Group’s jazz classes for Flats
Gugulethu quartet, Driemanskap, used social media to win record deal, followers
AGUGULETHU rap quartet harnessed the power of social media to successfully grab the attention of a record label. Driemanskap launched an online and handheld media campaign nearly four years ago to get the attention of Native Rhythms – a Joburg-based label – as fans urged the production company to sign the group.
Their persistence, combined with the social media buzz created by their fans, finally paid off when the founder of the label, Sipho Sithole, signed the “Spaza HipHop kings” last year.
Driemanskap – known for their high energy, conscious brand of hip-hop – will be one of the acts sharing their insights into the entertainment industry at the uMculo Wam Music technology master class at the Guga S’Thebe Theatre in Langa on March 31.
The master class forms part of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival’s week of events, culminating in the main concerts next Friday and Saturday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Facilitated by Alistair Andrews, the class aims to delve into the use of handheld smart devices, including phones, tablets and cameras and their role in music education and brand-building.
Festival director Billy Domingo is enthusiastic about the new programmes that espAfrika, the organiser of the festival, has developed. “We are fully cognisant of the need for professional master classes in our local environs. Providing the means with which to assist local performers in understanding the role that technology plays in today’s music and brand management market is vital to the long-term growth of a vibrant South African music industry.”
Driemanskap was founded in 2001 in the streets of Gugulethu when members Elethu “El Nino” Mpengesi, 31, Sonwabo “Ma-B” Kambi, 30, Dlambulo “Dla” Mangcunga, 28, and Bukhulubakhe “Redondo” Nompetsheni, 33, decided to form a new sound.
Defined as “spaza” hip-hop, the group performed in Cape Town and toured Europe, but were disappointed by their lack of mainstream success.
Their sound is defined as “authentic and raw” as they fuse Xhosa, English and Cape slang to tackle social issues.
The group told the Cape Argus yesterday they are delighted to be part of the uMculo Wam (my music) initiative. “It always feels good to give back to the community.”
On how technology can benefit the music industry, the group said: “Technology has made things easier for upcoming artists. You don’t need to be signed to get your music out there as you have the world in the palm of your hand.”
Their advice to young people starting out in the music industry is: “Although things are easier for music to be put out there, trends do not have to follow trends to be liked. Be yourself. If you’re good and you have the right push, people will like you. Use social media, position yourself well and always try to grow your sound.”
Known for his sophistication and smooth sound, Heart 104.9 DJ Diggy Bongz will facilitate the uMculo Wam Imbizo, held at the same venue after the master class.
He will work with artists Dorothy Masuka and Abigail Kubeka. He said he is excited to be part of the initiative.
“Being in the same room with these legendary artists, let alone having the opportunity to directly interact with them is very exciting. The wealth of knowledge that they possess is such that they are an invaluable commodity to anyone involved in the entertainment business,” he said.
Following a debate format, the imbizo aims to finds solutions to some of the challenges facing music education centres.
Both uMculo Wam initiatives are free. To book, contact: natana@espafrika.com, or call 021 671 0506.