So we were in a much better space than the opening night and first Zulafest!! Still a long way to go but heart always remains strong. We had amazing performances last night from all the bands. South Africa really doesn't know what it has right on its doorstep with the abundance of talent and I will make it my personal mission to ensure it does. This industry must become sustainable for all seeing SA artist supported and treasured as the storytellers and inspirations that they are.
Zulafest is all about cross genre music and creating a platform of exposure across all musical mediums. It is time to open our eyes to the various forms of music and possibilities the music industry has here. Before I give my band reviews I would like to say my two favorite memories of last night...Seeing Nomfusi and the Lucky Charms getting the dance floor into an African line dancing tribe that took over the floor in the Atrium and infected the whole room, head bangers alike getting into the African grooves....even if a few were falling over their feet, the rainbow nation in full force. My other fav thing was seeing so many people being exposed to new bands and sounds. A real mind and heart opener to Cape Town talent, we need more of it along with as many creative spaces as possible to grow a sustainable industry for all.
Josie Fields: always love her style and sound. Playing stripped back with just guitar and vocals she never fails to capture a crowd and along with her unique vocal sound and professional performance standards I hope this girl and all she does goes from strength to strength.
Machineri: I have always liked Sonie's (sorry if spelt wrong) vocals from her early days of Black Betty and Mamma Knows Nothing. I was gutted to see the 3 girls and dynamic with the fusion of guitar and violin go but I feel with Machineri she is finding what really makes her tick and groove and it comes across. Both Josie and Machinery suffered the ever late attendance of Cape Town crowds and it is always harder to play to smaller crowds but they both gave present and passionate performances and it is only their support from the CT people that let these acts down. Wake up and enjoy CT!!
Nomfusi and The Lucky Charms: Was lovely to see this cross between Tina Turner and Mother Miriam mix. She has the whole package and infectious to watch. She has room to grow with letting go and fully being in the moment with her songs to perfect what she already has and I am looking forward to this developing. Loved the backing band and vocals and true beauties to work with.
Captin Stu: I was running round like a mad thing and only saw the one song. It was sweaty and passionate and wished i could of experienced more....next time!
Plush: Have the ability and talent to ram a room full of Adour’s which sadly didn't happen. They come back with added creative strength and insight every time I see them and although again I didn't see much of the gig I would love to see them and their crowds fill Zula in the near future, will watch more to give a better review next time.
Samson: Didn't see sorry! To busy with behind the scenes stuff.
The little Kings: I love the new dynamic with the female singer (embarrassed but not sure of her name!) it adds soulful feels and compliments the band tremendously. Also a band that has gone through many changes but they never fail to get the room uplifted and dancing. Keep doing your do as it is defiantly on the right track!
3rd World Spectator: This was the first time I have experienced their vibe and I liked what I saw, giving 100% and strong lead vocals, would like to see more in the future.
Jabu: Made a guest slot and are new with their material on the scene. What a 3rd gig!! People loved what they saw and I feel their immense natural and professionally rehearsed talent will only solidify them as an awesome combination with the more gigs they do. I will be writing more about them in the future to inform you of their progress and next gigs at Zula. Keep it African guys as I know you always will, very special!
Bed on Bricks: Never fail to impress me. No matter how long these guys are around they always up their game and never fail to deliver a lost in the moment performance bring the feeling of a new experience every time. I love their style, music and professional attitude to all they do. Back in the studio on Wednesday to record their 5th album and keeping music for what it is for and that is for the love. May you never have to work in any other industry again to support what you do for SA music?! Love ya!
Napalma: Electric and full of energy. They go over and beyond the call of duty to warm up CT audiences who can be notoriously hard to let go at gigs. Their Latin feel and confidences that embrace life and all that they do are infectious and it was lovely to see newcomers to their sound get lost in the drumming rhythms, only to find themselves jumping like Tigger all the way through the gig. Would loved them to have played more but was running to a tight schedule that we were already behind on so just more reason to come back and do it all again. Keep it up guys, your light and energy is needed as a reminder to all who attend gigs in the Mother City to let go and feel the flow!
Hog Hoggidy Hog: Doing the graveyard shift and had a slow turn around with sound on stage but it was well worth the wait and the mosh pit confirmed that. Just back from Europe and on a short stay before they head back to spread their SA sounds, they always remain and continue to give absolute passion, with a front man like that - how could they not?! Full of balls and driven by an addictive energy I really love this band and what they bring, just a shame that SA doesn't keep them busy enough and supported in abundance that they had no need to leave at all to travel their sounds.
Over all I could always bore people and myself of all the things we still need to achieve like proper sound treated rooms with a sound that envelopes rather than slightly offends with its sharpness and loud levels; more air con in the band room areas and, and, and but I won't because we have worked are arses off to get where we are and I don't want to take anything away from what Zula has already achieved with the budget restraints we have come from.
The heart is firmly there and our minds fully open to our process and needs to perfect in the future but in the mean time....let's dance!! See you on the dance floor in a few hours.....after I have had some sleep!!
Big up to the Mother City and the Mountain, I knew the world would recognize your status as all whom live in the cradle of it! Enough respect and love to all our sound staff, you did no easy task with grace and positive results. LET'S DO IT ALL AGAIN!! 340ML...ICAN'T WAIT!
Big love, Zoë
