Music Runs In Mzee’s Blood!
By Quibell Ramantswana , 08 Aug 2009
Mzilikazi Wa AfrikaEvery artist believes that every song they write is going to be a hit, whether the song ends up at the White House or becomes the World National Anthem! It is all wishful thinking! With South African music slowly taking the world of House Music by storm, it is no surprise to hear that Mzee was signed by the American record label, Ocha Records.
Mahowelele was the song that introduced Mzee to the masses around the world. It all started when he did what an artist is supposed to do. He sent the track to his friend, Max Pela, from the Dominican Republic, a DJ who happens to work in the USA from time to time. After dominating the South African market, the song reached Carlos Casamera´s ears. He is the co-owner of Ocha records, with Osundale. Casamera couldn´t just listen! He tracked down the Shangaan speaking, Mzee, whose real name is Mzilikazi Wa Africa.
“Musically, I have been blessed. [Music] runs in my blood”
“Casamera asked me to send him the song and I sent it to him. They loved it and they said “Can we offer you a deal? I said “It depends on what you guys are putting on the table!” They negotiated. They gave me an offer I couldn´t refuse!”
The song is now four years old, a year younger than the five year deal he signed with the US record label. His label had already benefitted from Mahowelele by dropping the first EP remixes with eight different remixes from Buddha Satva, Halo, Tommy Bones, and many more, including my favourite remix by Manoo. This shows how talented Mzee is!
“Musically, I have been blessed. [Music] runs in my blood. I had just dropped my first EP and it became like an international club anthem. Every DJ around the world was digging it!”
The Sunday World reporter, Mzee, was the guest speaker at the Annual South African Music Conference, held in Durban last month, to which international producers, Ralf Gum and Karizma, were also invited.
“Basically it is where we meet and try to brainstorm how to take our music to another level. We work out what needs to be done, how to do it better, and how we can show the world that we can also deliver the same good stuff that they are: same sound, same quality and same vibe.”
It is so interesting to hear that South African music is now known to the world. However, there are problems that can no longer be ignored, for example, if the build up of country music is to be taken seriously!
Mzee explains: “I think that´s the one thing I proposed at the conference. He continues to say: “We need to get rid of `Payola´ in order to clean up the industry. We need to call up all the musicians who have ever paid any kind of bribe or `payola´ to any music promoter of compiler of any radio station.”
At this point Mzee becomes increasingly animated about this subject, which he seems very passionate about and says “Lets name and shame them because we don´t need these kinds of people within our industry; they are not helping to build it!” Mzee adds: “The point is, the more they play our stuff, the more they are empowering their people. They will all get their royalties, no one will die poor.”
Meanwhile, the 2010 FIFA World Cup debate continues. Most of the South African soccer lovers are concerned about whether they will be allowed to use the Vuvuzela (horn), or maybe even the newly invented Kuduzela (horn). As well as this, many artists are working extremely hard to finish the 2010 official album. Mzee´s next album will feature the Bafana Bafana (the South African National soccer team track). Does Mzee see this as an opportunity for the South African artists to shine?
Mzee responds: “You will see when the album comes out, there will be three South African artists. They will include all those `who knows who´s´, which is not fair. The Album is meant to have 100% African Artists. We can do it.It´s not that we can´t! Something is not right somewhere and needs to be changed, not tomorrow but today!”
Mzee is also working with the Zimbabwean-sensation O´luhle, real name Sukoluhle Ncube. Recently,she has been nominated for the first ever South African achievers award, here in the UK, for music entertainer of the year. Her album is due for release on February 2010, under `Good Time Records´, which is owned by Mzilikazi.
Mzee, who is known as Mzee Mahuwelele, revealed to his facebook friends that he is currently in negotiations regarding something big with `Vega Records´. We can´t wait to hear the big news!
Mzee´s highly anticipated new album titled ‘Tamanini’ (Hello) which includes 30 tracks, is due for release on the 28th of September this year under `Soul Candy Records´.
