Logie, Siyanda a hit
HE HAS thrilled Durban before by mashing up Indian language songs with South African ones.
But this time Deshan “Styler” Naidoo has something new up his sleeve.
Last Friday, he released a cover of the popular Tamil song Yenge Anthe
Venilla online and mixed it with the Zulu song Hamba Naweh.
It is performed by himself, long time collaborator Siyanda Mlaba and former eThekwini speaker Logie Naidoo.
Deshan, 27, approached Logie to lend his vocal support.
“He was actually quite exciting to have in studio because of his passion for the song and it being his first time in a professional recording studio. “I must say he was very good. “Of course, with a bit of coaching, he got his groove going,” Deshan said.
Deshan explained he decided to do the mash-up to celebrate South Africa’s diversity.
“The track has been remixed as such, with an up-tempo beat to attract our youth of today and also showcase what a beautiful rainbow nation we have.”
He chose the songs because of their popularity.
“I knew that by arranging and producing a remix version, it would be loved by all.”
Deshan said the response to the mix has been phenomenal.
“Everybody is really enjoying this track. Fans have been pouring in with messages regarding the high quality.”
Logie said he has previously performed Yenge Anthe Venilla on stage with Deshan at the Mount Edgecombe Temple.
The recording, he said, took half a day.
“I am an amateur, you know that,” Logie laughed. “It was my first time and there were butterflies in my stomach.”
Logie said the mixing of music from different cultures promoted social cohesion.
“Siyanda’s command of the Tamil language puts me to shame. It was a true example of multiculturalism. It promotes understanding and tolerance and there isn’t enough of that.”
Mlabo, who grew up with an Indian family, said he began singing at age 5 and then started learning how to sing in Tamil.
On recording with Logie, he said: “It was a great experience as he is a really nice person and I always admire his motivational speeches.
“It was also his first time singing and he did quite well.”