Latest news with #KabzaDeSmall
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Big Zulu gives his 14-year-old daughter a taste of studio stardom
Award-winning rapper Big Zulu is stepping into a brand-new role: proud musical dad. The Mali Eningi hit maker, whose real name is Siyabonga Nene, is known for his hard-hitting bars and unmistakable Inkabi rap style — but now he's proving that talent runs in the family. Earlier this week social media went into a frenzy after a video clip surfaced showing Amapiano superstar Kabza De Small behind the studio desk, with the caption: 'New music coming soon from Kabza De Small and Big Zulu.' Naturally fans assumed the lyrical giant was making a surprise collab with the Amapiano king. But Big Zulu quickly set the record straight. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, he clarified that the voice in the video wasn't his — it was his 14-year-old daughter, who's been quietly working behind the scenes on her own musical journey. 'You know that voice? It wasn't me. That's my daughter,' he revealed with a proud grin. 'I'm preparing her for the music industry. We're working on her song, and I want to release her single. I just want her to understand the different sounds of music in the studio.' It looks like she's off to a strong start, having already recorded a track with Kabza De Small himself — talk about a power debut!
News24
27-05-2025
- Business
- News24
Ami Faku's music journey: From her sonic evolution to being business savvy
Ami Faku says the right team and separating logic from emotions is crucial in surviving the music business. She says the bond she creates collaborating with fellow artists is what shines through in her art. Ami is working on her next album and will be performing at the Sunset Music Series on 1 June. ________________________________________________________________________ From an Eastern Cape church girl to becoming the voice of amapiano's renaissance, Amandu 'Ami' Faku's creative talent speaks volumes. She has been a steady presence in South African music since being featured on chart-topping tracks like Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa's Abalele and Asibe Happy, whether she's songwriting or blending her melodic harmonies with the log beats and synths of arguably South Africa's most recognisable music export. Now with five years under her belt making hits and bagging awards, the 32-year-old artist is honing her craft, more intentional than ever about surrounding herself with the right people in her team and giving her audience what they want. Ami admittedly describes herself as 'very upfront' - whether it's putting her all in her music or making herself heard during our conversation over the rumbunctious personalities doing her hair at the salon. Learning the art of business and music The entertainment and subsequent music industry is no walk in the park, especially if one is surrounded by those who might not have your best interests at heart. It has been reported that Ami launched legal proceedings against her manager and his record label citing alleged lack of financial transparency and unpaid royalties. Steering clear from the subject, the musician instead gave TRUELOVE some insight into how she has grown regarding her approach to the technical and business side of music, while staying true to her passion and integrity. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ami Faku (@ami_faku) 'I've grown in terms of just knowing my weaknesses and strengths and not being afraid to ask questions. For instance, the business side of things is extremely important. And also knowing that being emotional is - when it comes to the business - it's not about that. So, separating the two, with the music you can be [emotional] but with business you have to use logic and sense.' Ami continues, 'So I've taken my part in every day trying to learn the business side of things. And knowing when to ask questions and what to ask. And also just having the right team is extremely important, especially for your business. So, understanding that has done a great number for me. Because I wasn't good at that, so I knew I wasn't, so I took my time to just work on that.' Trusting her instincts Ami's latest projects include soulful harmonies with artists like Nkosazana Daughter intertwined with expertly curated beats from producers like Black Coffee, MashBeatz and Karyendasoul. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ami Faku (@ami_faku) She is intentional about who she works with, explaining that building relationships, a connection and a bond with fellow creatives gives that art that much more meaning. Ami says, 'Connection is very important. Relationships are extremely important and that's what I prioritise. So, when you don't have that bond with people, it lacks in the art. So, for me, I've realised through just always working with people that, that's super important in just general, generally in everything you do in life.' Something new on the horizon Many are still waiting in the wings for another full album project from the musician since her 2019 release Imali, and Ami assures her supporters that it is well on the way. 'Because it's been too long,' she acknowledges. But for now, fans can look forward to seeing her at the Johannesburg edition of the Sunset Music Series, set to be held at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden on Sunday, 1 June 2025 alongside the Thugela Fairy, Sonini songstress Simmy. 'Mostly I'm looking forward to just performing with the full band,' Ami shares. 'That usually is not how I perform, so when I'm getting the opportunity to, that really makes me excited because then there's a connection that we all have, and we've played for over five years together, so it's gonna be a fun for us and as well for the audience.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunset Music Series (@
IOL News
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Fresh sounds to amplify your May playlists
