THE Pap has gotta be one of the best dance songs doing the rounds. The song, featuring the wonderful Monique Bingham, is the latest track from German deep house DJ and producer, Ralf Gum. The track comes from his latest release, In My City.
“This is the sixth single I have done with her,” says Gum. “We are friends now and she comes here four times a year.”
The video for the track was shot in Centurion, Pretoria, where Gum now lives.
Hugh Masekela features on not one but two tracks of n My City, of which Ralf Gum is very proud: “I have known Bra Hugh’s music for 20 years. My friend played me his music when I was still living in Germany. From the first time I heard him, his tone on the trumpet never left me.
“It was always a dream of mine to work with him, but I had to wait until I moved here. But he is always out of the country so it was difficult. Actually, I was at a press conference at Melrose Arch and my wife spotted him and I went and introduced myself. Five days later he called me and said he wanted to work on both tracks. It was a happy day for me. I was so nervous the night before, but it went well in the studio. He was relaxed and finally it was just two musicians doing there thing in the studio.”
Gum says he loves living in South Africa: “When I came here I was welcomed. I see beautiful nature all the time. The people are really friendly here. Despite their circumstances they enjoy their lives. In Europe everything is… hmmm… I don’t have enough money, I have to work harder.”
Referring to his latest release, he says: “There are 10 real songs that have a message. Lyrics must always deliver. I try to do music not only for deep house lovers, but for those who love music.
“My plan is to get this album out to the people in this country. The house scene in this country is one of a kind in the world, but it is not exported yet.
“The good house music produced in this country is due to the high level of competition between the large number of producers. The scene is big here and it has great economic potential. For example, the house events could attract international tourists if done right.”
Gum joins Lira and Yvonne Chaka Chaka at Moretele Park on Sunday for the 20/25 concert. The concert aims to celebrate South Africa’s 20 years of democracy and 25 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. It is presented by the German Embassy and the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in association with Hill Top Life.
Also on the line-up is a selection of drama groups and poets.
• Tickets available at Computicket and at www.plankton.mobi for R50 or at the gate for R70.