Bloggers Music

The problem with most popular music in the noughties is, that lyrically, it is a throwback to the eighties - as shallow as a puddle of spit.

All around the world hip-hop sings about hos and bitches, house about unrequited love and rock about broken hearts. It is rare that lyricists have to stretch their imagination much further than any of the topics above.

One of those who claim to do this is Bantu Soul, who’s debut deep house-ish/R’nB-ish self-titled album has been received enthusiastically, particularly on Metro FM. He had a recent number one with Having You Around.

The artist had his first taste of the music industry when he was in the group Khalil. But when they kinda petered back into the obscurity they deserved he decided to concentrate on his real career, IT.

However, for the next two years in his spare time he worked on a solo project.

“I balance the two,” he said.

“Music is a hobby which is great, because I am not doing it for the money. Other guys play sport or go to the gym to keep themselves sane. I do music and graphic design.”

It was during this creative time that he conceptualised Bantu Soul .

“When I was in Miami working on an IT assignment I was reading Steve Biko’s I Write What I Like. It’s amazing how patriotic you feel when you are outside of South Africa.”

“The book took me back to those days, but I was still a child then. The concept of Bantu Soul is two-fold. Its music is obviously influenced by soul, but it also appeals to today’s youth and what they listen to, which is deep house. However, through my music I am holding on to my African culture and my South African history.

“The name Bantu has negative connotations. I wanted to come up with a positive way of looking at the name. It actually just means people. Most songs I write are about more than “let’s have fun”, although they are also feel-good songs.

“It’s current house mixed with African spice. In life we must explore as many talents as possible. What I thought was so amazing about Steve Biko was that he died when he was only 30. He is an icon who achieved so much and especially during those times. The biggest thing I learnt from him is courage under fire.”

Via Tonight

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