Craig Lucas makes a grand return with 'Love You for the Last Time', a shimmering nod to '80s Euro-pop laced with modern emotional depth. Image: Supplied As May unfolds, the airwaves are buzzing with a fresh array of tracks that are set to rejuvenate your playlists and elevate your mood. With the arrival of a new month comes new possibilities, and there's no better way to embrace this change than by diving into the latest sounds crafted by some of today's top artists. Here's a look at the must-listen releases that are already creating waves across the music scene. "Yiyo" is a celebration of growth, fatherhood, and the enduring love for the Amapiano genre. Image: Supplied 'Yiyo' by Shaun Stylist and Kabza De Small featuring T&T MuziQ Kicking off our list is the hypnotic anthem 'Yiyo" from Shaun Stylist and Amapiano luminary Kabza De Small, featuring T&T MuziQ. The track, the lead single from Stylist's deeply personal second studio EP titled 'Maison', is a celebration of growth, fatherhood, and the enduring love for the Amapiano genre. Stylist, whose EP is named after his son, pours his heart into the music, blending emotional storytelling with the vibrant pulsations of Amapiano. 'This EP means everything to me. I've poured my heart into it,' he says, highlighting the significance of collaborating with such an influential figure in the genre. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Craig Lucas makes a grand return with 'Love You for the Last Time', a shimmering nod to '80s Euro-pop laced with modern emotional depth. Image: Supplied 'Love You for the Last Time' by Craig Lucas Craig Lucas makes a grand return with 'Love You for the Last Time', a shimmering nod to '80s Euro-pop laced with modern emotional depth. Released through the prominent local independent label TIC TIC BANG, this track serves as the fourth single from his eagerly awaited EP. Capturing the bittersweet nature of unreciprocated affection, Lucas shares his personal tale infused with universal relatability. 'It's about that ache, that desperate need to feel something again, even when it hurts,' he explains. The collaboration with Jono Greyling has resulted in an expansive soundscape filled with pounding drums and soaring vocals - a true anthem for heartbroken souls. Benson Boone's enchanting 'Mystical Magical', is the second single from his forthcoming album 'American Heart', set to be unveiled in June. Image: Supplied 'Mystical Magical' by Benson Boone Next, we have Benson Boone's enchanting 'Mystical Magical', the second single from his forthcoming album 'American Heart', set to be unveiled in June. Boone, who recently debuted the track on the famed Coachella stage, continues to gain momentum following a stunning performance featuring Queen's Brian May. His magnetic stage presence and melodic prowess promise to draw listeners deeper into his artistry as we anticipate the complete album. Mo Eazy's latest single 'Teriba' is a spiritually rich testament to resilience and self-belief. Image: Supplied 'Teriba' by Mo Eazy Award-winning Nigerian artist Mo Eazy's latest single 'Teriba' is a spiritually rich testament to resilience and self-belief. Rooted in African spirituality, it also sets the stage for his upcoming EP 'Ibẹrẹ'. 'Teriba', which means "to surrender" in Yoruba, encapsulates the message of trust in a higher power. Eazy seamlessly intertwines melodious prayers and powerful affirmations, presenting a track that resonates deeply with listeners navigating life's challenges. 'My music is a mirror,' Eazy explains, emphasising that 'Teriba' echoes the importance of continuing forward through faith. 'Would I Lie To You Baby' is a dynamic collaboration between South African favourites GoodLuck and UK sensation Youngr. Image: Supplied
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Scorpion Kings DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small to host historic amapiano concert at Loftus Versfeld
Top music producers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small who perform as the DJ duo Scorpion Kings. The duo is gearing up for a historic concert aiming to sell-out Loftus Stadium. Picture: Instagram/@djmaphorisa Image: Instagram/@djmaphorisa DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small are South African music pioneers, whose careers have set them apart. In another step, affirming the duo's plans of cementing an everlasting legacy, they have taken on a bold initiative to take over Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Scorpion Kings Live with Friends is set to be a monumental sing-a-long live music festival that will see over 50,000 fans unite in Pretoria for a night that pays homage to the meteoric rise of Amapiano - from South Africa's township roots to the world's biggest stages. The DJs describe Scorpion Kings Live with Friends as a celebration of a movement, the culture of music through their lens as The Kings. 'It's not just a performance, it's a moment that honours music and how that music has impacted us and how it's impacted amapiano as a genre. It's going to be a showcase of the power of collaboration, which in essence is who we are,' shared the musicians. This is Scorpion Kings' first major show together since July 2022, for the musician icons, the show is about cementing their role as pioneers, owning their narrative, and showing that no matter where you come from, your dream has no limits. 'We've built something that belongs to us. It's our sound, our voice, our movement. Scorpion Kings Live with Friends is about unity, culture, power, and world-class music. It's history in the making,' said DJ Maphorisa. Produced by industry-leading creatives and supported by cutting-edge stage design, fans can expect a multi-sensory experience that combines state-of-the-art production with world-class performances. 'The same way amapiano is rooted in collaboration, we are collaborating with the best of the best, this isn't a regular show, it won't just be a DJ set. 'We are curating an experience like no other, which includes various performances from various genres including iconic acts to showcase a magnification spectacle,' they said. When it comes to putting the live music experience together, Scorpion Kings, are deeply involved in every part of the creative process, from music selection, stage design, and lighting to sound, hand in hand with the best in the game. 'This show is a reflection of who we are, so we made sure every detail aligns with our vision.
