Durban -
German folktronics duo Milky Chance is ready to rock Durban on Friday night for their first ever African appearance and… give a fine rendition of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.
The duo, vocalist Clemens Rehbein, 22, and producer, Philipp Dausch, 22, found fame when their home-brewed debut single Stolen Dance was viewed more than 170 million times on YouTube.
They landed in Durban on Thursday night before their week-long South African tour which begins at the Durban Shongweni Club on Friday.
With other smash hits such as Down By The River and the release of their first offering, Sadnecessary, the duo this year alone have performed in 70 shows in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, across Europe, and now South Africa.
It is not too difficult to see why Rolling Stone magazine last year listed Milky Chance as among the “Top 10 New Artists You Need To Know”.
They met the Daily News team at their Kloof hotel on Thursday night, and during the interview, burst into their rendition of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika – which they were introduced to by their music teacher in high school.
Although their music is fused with many variations of folk, reggae and a touch of electronic beat, the pair have a love of gospel music and also list Ladysmith Black Mambazo as one of their favourite bands.
“It’s crazy, it’s really hard to believe,” said Dausch about the fact that they were booked in South Africa where there is only a digital following of their music and no record label company representing them.
“We feel pretty much thankful again and like ‘wow we can go to South Africa’, I mean I’ve always wanted to come here because I’m interested in Africa and African culture, and being able to play music here, that’s cool.”
Back home they are ordinary young men from the small German town of Klassel where they commute on 1980s scooters, bought second hand. They have a close circle of friends and still do the odd chore at home – like washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen, but they are particularly “unGerman” – confessing no love for any famed German football team or those sexy German sedans the world loves.
“I just started drinking beer this year, so I’m becoming a German right now,” jokes Rehbein. Dausch adds: “We’re not typical Germans, also we don’t want to be… We hate things like Oktoberfest and we are not always on point (time).”
Reflecting on their newfound stardom, Dausch says their dream of travelling the world has come true.
“We always wanted to travel the world, but now we can travel and play music all over the world which is great,” said Dausch.
“We are excited to be here and we going to give our best, hopefully we have a great time together,” said Rehbein.
* Doors open at noon today and tickets are available from R455 (general) to R695 (VIP).