isaac Hayes.
Raheem Kemet is an artist that has lived and breathed hip hop for a very long time. From humble beginnings as a street MC to playing with a full band at major festivals, he has proved time and time again that he can deliver a charismatic performance on any platform. Since his introduction into the music scene, there has been a clear and perpetual evolution and growth in his artistry and approach to making music. This approach has taken this creative entertainer from the back alleys of grimy Durban to stages in Reunion Island and Seoul Korea. He has now signed a recording contract with Sony Music Africa, as well as being a partner in the new entertainment enterprise EMG.
On a grey winter’s morning, Raheem and his band The Maku delivered an up-to-the-minute performance in a distinctive location at The Vintager, 6 Station Drive, Durban. The segment was filmed for Aweh.online, by Justin McGee, Ricky Basnett, and Marc Maurel. The clothing was supplied and designed by Amanda Laird Cherry Apparel, with styling from Luyanda Sosibo and Alc Man. We caught up with Raheem to get a little more insight into his music. The video was edited by Justin McGee…
Image by The Urban Nomad
The Maku band members consist of:
The Grand Duke Raw: DJ
Logan Byrne: Bass Guitar
Yeshindra Naidoo: Drums
Drums Mthunzi Mchunu: Guitar
Nkululeko Sibisi: Keys
1. Firstly can you give me your name, age and what you do for a living?
Image by The Urban Nomad
Born Abdul Raheem Abdul-Rasheed aka Raheem Kemet. Age 36. Artist: Rapper/vocalist/poet. and one of the Entrepreneurs and Directors at EMG(Elevator Media Group) where I have teamed up with my brother Shaquille Abdul-Rasheed and Luyanda Sosibo in this exciting new venture.
2. Tell us about the culture of hip hop in Durban and what attracted you to the sub-genre initially?
Early 2000’s, I thought I was rapping when I left home and headed for my first ever gig that I was booked for taking place at a club called Rocbees on Stanger Street. See, the show I had soundcheck for was a fashion show that was gonna start later that night. Anyway, I arrived early enthusiastic as ever although trynna play it mellow because this was uncharted territory and I had to represent. There was some sort of audition going on and I didn’t understand, because why would I have to audition if I’m already booked? Regardless I thought it was a screening for the show to make sure no wakness got shine on that stage.
I stepped up and did one joint in front of these two afro-centric judges, whom one of them (blaq fist, Keith Kunene) I later would team up with for a few concept shows as The Reapers.
Got off stage and was told by the judges I didn’t make the cut. DJ NKA, the selector at that time pulled me aside and gave me a few wise and encouraging words, “you’re dope and got great potential, you just need to rap about your surroundings and tell your story, representing where you from” That was it, I got introduced to the true school of Durban’s hip hop. Took down his number, went home, wrote a new verse and called him to kick the script. Also, I got called by the fashion show later that afternoon and did do my first ever paid gig as an Emcee.
3. So what has been cooking in the Raheem Kemet camp at the moment, what can your audience expect from you in the next few months?
Musically, On the release front, people should lookout for a new single I collabed on with the multi-talented Raplyf artist and Producer Makwa, facilitated by Sony Music Africa and co-produced by Wes My Meds. I did most of the composition on this track with a little help from some guest producers. I just launched the campaign #Takemetoseoul for the Home Cooked Sessions event series with my business partner Luyanda Sosibo under our new company EMG (Elevator Media Group). The campaign and event series focuses on mentorship, giving a platform to local talent as well as being the bridge that facilitates new opportunities.
Image by The Urban Nomad
Something that’s been quite exciting to develop in the recent months is the live band concept to my music, and soon I’ll be introducing ‘The Maku’ to my live performance repertoire. The name is quite personal to my story and sets the tone for the African cultured elements I want to incorporate into my music.
Raheem Kemet & The Maku is a 6 piece ensemble bridging the gap between live and electronic instrumentation – orchestrated around music composed by myself. Together the ensemble produces a melodic fusion of sounds influenced by Jazz, Neo-soul, Hip Hop and Electronic music.
4. Tell us the best and the worst aspects of being a Durban creative?
Best, I create better here. The worst, the industry is at its infancy which in turn becomes a catalyst of the crab in the bucket syndrome for those who remain stubborn with unteachable spirits. Have a teachable spirit and that alone will cover a lot of ground in the journey ahead. Surround yourself with people who are as eager as you in your career. Remove the kak unapologetically.
