Back and better than ever

MI CASA: AFTER A NEAR BREAK-UP SIX MONTHS AGO, THE BAND FEEL EVEN STRONGER

Their new album, La Familia, released yesterday, is infused with Brazilian vibes.

‘You are late, Sissy,” says J’Something in jest as he gets ready for our interview. After I apologise for mixing up our times and exchange a few silly jokes, J explains that their latest album was inspired by the fact that the group almost broke up six months ago.

Mi Casa – made up of Dr Duda (producer), Mo-T (trumpeter) and J’Something (vocalist and guitarist) – yesterday released their fourth studio album, called La Familia.

I first heard La Familia a month ago at an exclusive listening session at J’Something’s newly launched restaurant in Pretoria. Everyone immediately took a liking to their single, Nana. An infusion of Brazilian sounds and soulful beats, the animated single opens the album.

Having followed their musical journey for five years, I was curious to find out how their sound has evolved. Looking back to when

the South African band released their first album, Micasa Music, with hits like These Streets in 2011, the uniqueness of their afro fado sound has remained – they have just added Brazilian sounds. Their last three albums have showcased the band’s unique Portuguese and samba sounds and gained them international recognition. “We have travelled the world and we now want to bring it back home,” says J’Something. Their whole vibe has always been about trying to amalgamate culture through music. On their wish list of collaborations are the likes of Wizkid, Tom Misch, Mango Groove, Pharrell Williams and Black Coffee. La Familia is a documentation of their journey as a band as well as a tribute after almost breaking up six months ago.

“I know you hear this a lot, but this album is very special to us. A lot of people used to tell us that we would break up and we didn’t believe them. Six months ago, we started fighting and we didn’t think we would make music together again but we got through it and we made it. Now we are back and stronger than ever.” The band penned a letter to their fans unravelling the intricacies of the break- up.

“Six years ago, we were complete strangers, today we are brothers – familia. Six years ago, nobody knew who we were, today we have thousands of fans all around the globe, our familia. This album is all about our journey as brothers, as a band, as a group, as a team, as a movement, as a familia.

“If we could get through what we got through recently, we will never break up. This album is happy, you can hear the happiness. It’s a true reflection of where we are at as a familia,” says Dr. Duda.

“It’s been an interesting journey for us. A romantic one at most. So much happiness and so many happy memories,” says J’Something.

“If I were to be 100% honest with everyone, I was always worried because we never argued as a band. It was always just good vibes and if there were any issues, we would sweep them under the carpet just to keep that good energy up.

“We had some arguments and just had some issues within the team. This was such an important part in our career and as a family. Arguments within families are so common. Mother arguing with her kids. Husband arguing with his wife. Brother arguing with his sister. This is another reason why we chose the title – Familia.”

Manifestly, the band has put out an album with music that vibrates good energy. They have been consistent with creating music that exudes positive energy and celebrates life. After having faced trials and tribulations, their biggest goal as a band is to be happy and continue making genuine

If we could get through what we got through recently, we will never break up. This album is happy, you can hear the happiness. It’s a true reflection of where we are at as a familia. Dr Duda