Friday 12 August 2016

Tribute Mboweni All You Need To Know


HER JOURNEY HER MUSIC

Even the largest avalanche is triggered by small things. If this saying is to go by, Tribute ‘Birdie’ Mboweni is a true testimony to how big things can really come in small packages.  With this album, also titled “Birdie”, Tribute has triggered an avalanche. As a singer and songwriter Birdie is proving to be a force to reckon with. Her voice is so strong, soulful and wrapped up in both neo-soul, pop world and yet so jazzy.
Birdie has joined a new breed of soul musicians that are putting their own modern take on the classic sound, and doing it justice. Her voice evokes raw, organic emotion that penetrates deep into your heart and makes you feel some type of way, however you want to define the feeling.
Recently selected to perform amongst the graetest musicians at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival on the 1st April 2016, Tribute Birdie Mboweni is definitely the latest edition to what already is a highly competitve music scene but has fast claimed her space. This petite singer has worked diligently to carve a path that ensures that she too has a place in the music industry.  She launched her album in May 2015 at a fully packed Orbit Jazz restaurant in Braamfontein, Johannesburg and also at Ditsong Historical Museum in Pretoria.  In four months since the release of her debut album,  Tribute Birdie Mboweni has performed in big festivals including her performances at The Bush fire Festival in Swaziland end of May 2015, performing, opening for Judith Sephuma at the State Theatre in Pretoria on the 18th July 2015, performing alongside South Africa’s greatest at The Premium Jazz festival at Carnival City on the 22 August 2015 and closed the year with a performance at the Annual All White Jazz Festival in Mabopane, pretoria.   It is no surprise that The Cape Town International Jazz Festival has just recently announced Tribute Birdie Mboweni as one of the artists officially booked for the festival in March 2016.
Besides this album being her debut offering, Tribute has long carved her niche as a performing artist having serenaded audiences in the Middle East (Qatar and Dubai) where she took up artist residence playing with a jazz band featuring some of South Africa’s great musicians.  No stranger to the stage, she has performed at internatinal events such as at COP17 as well as at the Earth Fest in Zambia, including a string of local concerts including the Grahamstown National Arts Festival where she gave a stellar performance and receiving great reviews for her soulful offering. 
Spotted at the Born to Be Famous Showcase by the label’s founder and owner, award-winning producer, Sipho Sithole aka Malambule, Tribute has recorded an album that teaches us that music recognises no barriers and can penetrate the hardest of hearts and unwrap the most hidden emotions of love long lost in despair. In her own words, Tribute testifies that she ‘found joy not in finishing the album but in the activity that went into crafting and recording it, which proved that the ultimate measure of success is the actual journey and not the destination”.
Her music expresses deep feelings and is profoundly emotional, jazzy, ethno and yet so soulful. The 16-track album is full of songs that make one instantly fall in love with Tribute ‘Birdie’ Mboweni.


THE ALBUM

THE SONGS AND WHAT THEY MEAN

Nginjenjenje
Producer: Stephens Letsike; Co-writer: Lesego Diboshwa; Lyrics: Tribute J Mboweni
Keyboard: Teboho Kobedi; Bass: Thembelihle Ndimande

Nginjenjenje is written in appreciation of everyone, including my family and friends, who has supported me and loved me through the good and challenging times. This is me saying, I would not have done the things that I have done so far, without your love and support.

Hold On
Composer: Karabo Khoza; Lyrics: Tribute J Mboweni; Teboho Kobedi; Bass: Thembelihle Ndimande; Guitar: Themba Mokoena

Hold On is an encouragement to any and every person who is going through some or other challenge; whether it be finance related, matters of the heart or challenges that affect those who are dear to us. This song aims to encourage you to hold on because eventually, it does get better.

Coffee
Producer: Stephen Letsike; Lyrics: Tribute Mboweni; Keyboard: Teboho Kobedi; Bass: Mlungisi Gegana

Coffee is simply an introduction to me: A laid-back, short and doe-eyed woman who cares about creation and humanity, who mostly chooses not to fret over the small things that most people often worry about.

Not For Me
Lulama Revlamar Mayaba; Lyrics: Tribute J Mboweni; Arranger: Musa Mdluli; Keyboard: Teboho Kobedi; Bass: Thembelihle Ndimande

Not For Me expresses a feeling of uncertainty over whether to stay or walk away from a relationship. The person in question feels that she is somehow being shut out, which results in the question of whether to stay or walk away.


Soul ‘n Heart
Composer: Mthandeni Mvelase; Lyrics: Tribute Mboweni; Guitar: Themba Mokoena; Bass:  Thembelihle Ndimande; Keyboards: Mthandeni Mvelase; Other Instruments: Mthandeni Mvelase

Soul ‘n Heart is a tribute to my late Mother, Busisiwe Sibeko, who passed on 7 years ago. In this song, I tell her of my ever-present love for her, how it feels like she was here just yesterday; and I give her an update on my younger siblings’ growth. This was by far the hardest song to record, and one I am happy I finally managed to write.