5. Any advice for the young up and coming rappers trying to get into the scene?
Be open to learning. We all learn new things every day. Find your purpose in your art, like really dig.
6. What are the best and worst parts of the music industry?
Tough question. The best is when things come together, and the realisation that there’s a time for everything. The worst is when artist die broke because of the lack of understanding in business as well as not taking initiative in finding out more from the available organisations out there willing to assist.
7. What makes the city of Durban unique?
The diversity in our culture, our beaches, our famous Eastern cuisine, the raw explosive talent found in the most unexpected places, our beautiful people and the possibility of greatness in every form.
8. Tell us a bit about where you grew up and some of your early influences getting into music?
I grew up in Hopdale, Newlands West but had family in almost every section around our city.
My childhood and first contact with music was in the form of my mom’s old school soul/RnB/pop records, then my developed fan moments in Micheal Jackson and NWA tapes.
9. What are some of your favourite places to play in both Durban and the country?
My favourites are cultured and alternative spots, from art galleries to warehouse setups, to Roof Tops. I’ve played all the above. I mostly associate myself with movements that share the same values as me. The club scene is dope but limiting. I prefer spaces where I have the freedom to express in full form.
10. You are still based in Durban, have you ever thought about relocating for the sake of your music career and what has kept you here?
I would wanna stay Durban based and move around temporarily. I feel moving around is vital for a fresh perspective on things. But I don’t think I would relocate prematurely to another city. Learned that lesson already lol.
11. What are some of the best and worst parts of the city?
Home is where you make it fam. I’ve heard stories first hand from the stowaways to the uptown suburbs. Everybody out here trying to survive, there’s beauty and pain in everything. There’s gotta be something we could do for the homeless as a city. Not too sure yet, but there’s gotta be.
12. Do you think you will be rapping forever?
Nah, I’m a firm believer of evolution as an artist. I will write and compose music till I die yes, inshallah. The form in which it will manifest shall remain unpredictable. Being behind the scenes and helping others win as well, remains the vision. Aweh Skettit…
Image by The Urban NomadRickey Bobby on the job – image by The Urban NomadTaking a break – Raheem, Justin and Rickey – Image by The Urban Nomad
It’s sad to note that the Durban creative scene is in constant need of resuscitation. Just like tidal patterns in the ocean creativity in the town seems to come in waves. It can be as gentle as a pond or as violent as a Tsunami. Sadly support is a huge problem for any Durban musician or artist. However, one thing that Durban does have is tenacity and massive amounts of it. Even though there is minimal infrastructure for live music or art, the city has time and time again produced some of the country’s most interesting and unique creative individuals and musicians.
Collaboration in Durban is inevitable and recently this collaborative spirit has seen the birth of a new arts collective titled “From the Soul”. They recently hosted their biggest undertaking to date a mini-festival at the Green Camp Gallery Project in Umbilo. The event once again showcased Durban’s creative diversity; Andre Swart was there to get some photographs. We caught up with Matthew Cuthbert one of the main organisers to get a little more insight into this unique gathering of eclectic custodians of the arts.
INTRXVRT busting some lowfi beats.
Firstly can you give us your name, age and what you do for a living?
We are a few people, ranging from 20 years old to around we think maybe 27.
The group is:
Matthew Cuthbert: Freelance free photographer and filmmaker and I guess band manager and event organiser now too.
Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mseleku or Thoughts: Who works in I.T, but not really because his bosses haven’t paid him in months? He’s also a musician and event organiser. Also has the second-best laugh in Durban.
Alasdair Ribbink: Who works at Pablo Honey, basically for food, Tinder savant, looks the best in a dress out of all of us.
Christopher Chay: Father of From the Soul, a member of Mouse, an avid gardener, and a beautiful hugger.
Kelly Hall: A freelance graphic designer, a person who really loves cats, and super keen to do new things.
Damon Miles: A member of Mouse and owner of Red Saint Recording studio, he also does a great Frodo and Gollum impression, and can recite Flight of the Conchords hiphopopotamus vs. rhymenoceros.
Lungelo (Ziggy Stardust) Nomvete: A creative entrepreneur, musician, writer, best laugh in Durban.
Oudskul Funq: Musician, raddest drummer in Durban. Low key has a whole From the Soul of his own that is about to come out to the world.
Alice Mduli: Director of Photography, Producer, Alicetotle.
Helet van Staden: Writer, fine artist, photographer, filmmaker (insert something funny here).
