There’s a developing trend among young musicians in the industry. Those who seemingly found their footing in the hip hop genre progress to house music, which ultimately gives them a breakthrough.
Relo Tsotetsi made a name for herself as the female vocalist behind the hip hop crew, Skwatta Kamp, but she only got bigger when she teamed up with DJ Kent to produce her stunning debut project, Gift Of Life.
Tumelo “Geno” Ruele, who belongs to the conscious and alternative rap group, Optical Illusion, recently went solo with a vocal house album produced by Black Coffee.
Now, Nothende, who’s worked with a handful of local hip hop artists, has finally released her debut album after seven years of speculation. Although the offering, Lovelight, is not a dance/house music endeavour, Nothende grew in popularity when she collaborated with house music young gun Lulo Café on I Wanna Love You – which is not only a favourite locally, but is also gaining recognition internationally.
“The song has helped open new doors for me as international DJs and producers are keen to work with me,” says Nothende.
“When Lulo Café approached me with the idea, I did not know who he was and I was anti-house back then. But I felt if I didn’t work with him, I’d be limiting myself and I didn’t want to do that. It’s always good to open oneself up to other opportunities.”
For some these moves weren’t planned and for others they were an easy transition, but it’s interesting how house music is a catalyst for potentially great work from some of the youngsters in the industry.
Here’s what talented DJ and producer, Kent, says about the phenomenon.
“I think we will see a lot more artists from other music genres, not just hip hop, featuring on house tracks. This is because house music has become one of the biggest music genres in the country, making it a good platform for underground artists to go mainstream.”
Nothende is one of those underrated female vocalists who, like her peers, Pebbles and Khethi, have struggled to find their spot in the industry because they tackle mature genres like soul and jazz with a young and individual flair.
They belong to a clique of musicians in Joburg who are in search of organic music. The three of them used to host the Afro Soul Tribute Shows at the Blues Room in Sandton, celebrating the music of legends like Miriam Makeba and Nina Simone. These performances return this month at a new venue in the Joburg CBD called Pata Pata.
Blessed with a sleek and pristine voice, Nothende has also worked with soulful singer, songwriter and producer RJ Benjamin and was a backing vocalist for Lira for two years.
Her album is produced by Lira’s bassist and producer, Tshepo Sekele.
“Making the album was a long process,” Nothende says. “It happened at the right time when I could articulate myself better than before. And being a backing vocalist helped me understand finding balance in a performance. All that happened before was a preparation for the album. I worked with a great team, including Kabomo, who made sure my voice was in the right form for the project.”
Lovelight is a soul album with a light-hearted approach, boasting jazzy and R&B undertones. It beams with love and light so you warm to it in seconds. There’s something about Nothende that reminds one of the UK’s N’Dea Davenport of the band Brand New Heavies. Perhaps it’s the star quality in her voice.
She’s determined to work hard at her craft. “I’m not where I would like to see myself in this country, but this album is the beginning. I want to make a change and go the extra mile to make my craft better all the time.”
It’s lovely to experience a musician coming into their own. It’s like when Lira left 999 records and five years later released her first album with Sony Music, Feel Good. It feels the same with Nothende and her first album, Lovelight. Only good things can come out of this.
l Catch Nothende every last Saturday of the month at the Hyatt Hotel in Rosebank, Joburg, for the Love Movement show. It’s a live music experience featuring poets and other musicians who jam for the love of music.