Latest news with #SunsetMusicSeries
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 (@
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Live Wire: Fourth annual ‘Bow Bow Bash' to raise funds for music education
Many musicians dream of leaving a legacy behind with their music, but few actually get to do so in a truly meaningful way. But one local artist who died eight years ago has achieved that honor, thanks to his friends and the community in which he played. J. Scott 'Bow Bow' Brandon, a staple of the Western Massachusetts music scene for decades, who died at age 44 in 2017, had a fund started in his name in 2021. The J. Scott Brandon Music Scholarship ensures that all interested students in Northampton schools have the opportunity to receive music lessons and supplies for their instruments. And for the fourth consecutive year, the scholarship will look to raise funds via the 'Bow Bow Bash,' a concert at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton on May 24 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18, or $6 for students with an ID. Steve Sanderson, arts events producer for the Northampton Arts Council, was Brandon's best friend, and he started the scholarship to honor him. A year later, they added the live event. 'We wanted an event that brought attention to what we were doing and why we were doing it,' Sanderson said. 'And it needed to include students, because one of the main reasons for creating the fund was because Bow and I met in the band room of Taunton High School in 1987.' The pair bonded over a mutual love of punk music when Sanderson noticed Brandon wearing a Sex Pistols T-shirt. The very first 'Bow Bow Bash' in 2022 brought everything full circle when a mutual friend of both musicians gave Sanderson the shirt right before the show. 'So, I squeezed my beer belly into and wore it,' Sanderson said with a laugh. Sanderson originally brought the idea for the fund to the Northampton Arts Council, and soon thereafter, Downtown Sounds joined the effort, followed by the Northampton Community Music Center and then last year, the Iron Horse. 'So now it's a four-part partnership, and we try not to refuse a single student,' he said. So far, no one who has needed help has been turned down, Sanderson added, and anyone who has an interest in music or a gift for it is eligible. The fund goes to paying for lessons beyond school, but also instruments and repair, if needed. Sanderson said that not only did Brandon have a vast knowledge of all types of music, ('I learned about more music from Bow than anybody else'), he exuded his love for his art in palpable ways. 'Bow Bow embodied the rock 'n' roll spirit, everybody who knew him knew that,' Sanderson said. 'So when I go to the Bow Bow Bash and see 175 people jumping up and down to an NHS student band, I know his spirit is alive.' Comedian Tom Segura will play Springfield's MassMutual Center on May 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $39.50 and can be found at Free Music Fridays return to MGM Springfield Plaza on May 23 with The Eagles Experience tribute band. The outdoor concert series is held, weather permitting, each Friday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Likewise, the Sunset Music Series continues on May 23 and every Friday and Sunday through Oct. 9 at Glendale Ridge Vineyard in Southampton. The series features local acoustic acts from 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays and 4 to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Read the original article on MassLive.
