There’s no place like Homes

Gqeberha-born artist Ayanda ‘Homes’ Mgoduka’s genre-bending sound is inspired by ’80s and ’90s hip-hop, local jazz and synth-pop

GQ: When and how did your musical journey begin?

Ayanda Mgoduka: I grew up in a home where music always played – my parents listened to classical and South African jazz. I learned to play an instrument at school, following in my older sisters’ footsteps, the euphonium from grade four or ve until matric, but I recently switched instruments and now play the trumpet at my shows.

GQ: Describe your sound. AM: My music is a fusion of South African jazz, folk, hip-hop, melodies and harmonies in uenced by South African musicians who came before us, for example, ‘Still Here’, from my new EP.

GQ: Tell us about your nickname.

AM: It’s derived from my surname, which directly translates to “go home” or “the one who goes home”, which resonates with me.

GQ: What do you mean by genre-bending?

AM: When I make music, I draw from various genres, which results in a beautiful blend of sounds; there’s no formula. So, a song might be a cross between amapiano and something from the motswako era, creating a distinct genrebending sound.

GQ: Talk us through your creative process.

AM: It usually begins with hearing a sample or melody in my head. I then start to produce around it. When I have the basic loop and body of a song, I start to come up with ows or melodies, generally starting with the hook and then working from there until I’ve written a complete song. I usually prefer to create alone, as it gives me space to think about how the production is making me feel, what emotions it’ll evoke.

‘How often do you see a rapper performing with a band and playing the trumpet? It’s a once-ina-lifetime experience’

GQ: What inspired your debut EP Dlangamandla? AM: It’s the name of my clan and an ode to my family and ancestors. In the EP, I spoke a lot about my journey, accepting and embracing my purpose: music.

GQ: How does the EP you’re working on, I Am Still Here To Dream, di er from your previous music?

AM: is EP is a reintroduction to who Homes is and what he has to o er. I’ve moved away from the traditional African production on Dlangamandla and have gone with a more vibrant style without departing from the core of who Homes is. You can hear a lot of growth in my new

EP, particularly in its writing and delivery. It’s a couple of levels above the previous one.

GQ: Which local artists would you like to collaborate with, and why?

AM: I think Msaki is an incredible songwriter and musician. Mandisi Dyantyis, who’s also from Gqeberha, is someone else with whom I’d like to collaborate because I love the message in his music.

GQ: Homes & The Homies sounds like a dope event.

AM: It’s an intimate show I put on every second month, allowing my supporters, e Homies, to come together and watch me perform new and old material. It also allows me to engage and connect with them away from social media and the internet. I perform all my music with a band, which creates a great atmosphere.

It’s a unique show. How o en do you see a rapper performing with a band and playing the trumpet? It’s a oncein-a-lifetime experience. I’ll also add one artist to the line-up of every show, so fans should keep their eyes peeled for who’ll be on next.

GQ: What’s next for Homes?

AM: By the time this article’s published, I’ll have dropped two videos from the EP. I’ll also be taking Homes & e Homies to Gqeberha to perform for my hometown, creating a new podcast, also titled Homes & e Homies, and, lastly, a full-length project is on the way called Bay Of Plenty. ere’s plenty to look forward to.