Tell us a bit about For the Soul and how it all came about?
Tyler from Black Math also likes to DJ sometimes…
From the Soul was originally a few gigs thrown by Mouse (Chris Chay and Damon Miles). The first poster was even designed by Kelly Hall. These were Winston gigs, with the dream of people having a jam session at the end. That did happen to a degree.
Then it’s just been a thought in all of our heads that has been growing and developing as we all went on with our lives. And this year with a few of us having more free time and wanting to make things happen, we started putting all our crazy dreams into action. Thus the gigs have started, and many other elements are in motion. Because From the Soul is not just about music, but the interconnectedness of all the arts and the people doing that art.
So who is the driving force behind this project?
Damon from Mouse
Everyone listed in this has been involved and a driving force. Sometimes some of us take on more responsibility but without everyone’s support, it can’t happen. Not to mention all the people who helped us out who as far as we are concerned are part of the family. Huge shout out to ID: Green Camp Gallery Project, who gave us such an amazing space and really helped us channel our energy. Damien Roodt our sound engineer brought us his amazing rig on a swapped favour, and worked his ass off mixing all day and then breaking down at 2 am in the morning. We can’t thank him enough. Also a massive thank you must go to Matt Oliver from The Winston Pub, who brought us extra lighting and a smoke machine without even being asked. Not to mention all the bands, every one of our bands, musicians and DJ’s included are people we just love to watch and want to show to the world. They all played their hearts out knowing we probably wouldn’t make any money and be able to pay them, which sadly was the case.
From the Soul is a religious experience…
So you put on quite a party at Green Camp recently, how did the event go and what have you done before this event?
Kids hanging at the Green Camp…
The event was beautiful, we ourselves had a blast, and the artists had a blast. The crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves. The venue was beautiful and for the first time in 6 years, they hosted an event where they made a profit, even though it was small. We may have only had about 80 people in at any one point, and we may not have made money but we made something cool. And we’re proud. Before this we had a few lead up parties to try enable people to get to know us. This included events at Habesha Café and Pablo Honey. Small gigs where people got to encounter new music. We also used it as a point to make our musicians we are working with meet each other.
So what is next for From the Soul?
Many, many things, the dream is to be able to create and fund passion projects and link up creatives with other creatives. Here in Durban and all over. We already have great support in Pretoria with Haiku and the 575s who played our festival and who in June hosted us for a whole week to play some shows up there. We also have a full camping festival currently being planned in Margate, so stay tuned for that. But around that, we probably have at least 2 more gigs this month, and will try our best to keep up the momentum. There’s probably also going to be a monthly event at ID: Green Camp Gallery Project, if we have the support. Not 17 acts in a day though. Maybe just 8 or so.
“So long and thanks for all the shoes”
Give us a little more insight into the Durban underground music scene and why do you think events such as this are so vital for the growth of underground culture in the city?
There isn’t much of one basically. Little pockets float around but nothing sustainable ever seems to stick. It ends up creating a lot of bitterness as well. There seems to be a need though, people want to see new things, a lot of people want to do events but don’t have the means. We just want everyone to support each other whether it is money, resources or just showing up and watching art happen. We need to rebuild a culture that kind of stopped somewhere. We don’t mean to downplay the events that do happen, not at all. I think we are just a larger majority of the support there is for underground events and we are pushing to bring new people into that scene so that it can be something that lasts. Durban has bands, and artists and so much creative talent, but we don’t have very good audiences.
All ages and animals welcome…
Tell us about the different venues From the Soul utilises and why you feel it’s important to jump around the city?
We wanted to go to new places to find new people. And then bring them into our spaces that we got to go to. Places like the Winston and Cool Runnings are amazing, and we want to feed into them and start doing events there now that we have cut our teeth on some new spots. We love it when we can’t decide which event to go to on a night, and we know there are enough people for all shows to be fully supported. We just need to show people the music and kind of get them addicted.
X-man and Tyler on the decks…
What makes Durban unique?
Savanna Thunder on the mic…
It’s probably the fact that most of us here don’t make money. So by the time, you’re in your 5th or 6th year of doing your creative thing, it’s out of a lot of love and not much greed, and just the right amount of desperation.
Khaya Records repping…
Tell us a bit about the bands and artists who feature at your events?