Skit: Uyakhuyuma

MaGumede
Composer: Dorothy Masuka; Publisher: Re-arranged by: Thulani Sithela; Keyboard: Teboho Kobedi; Bass: Thembelihle Ndimande; Guitar: Themba Mokoena

MaGumede is a tribute to Mama Dorothy Masuka, this after being honoured to be the face of the 2014 Moshito Music Conference alongside her; and being handed a microphone by her as a baton that I should continue to run with. This is my version of the song MaGumede, which is originally hers.

N’warikapanyana (An ode to a bird)
Producer:  Malambule; Composer: Mthandeni Mvelase; Lyrics: Tribute J Mboweni; Keyboards: Tebogo Kobedi; Guitar: Themba Mokoena; Bass:  Thembelihle Ndimande; Backing Vocals:  Malambule/Thembelihle Ndimande

N’warikapanyana is an ode to the black-shouldered kite, a bird I grew up knowing as n’warikapanyana. The chorus of this song is a song that we used to sing when we were young, at the sight of the black-shouldered kite, also known as xikhozana in Tsonga. Because of its flight behavior when hunting for rodents, we were certain that the bird’s sudden flapping of its wings is prompted by us singing to it; telling it to flap its wings lest we burn its beak. The song also gives an account of the bird’s flight behavior. Having developed an interest in birds while studying Ecotourism, and having worked with birds while on Dassen Island, it’s no surprise that I should  have a song that is an ode to a bird.

Skit:  Uyakhuyuma

Mpfula Ya Na
Lyrics: Tribute Mboweni; Keyboard: Teboho Kobedi; Bass: Thembelihle Ndimande; Guitar: Themba Mokoena

Mpfula Ya Na is a celebration of the rain. The chorus is a song that we used to sing as children growing up. We would sing this when it rained, mentioning the harvest that would surely follow as a result of the rain: Marhanga (pumpkin), swifaki (corn), timanga (peanuts), makwakwa (green monkey orange). The song in its entirety speaks of how the summer season has come, and that it brings with it, the rain. It encourages people to take to the fields with their working tools to go and prepare the soil and plant anything that could be planted. Because of how joyful we would be when singing about the rain, the song also recognizes and speaks of the joy that fills the atmosphere as a result of the downpour of the rain.

No More
Composer: Mpho Hlahla; Lyrics: Sipho Sithole; Keyboards:  Nduduzo Makhathini; Bass: Mandla Zikalala; Backing Vocals: Putuma Tiso

No More details the suffering that humanity all over the world is faced with as a result of the wars and the bloodshed that come with them. This song is a cry to the world, for peace. It simply says, it is enough!

Skit:  Uyakhuyuma

Bombani
Composer: Sipho Sithole; Lyrics: Tribute Mboweni; Bass: Thembelihle Ndimande, additional programming by Sthembiso Twala

Bombani is a celebratory song. It speaks of a celebratory ceremony that is happening in the family, and encourages the people to wear their traditional attire, dance and show off their beauty.


Summer Day
Composer: Ndivhuho Nethononda; Lyrics: Tribute J Mboweni; Keyboard: Teboho Kobedi

Summer Day is a jolly song that celebrates children. It encourages everyone to love, embrace and let them just have fun playing, dancing and singing.


Khomanani
Producer: Nhlanhla Cabral Makwe; Lyrics: Tribute J. Mboweni; Bass: Thembelihle Ndimande

Khomanani, which means “Unite” was written to encourage Africans to unite and to realise that although we may come from different parts of the continent, we all are the same, and so are the challenges we all face. It would do us well to embrace each other and unite in tackling the socio-economic challenges which we all face.





Lerato
Composer: Sipho Ray Sithole/Amil Sage; Produced by: The Urban Afreekans; Lyrics: Tribute J Mboweni

Lerato is a conversation between a woman and her lover. The woman is reminiscing about and detailing the dynamics of the relationship, and essentially how she feels about this person, starting from the first day they met; while her lover is reassuring her and asking her to trust in their love for each other.

_____________________________________________________


Recording Details:
Recorded and Mixed at Native Rhythms Studios, Johannesburg by Sthembiso Twala. Mastered by Rogan Kelsey at Lapdust Studios, Johannesburg.

Artwork by Derick Taljaard (Inkhaus). Photoshoot by Katlego
Styling by Velile Sithole


Track Listings for The Boogie Wonderland Show 11th August 2016

Below is the track listing for the Boogie Wonderland show dated 11th August 2016. A link to the show can be found here: 




