So the dictionary defines music as the art of arranging sounds in time so as to produce a continuous, unified and evocative composition as through melody, harmony and timbre, its a complicated definition and music is so much more than that isn’t it? Its the stuff love, parties, get together’s, weddings, concerts, hell even protests are made of music in South Africa. Music finds it way in to our personal spaces and individual journeys as we find ourselves enjoying music on our own, attaching special memories, people and places to certain songs, there is now a type of person who listens to a certain type of music so no matter what genre it is I wouldn’t be wrong if I say that music is living and music is life.
Music is love, unity, a universal language, it is communication, it is healing, it is truth and it is one of the most beautiful gifts that God has blessed mankind with but how often do we take the time to appreciate the beauty in the music? How often do you actually appreciate a song for its truth, for what it really is and do people even take the time to analyze a song, listen to its lyrics, listen to how the artist communicates and decide whether they believe the artist and the song or not? I don’t think people still do that but I believe that a songs, good music is made out of those songs that make you think, touch your soul in a way that is magical, speak to you directly and command your attention, its indescribable but I’m trying. Music is a heart, a soul, a truth but nowadays we get a beat and a few words and they call it music and boy is that joke forced on us by club DJ’s, radio stations and music shows when we all know who the real artists are here.
Today I want to give you a list of my favorite musicians, I mean the real deal that make music as it was supposed to be made. The artists that respect their craft and do music because they are incomplete doing anything else. You are welcome to add to my list as this is just my opinion as a music consumer. Music is more than song, artists sell an idea and their performance, delivery, production, emotion and lyrics should make the consumer believe in that idea. Good music has no shelf life, it does not die nor age like Brenda Fassie’s “Weekend special”, its more than just a classic because its good music.
Lira – One of the best lyricists SA has
The soil – their self titled album showcases music that speaks to you and makes you sit down to listen and if you ask me they are legends in the making.
Zubz – His delivery was from the soul and you don’t have to ask to know it.
Toya Delazy – When I saw her perform “Are you gonna stay” at the Africa day concert some years ago I knew she was going to explode because I have never heard anything like her sound in SA. She is a novelty infused with and old soul and its pure beauty.
Bobby Mcferrin – I love his album “Evergreens and Jazz” and my favorite on it is “Music is a voice” because it moves you, tugs at your heart strings and pulls you in.
Zonke
The list expands with artists such as Adele Atkins, Kwaito star Zola, Thandiswa Mazwai, Hugh Masekela, Slikour, Avril Lavigne, Something Soweto, Zulu Boy, Proverb, Kabomo Vilakazi, Nicki Minaj and Tlale Makhene. There is also a band called Uju with Wandile Molebatsi and vocalist Nthuthu Ndlovu amongst others and their album “Cape to Cairo” is pure joy. Go on and share your beautiful music with us so we can make this day beautiful.
Portia Denosy 