Where to even start: Most of them are our friends we love to watch, some of them we bumped into recently and just loved so much we asked them straight away. Our way of booking things is just bringing in what we like, and hoping that people agree. And we like a lot of different things. Basically, it just needs to be From the Soul. Cheesy but true.
How many people put these events together or is it a one-man operation?
Three of us had to be at the forefront of it, but everyone played their part. We even had friends pay entrance and then help us move stuff around and pack up afterward we felt bad about that after we found out that they’d paid entrance. It’s a collective.
When is the next event?
We have some things about to happen this month, just waiting on details. The next big one will be in December though.
Favourite Durban acts?
It should be hard to say, but honestly Black Math. Cam will hate us for this, but he sent all of us his mix of the new album earlier this year and basically, we wanted to them to play Durban again, so we made this fest and begged them to play. Acacia landed from Canada on the 5th (Friday before) and Tyla from Cape Town, they practiced in the morning of the 6th then pulled in and blew us all away. They also just really set such a high bar for Durban artists, and most if not all of us feel their influence, directly or indirectly. But literally, everything on our line-up is all acts we wish could be our headliner. It was a rough line-up to figure out. So just drop all their names here.
Anything else you would like to add?
Not too sure, we just hope people will keep helping other people out with whatever they can give. It doesn’t have to be much. Don’t be a dick.
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One of South Africa’s most unique cultural icons Johnny Clegg has passed on, leaving behind an incredible legacy. He was well-known for embracing African culture in a time where it was frowned upon to do so by white South Africans. Clegg had been fighting a long battle with pancreatic cancer. News channels and social media platforms have been flooded with tributes to the singer/songwriter and anthropologist. Aweh.online pays tribute to the legendary artist, with a playlist of some of his most classic solo material and with two his band’s, Juluka and Savuka.
“The infinite vibratory levels, the dimensions of interconnectedness are without end. There is nothing independent. All beings and things are residents in your awareness”. –Alex Grey
Image by Justin McGee
Music has a strange way of creating a connection, time or space, a feeling or conversation. A conversation without words just sonar layers of subjective, deciphering. Art indulges in the outwardly inward reflective contradicting nature of humanity and its inability to face reality, strolling through the darkest corners of the subjective contours of the imagination.
Often these kinds of moods and reflective artifice need a conjurer, and sometimes this illusionist can be unpredictably down-to-earth in their mystic pursuit of unfiltered artistic, expression and madness. Cam Lofstrand is this kind of magician and either through his music or his visual art he has managed to capture a dreamlike sentiment and aesthetic and in turn has created a world entirely of his own making.
Image by Justin McGee
Cam made a name for himself a few years ago as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the psychedelic-noise rock band, Black Math and since then the group has grown in popularity, touring all over South Africa with a few appearances in Reunion Island, as well as recording a string of DIY releases, which all went on to become prevalent among a diverse circle of listeners. Since his inception into rock ‘n roll, he has contributed vastly to both music and art, playing in numerous other projects including The Sisters, Taekwondo Sleepover, Hadeda, Return to Worm Mountain (with Duncan Park), Fruits and Veggies and Existing Consciousness.
Return to Worm Mountain – Art by Cam Lofstrand
Cam is often commissioned as a visual artist or designer for innumerable bands or artistic undertakings, which landed him a job as a graphic designer for The Hardy Boys design agency. He studied fine art at the Durban University of Technology.
Image by Justin McGee
We find ourselves down by the train tracks near Umgeni Road on a random weekday afternoon. We both have decided to do the interview during our lunch hour so unfortunately, we don’t have a very long time to talk. The conversation is brief, we ramble towards the subject of both music and art.
“I don’t ever want to limit art to a medium, because art is all-encompassing so you could imply that anything is art, but I have to say I like visual media and I especially love music” – remarks Lofstrand.
The 25-year-old artist then reflects on why he loves making music so much maybe even more then visual art, he uses adjectives such as “heavy” or “psychedelic” to describe the music he makes which he implies can sometimes be “brutal” in composition or form.
“It was all kind of random, I learned how to play guitar from a very young age, but I never had a love for music as I do now, so I stopped playing for a period. Then when I started listening to music, I started playing guitar again and that’s when I really appreciated what music was.”
The young Durbanite reflects on why creating is so vital in everything he does:
“I like doing things that are very creative, I like art and I like the act of creating and music is the most visceral, and immediate art form there is. I also think I took to music because I have a very short attention span (laugh), and music is very pleasing in the moment of creation.”
