February is the time when Tonight sticks its neck out and predicts who in the music industry has a bright future. Last year we were enamoured with Liquideep and Jack Parow, both of whom went on to become big stars.
Liquideep was a delight to house fans and even crossed over into the 5FM and Highveld market. Parow has become a one-man revolution. He has taken the celebration of zef culture that made the boys from Bellville so popular to new heights. While Fokofpolisiekar both rebelled against and revelled in what is north of the boerewors curtain, Parow made us wince in embarrassment while laughing at the same time.
That was 2010. Now we are hedging our bets with 10 new artists for 2011.
Zakes Bantwini
While he is no stranger to the music industry, having worked with fellow Durbanite L’Vovo Derrango, Zakes Bantwini is a new artist who burst on to the scene with the track Bum Bum. Think James Brown meets Fela Kuti meets Black Coffee.
The Black Coffee influence is there because this award-winning producer produced his album. In fact, it was Black Coffee who conceptualised the James Brown house sound. Then, of course, there is Bantwini’s dancing. One of the few South African artists who combines great music with even greater moves.
Kwesta
He is signed to the thoroughbred hip hop stable Buttabing. Slikour and Shugasmakx nursed this young rapper until they decided he was ready to enter the industry. His album, Special Request, has the production team of the great Ameen, Stethoscope and beats.com among others.
It flirts with commercial rap as well as some out-there experimental hip hop. Put that together with the fact that Kwesta is a sweet person and we have a great artist in the making. The least he will do in 2011 is get nominated for an MTN SA Music Award.
Silverbaq
Another one from Durban!
Silverbaq may come across as hip hop artists, but they’re not. They’re a new sound fusing electro, hip hop, rock, pop and everything cheesy in between. And not in that awful sell-out Black Eyed Peas kinda way. Their way of doing things is not restricted to their music.
Silverbaq is recording another mixtape which they’ll release for free on the Net. Called Party All Night, Surf All Day, it is sure to be an exciting release in 2011.
The La Els
Durban rockers The La Els won the inaugural globalmoguls.com battle of the bands that was run on the internet. Their music is catchy, fun punk.
They are aware of the power of the internet and co-ordinated a well-constructed campaign to win the national competition.
However, while they know how to run riot in cyberspace, like so many Durban bands they forget to tour outside of their home town. Guys, there is a big wide touring world out there. Use it.
The Car Boot Vendors
This is the third Durban band on our list. It would appear Durban is exploding with talent not seen since the days of Squeal and Urban Creep in the 1990s.
This band have made the underground venue The Winston their home, spiritually and physically. They’re anarchic punk hippies with an attitude and intelligence to boot.
Their latest release, The Flop EP, will provide oodles of laughs and fun. They are winding up their first nationwide tour.
One of the most exciting and original bands to come out of this country.
Dementophobia
Fronted by a gothic rock chick, this Pretoria alternative rock band combines teenage angst with angry rebellion. Lots of passion, lots of heavy guitar and depressing tunes.
Dementophobia is one for the heavy rockers.
KraYzEE-N
A production team from Durban who are doing great things on the internet. Their approach to making music is to record existing artists and market and sell the tracks only on the internet and through cellphone downloads.
Get My Way features Young Nations, Pixie Bennett and Incha. The track mixes hip hop, pop, rock and classical violin.
Besides working with bigger artists, KrayZee-N also want to develop younger artists.
To download the track, sms getmyway1f to 38505. It is also available on the MTN Play website as well as www.mimusic.co.za
The City is the Desert (in Disguise)
They are the most exciting and challenging rock band since the Springbok Nude Girls. Their uncompromising attitude towards their art is reflected in their latest release (In Disguise).
Think Sonic Youth meets Dinosaur Jr meets surreal guitar.
Even if you don’t like rock music, there is no way you can ignore such an excellent band. They command attention and respect.
One of my favourite finds.
Peyton Amber
A 16-year-old who does not play bubblegum pop. This Joburg lass prefers a country feel to her music and her debut album, Patent, sells well at her shows around the city. Her stage presence is still a bit shy, but there is a depth and maturity to her talent that means she will enjoy longevity in the music industry.
Ameen
He’s turning hip hop on its head! This Capetonian producer is responsible for the deconstruction and reconstruction of Kabelo’s huge hit Dubula 2.0. The track appears on Slikour’s new album for which Ameen also produced all the more progressive tracks. Ameen has also worked on tracks for Kwesta as well as Zubz and HHP.