The Boogie Wonderland Show -11/08/2016 Playlist
Shaun Escoffery
When The Love Is Gone
James Day & Maysa
WE DANCE (Club Radio Mix)
Killam Shakespeare
 IM GONE Feat LANA KNIGHT
Doggett Brotthers
 Outta Control (OPOLOPO remix)
Lamone
 Smooth (feat Najee)
Keith Sweat
Dressed To Impress
Ola Onabule
 Love Again
Wayna
 I Don't Wanna Wait
Stee Downes
Never Good Enough
The Big OL Nasty Getdown
 college funk
Bill McGee
I Know You Got Soul (Album Version)
Sir Piers
 American in Chelsea ft Monique Bingham (Mst)
Tribute Mboweni
 MaGumede
Tribute Mboweni
 Soul `n Heart
Tribute Mboweni
Nginjenjenje
Tribute Interview
 Part1
Tribute Mboweni
 Hold On
Tribute Interview
 Part2
Tribute Mboweni
 Mbambeni Skit
Tribute Interview
 Part3
Tribute Mboweni
 N'warikapanyana (An Ode to a Bird)
Tribute Interview
 Part4
Tribute Mboweni
 Coffee
Tribute Mboweni
Not for Me
Duesenberg
 Liquid Blue (Original Mix)
Fat Fader
 Night Movement (Original Mix)
Free Bubble
 Boost (Original Mix)
Pacha ibiza 2016
30 min mix
Lou Doo feat Veronika Vail
 Off The Ground (Permskiy Groove Remix)
Kaball & Diver
 Push (Original mix)

Track Listings for The Crazeology Radio Show 6th August 2016

Below is the track listing for the Crazeology Radio show dated 6th August 2016. A link to the show can be found here: 



Artist
Track
John Taylor
 White Magic
Dave Murray Infintiy Quartet
 French Kiss For Valarie
Terrance Blanchard
 Hallucinations
Graveola
 maquin ürio
MINGACO ORCHESTRA
Da Da Da Mo (Horizons Remix)
Nilson Matta
 Manha De Carnaval
Snow Owl
 Water Giggles
SouthWesTerminal
 Shade Tree
Howard Riley
 Two Ballads For Leslie For Sue
Dream Keeper
 ANTI HERO
MANUEL VOLPE RHABDOMANTIC ORCHESTRA
 Reveal
Perhaps Contraption
 Kepler's Breakfast
Christo Squier Interview
 Part1
Perhaps Contraption
 Pillow Killer
Donald Hayes
 Funky Dream (radio edit)
Elan Trotman
 Sorry
John Novello
 “I Can’t Stop My Heart” feat
Jonathan Fritzen
 Celebration
Mathew Bourne
 Horn & Vellum

Sunday 7 August 2016

Perhaps Contraption All You Need To Know








Perhaps Contraption is a multi-award winning, progressive brass band from London.
Part choir, part chamber orchestra, part avant rock troupe, they create a truly unique musical experience; melding elements of jazz, punk, art pop and post-minimalism.


Their intense, exuberant shows won the Haizetara International Street Music competition (Spain) in 2014 and 2015, the judge’s prize at Cirque et Fanfare Festival (France) and Help Musicians Emerging Excellence Award in 2013.
They have performed at places as diverse as Glastonbury Festival, The EFG London Jazz Festival, The Royal Academy of Arts, Aldeburgh Festival, Bestival, Sudtirol Jazz Festival (Italy) London Roundhouse, Cross Linx Festival (Netherlands) Wilderness, Southbank Centre, Latitude, Artisti in Piazza (Italy), Buskers Bern (Switzerland), numerous Honk! Festivals (USA) and touring in support of Amanda Palmer throughout Europe.
Whether leading jubilant parades, amplified stage shows, or pop up street performances, Perhaps Contraption create an unforgettable sonic spectacle.

Their new avant-brass monolith, Mud Belief, is out now.




Track Listings for The Boogie Wonderland Show 4th August 2016

Below is the track listing for the Boogie Wonderland show dated 4th August 2016. A link to the show can be found here: 



The Boogie Wonderland Show -04/08/2016 Playlist
Mass Production
 Inner City
Eruption
 Party, Party
Billy Price and Otis Clay
 Somebody's Changing My Sweet Baby's Mind
Issac Hayes
 Showdown
Coffee
 Slip and Dip
Incognito
 Better Days
Kindred & The Family Soul
 ALL MY PEOPLE  (BOOGIE BACK ALT REMIX)
Maxwell
All the Ways Love Can Feel
Tyrone Hendrix 
People Get Ready
Banda Black Rio
 Mr Funky Samba
Perhaps Contraption
 Draining Refrain
Perhaps Contraption
  I am I
Christo Squier Interview
 Part1
Perhaps Contraption
 Droplets
Christo Squier Interview
 Part2
Perhaps Contraption
 Kepler's Breakfast
Christo Squier Interview
 Part3
Perhaps Contraption
 Lay Low
Christo Squier Interview
 Part4
Perhaps Contraption
 Perambulations
Christo Squier Interview
 Part5
Perhaps Contraption
 Pillow Killer
Perhaps Contraption
Mystery Meat
Dxter Gordon
 Blues for Gates
Earl Hines
 Rosetta
Elliot Galvin Trio
 Mac The Knife
Hackney Colliery Band
 It's Normally Bigger
Jherek Bischoff
 Headless
Omar Sosa
 Eros Mediterraneo
Riley Stone
Lonergan Pedalo
Son Palenque
 Cumbia Africana
Wganda Kenya
 El Lobo
Abelardo Carbonó Y Su Conjunto
 Muevela
Buddy Rich
 Moment's Notice