Soul Kulture hit the big time
FROM performing on the streets of Cape Town, two youngsters will share the stage with some of Mzansi ’ s legendary musicians at the Moretele Park Tribute Concert in Mamelodi, Tshwane, next weekend.
The pair, known as Soul Kulture, were discovered a year ago singing their lungs out at a Khayelitsha taxi rank.
Fast forward to Saturday, and they will perform at the annual tribute concert before thousands of outdoor live music enthusiasts.
Alefetse Manamathela, 19, is a vocalist and 21-year-old Msekeli Velaphi plays the guitar in addition to his soothing vocals.
Their manager Lionel Jamela says the duo, who are both still in school, are magical when it comes to music.
“People who will be seeing them for the first time will be amazed. You can ’ t see them perform live and not fall in love with them,” says Jamela.
He says although they look young, they sound mature.
He says his charges were excited and looking forward to performing at the concert.
“They can ’ t wait. It ’ s like their dreams are coming true.”
Jamela says he encourages them to focus on their school work and does not allow them to do any performances on weekdays.
The duo met four years ago in Dutywa, Eastern Cape.
Manamathela heard Velaphi play a guitar and he was impressed. They then both moved to Cape Town where their parents work.
“They started busking on the streets, taxi ranks and trains. So last year when they were performing at a taxi terminus in Khayelitsha, I saw them and I was so impressed,” says Jamela.
The two recently released a single called Ngelinyi ’ langa as a precursor to their 14-track album with the same title.
Jamela describes their music as Afrocoustic Soul.
Some of the heavyweights performing at the concert include Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa, Don Laka, Tshepo Tsola, Letta Mbulu, Nathi, Mafikizolo, Zonke and Vusi Nova.