Image by Justin McGee
Cam is a musician who thrives on collaboration, he gives appreciation to his long-time collaborator Tyler Burnett, bass player of Black Math as well as confirming his commitment to any project he decides to get involved in.
“I love jamming, I’ve learned a lot by playing with friends, Tyler (Black Math bass player) and I have taught each other a great deal, I’ve played different instruments and I’ve played in many different bands and at the moment I don’t really favour any of them. I used to think Black Math was my most important project but as time goes on, I don’t really mind, I enjoy playing with whomever, as long as it’s fun”.
Support has never been an issue for this sonic troubadour, and he remarks on his gratitude towards this:
“I’ve been very privileged to be in a position in life where I have been able to make music like this; my parents are very supportive, I’m aware that other people in the scene haven’t had the same kind of opportunities”.
This support has encouraged Cam to give back and in turn he has also become a competent music producer, which has prompted him to produce recordings for his own projects as well as other bands in Durban including Mouse and Write Off.
The lunch hour is up and we both have to run off to our respective jobs, walking adjacent to the trains screeching along the tracks in a typical smoggy Umgeni Road afternoon, I start to think back on all the times I’ve seen this quiet gentleman turn into a man possessed, tearing up the stage. Durban has a strange way of producing mesmerizing and surprisingly shy eccentrics like Cam Lofstrand. The haze, heat, and pollution keep everyone gasping for air. It seems creativity is also grasping through the glare, reaching for whatever oxygen there is left in the sun-drenched ether. Lethargy or the lacklustre nature of the space is no deterrent for Cameron and his ever-expanding roster of projects or mind-bending artworks.
The Winston Pub hosted an eclectic mix of bands for the opening night of Zakifo 2019. Durban’s most long standing music venue and dive bar cleaned up for the occasion, which included opening up the car park and erecting a stage in the vacant location. The line-up featured brass techno marching band, Meute (Germany); alternative Indie Puts Marie (Switzerland); Dobet Gnahoré (Côte d’Ivoire / France) with her urban / alternative French / Tunisian band; psychedelic garage rock band – Make-Overs (SA) ; guitarist, songwriter, performing artist and singer, Sands Eswatini, (Swaziland); and six-piece Dub Reggae fusion band Granmah (Mozambique). If you missed any of the Zakifo events this weekend, there are two more shows.
ZAKIFO SHOWS THIS WEEKEND:
31 May at The Werehouse in Durban, South Africa. Featuring: Mr Eazi, Blinky Bill, Kid Fonque, Buhlebendalo, Alibombo, Tha Cutt, Tune Recreation Committee.
I’ve never witnessed a band quite like Make-Overs, a band that has the unique ability of being brazenly edgy, loud and unapologetic, while still having so much appeal to a varied and diverse audience. Their ruthless touring schedule and workaholic disposition has seen them put out countless albums and EP’s in record time. All while touring extensively, to destinations in North America, Europe and South Africa. They will be playing tomorrow night at The Winston Pub for the opening night of Zakifo Music Festival 2019. Aweh.online, caught up with the band before they head to Durban, to discuss, touring life and what it’s like to be pretty much full time rock ‘n rollers in an era where making money off your creativity is proving to be increasingly difficult.
1. Firstly can you give us your full names, age and what you do for a living (if anything besides for music)?
Andreas (aka A. Computer or just A) sells rare pop culture collectibles ranging from records, vintage guitars, and music memorabilia, to toys and games. Also involved in some side projects and dabbles in design.
Martinique (aka Miss Overs or just M) has somehow managed to maintain her part time employment as a Videography Lecturer at the TUT (arts campus) and does freelance video projects when she has time (something we have less and less of lately as the band is doing well).
2. You’ve been touring quite extensively, how have the tours been as you gear up for another extensive one?
M: Funny you mention extensive because this next one does not feel that extensive, it’s only a month (we’re used to two or three months at a time). Later this year (Sept/Oct/Nov) we will go on a longer tour again.
We love it, it suits us, we love to travel, and we have been all over and seen so many amazing things and met some super awesome people along the way.
A: It’s been such a treat for us. Touring is hard work and can be exhausting but we live for it. We are used to extensive touring having done some lengthy tours all over Europe, Canada, and the US. I’m really looking forward returning to the venues we love in France and the adventure of all the new places we will be visiting.
