Pump it on
She’s making waves around the country and it’s no surprise because her music really rocks. Buhle Mbonambi spoke to SA’S current music sensation, Toya Delazy
WITH a name like Toya Delazy, you are bound to take notice of her. And take notice we have. With her hit songs Pump It On and Love is in the Air on heavy rotation on radio and TV ( Pump it On topped the 5FM Top 40 chart), it’s no surprise she’s in demand.
Her quirky style and image have made her a favourite among the trendy set, and for a girl from Ulundi that’s major success. And with a Sony Music deal, Latoya Buthelezi’s (her grandfather is IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi) star is on the rise.
What came first, the songs, the look or the concept of your music?
It’s hard to separate it, but music has always been a part of my life. I come from a musical family and from the age of nine I started playing classical piano and composing music. But I’ve always had my look – from a young age my mom would dress me up and since I can remember I’ve been expressing myself through fashion and music. How were you discovered? I knew I wanted a career in music and I began performing at various places. One day a talented producer, Markus Els, heard me at a show and invited me to record a few songs in his studio. Together we created my demo CD. Sony heard my music and they really enjoyed it. They signed me up and it’s been buck ever since.
What was the most memorable aspect of recording Due Drop? I’m sure it must have been crazy in the studio.
It was great; a lot of hard work but it’s all been worth it in the end. The thing I think I enjoyed the most was working with such amazing producers, namely Jax Panik and Octave Couple. Together we created some awesome beats. The whole process was so rewarding. But I have to say, the most memorable aspect was recording until two in the morning and loving every minute because the songs were developing. We just couldn’t stop, I loved it.
Pump it On and Love is in the Air have become your biggest hits – what other songs do you think would do well?
I’ve just released my third single, Are You Gonna Stay? and I think that my fans will enjoy that.
Your favourite song on the album?
That’s a hard one. Each song is like my baby. You can’t make me choose between my children.
What makes it different from other music – why should people care about your music
I think I have a unique sound. It’s a fusion of jazz, electro hop and pop, so I call it JEHPS and it’s different and appeals to many listeners. You’ll see my album has an electro hop element but it is not the main element. My music is a fusion of various genres so people can expect some soul, some jazziness and a capella pulling through. I describe it as a lucky packet – everyone walks away with something great.
Which artists have influenced you?
My influences come from a variety of genres. My love for music grew from classical, songs such as Débussy’s Clair de Lune for example, basically unlocked my creativity and influenced the way I construct my chords. So did works like the Psalms of David sung by choirs in cathedrals; the voices in harmonic beauty made me happy and soothed my spirit.
Thanks to watching the movie Sister Act at Convent Primary School in Eshowe, I got my first taste of Lauryn Hill and I loved her singing and her soul (she influenced me too). I’ve also been influenced by Kate Nash, John