Image by – @joshnsphotos
3. So you’re playing in Durban this Friday for Zakifo Music Festival at The Winston Pub, it’s a pretty awesome show, tell us a little bit about playing at The Winston and Durban and what can the audience expect, for those who have never witnessed a Make Overs show?
We’ve played the Winston before and it’s one of our favourite venues in South Africa. It’s been around for such a long time it’s an institution at this point. You can expect us to give our all, we always try to give high energy performances, we have some newer songs in the set, and our sound ranges from loud energetic rock/punk to experimental, groovy loop based tracks. We have never used a set list before so we never know exactly what we will be playing.
4. So you’ve played at Zakifo before, how was the experience and what sets this event apart from other festivals?
Yes, we played the very first Zakifo it was a great experience. I remember being taken care of exceptionally well by the team and crew. We had a lot of fun but I am almost more excited for this year as it’s at the Winston. Zakifo has an incredibly eclectic range of music; there is definitely something for everyone.
5. You’re also off to play Sakifo, surely that must be quite exciting, will it be your first time in Reunion Island?
No, I think this will be out 6th time in Reunion Island. We have been going there for the last 5 years repeatedly for various shows and love going there, super excited to see all our friends and fans, and we love to hang out and explore the island, it really has a lot to offer. We were at Sakifo a few years back as guests of friends who played and it was on the beach and very busy, so I am looking forward to being back again this year but this time on stage.
6. Any interesting stories from your recent tours?
Where to start? Our guitars and pedals were stolen whilst on tour in France last year, amidst that we had to deal with the yellow jackets, who were protesting heavily in France at the time, so it meant we had to drive through night after shows so we could make the next show in time (road blocks everywhere during the days). During that same tour we were in a meeting and a riot broke out outside, and the police started teargassing everyone, including us. Then we got to travel with the Limiñanas, a group we both love, all over following their massive tour bus in our tiny rental, and the places we got to drive through and see is just beyond amazing – even the rest stops are breath-taking 🙂
7. Touring isn’t all glamour and glitz, what kind of advice would you impart to younger musicians who want to become a full time touring artists?
Ease yourself into it, do some local touring, and build from there. You will know very quickly if it’s for you, on the road a week can feel like a month and constant travelling can take a toll on you. If it works out then expand and keep adding new places to your schedule until you feel comfortable with how much time you will be away from home. Make sure to go back to territories where you’ve had success and build a circuit. It’s not easy sticking to something when times are hard, and on tour things can get tough, if you persist and put your best foot forward, give it your all and never let up and find your niche market, because there are so many out there, you can carve a road that’s much more rewarding down the line. You need to be realistic about how long things take, and how many things can go wrong, the show must go on regardless. We’ve been stuck at airports, had vital equipment stolen before big shows, car breaking down and a deadline to make, stuck on trains with no alternatives trying desperately to find them…. so many things always will and can go wrong, so be ready with a plan b,c,d and e and always try and stay positive. The reward of being able to create your art full time is worth it, at least it is for us.
8. Ok lastly, what time are you guys on this Friday and will you have any new merchandise on sale, as Make Overs always seem to have the coolest merch?
23h30 – and we have an hour set.
Thank you so much, we are always so happy to hear people like our stuff! We will have records and CD’s for sale. Unfortunately, we have sold out on most of our merch after the last tour (so sadly no shirts in just yet). We’re busy working on a load of exciting things, there’s a new album with art by Anton Kannemeyer coming soon. We recently acquired a tape duplicator so there will be cassette releases of our back catalogue in the near future.
9. Anything you’d like to add?
We can’t wait to be back in Durban – it’s been far too long since our last show there, and who knows when we will be able to make it back again.
BCUC, have been making an enormous impact on the music industry over the last few years. This has led to massive shows and epic tours all over the world. They have just finished recording their second album in Paris, France. Check out their collaboration with one of the poetry world’s most distinct voices – Saul Williams in the video below. They are also about embark on a mega tour throughout various locations in Africa, Europe and North America. All dates above. – AwehOnline…
We have 1 double set of tickets to Saturdays event for Zakifo Festival at The Werehouse. However you need to get creative if you’re going to get your hands on them. Check us out on Instagram at: aweh_online and post us a little video don’t forget to tag us so we can know who you are. Since there is a fairly strong hip hop influence for Saturday’s show, we are asking you to make up a small rhythm, rap, lyric or poem on why you deserve these tickets. The winner will be announced on Friday afternoon on our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter pages, and the tickets will be waiting at the door on Saturday.
Aweh Online 