Music Reviews: DJ Mobi and Jazzanova

Mzansi music talent growth is really undisputable. Just yesterday I got a chance to listen to a young DJ's original and new house music brewed right here at home. Below is the review of his debut album, as well as a band called Jazzanova whose music I was introduced to just recently.

DJ Mobi - Club Kulcha

A freshman to the house music scene, DJ Mobi's effort on his debut album doesn't reflect this at all. Perhaps it's because the young DJ, producer, songwriter and sound engineer hailing from East London has been honing his skills for a while. Aptly titled Club Kulcha, the album showcases his sterling composition, writing and mixing skills.

I've always gleefully revelled in house music with vocals, so tunes like the piano-laced Shake Dance, featuring Pearl Shongwe on vocals; the easy-flowing and beautifully crafted This Feeling, with Mthwawelanga Nkonzo and Zikhona Miso alternating on the charming vocals (this one is set to rock clubs because of it's very catchy nature); and the bouncy Never Let Me Go, with Sthembiso Khoza lending his haunting vocals; all became my instant favourites. Coincidentally, all these tunes feature Thulani Lekhuleni on keys, who strums the black and white buttons so effortlessly.

Othr noteworthy tracks include album opener Back To The Future with that consistent and precise rhythm, as well as Call For Freedom, which sees DJ Mobi assist Tinyiko Mathebula in the chanting-like vocals. DJ Mobi cruises from one track to another seamlessly, making his mixing top notch. This is evident from song to song in the 13-track project.

DJ Mobi also needs to be commended for the fact that he composed and created his own music and style. It's easy for house music DJ's to put out a compilation of some other people's work and call it a day. I appreciate his vision and the showcase of his passion in elevating our Mzansi music heritage. More DJ's need to learn from this young man. Club Kulcha is sure to warm up dance floors this festive season and beyond.

Jazzanova - Of All the Things

Looking at the name of the band and the album cover, I had no idea what to expect from Jazzanova's album titled Of All The Things. The German-based DJ/producer collective's latest project sees them explore the fusion of jazz, house and even hip hop sounds more freely, creating an enjoyable chillout jazzy house feel. The live instruments add more substance to the body of work the 6-member outfit has crafted this time around.

The vocals from different vocalists around the world, coupled with exceptional song-writing is another strong point of the album. Vocalists Phonte (who also raps on one of the tracks), Paul Randolph, Jose James, Joe Duke, Bembe Segue and Dwele (whose music I fell in love with since his introduction to the music scene with the commercially un-released Rize project), just to name a few, all provide an impeccable backdrop against which the music thrives. It's really difficult to select the best songs because each has an unique element that will gnaw on my mind long after listening to the song.

However, because I'm biased towards Dwele since I'm more familiar with his music, I would have to say he took my breath away with his smooth background vocals on Rockin' You Eternally, which also features an equally brilliant vocalist named Leon Ware. Another outstanding track is Morning Scapes, a very mellow and jazzy tune showcasing a poignant flute piece accompanying Bembe Segue's raspy vocals.

Of All the Things is a feast of great quality music. From vocals to the writimg, to actual production of the music, to the harmonies, it's all blended so well that you can't help its infectious nature. Jazzanova truly have a winner in this album. I'm just a bit mad that only now I get to listen to such refreshing music from this band. But, I'll definitely be on the look out for their previous and future stuff. This is no exaggeration, you'll be bowled over by the level of overall substance in the music on Of All The Things.

The J&B® DJ Dreamteam welcomes new member

The campaign run by J&B® has almost come full-circle. You may remember this exciting campaign known as the J&B® Start A Party that put together a DJ dream team from Mzansi's cream of the crop in this profession. You may also remember that after the 10 DJ's were announced, other wannabee jockeys were given a chnace to submit their self-produced tracks and the public invited to vote at www.jbscotch.co.za, to decide who they felt had the skills to be named amongst the best in the industry.

Well, that skillful beatsmith has been selected. Ian, who calls himself DJ Iancredible (see first picture above), will be joining the likes of Fistaz, Oskido, Blackcoffee, Lady Lea, Euphonik, and Fresh, to name a few, to complete the J&B® DJ Dreamteam. After successful staging of the J&B® Start A Party events in Jozi and Cape Town, the fun still continues. The DJ's are busy churning the beats for the tracks to be included in the compilation album that will be released at the end of January 2009.

To those who cast their votes and those that attended the two parties, your support is greatly appreciated. I attended the Jozi leg of the party and is was absolutely awesome. The DJ I wanted to see more than anybody else was Blackcoffee, after the last time seeing him do what he does best at the after party to the SAMA's about 2 years ago. And he didn't disappoint, especially after my turning back from the gate as he arrived at the venue. I had a brief chat with him as he rushed into the DJ booth and rocked the audience.

Look out for the album when it comes out at the end of January next year. And, keep it locked here for information on more parties as you already know we'll keep you on the loop regarding the J&B® DJ Dreamteam album launch parties that are sure to thrill fans throughout the country.

J&B reveals the ultimate DJ dream team.

So, J&B have been doing this campaign called J&B Start A Party for the past few months. Its official, the J&B party people have spoken. The campaign challenged consumers to vote for their favourite DJs to make up the line up of what promises to be one of the best house music compilations to hit Mzansi in the new year. Through a four week voting process on the www.jbscotch.co.za site consumers have made their choice and we are proud to reveal the ultimate J&B DJ Dreamteam.

The DJ's that made it include Lady Lea, Black Coffee, Fistaz Mixwell, Craig Massiv, DJ Fresh, Monde, Oskido, Roger Goode, Euphonik and Dino. Next on the plans is for each DJ to create a track that brings out their party spirit. While they are doing that, as of September 1st any consumer over the age of 18 years can also get to create their own party starting tune on the J&B website, which could ultimately be chosen as the bonus track that is going to be featured on the album alongside the dreamteam. The site boasts great technology which allows you to mix a party track using a variety of musical elements on the site. Please go to YEAHBO.DOT.NET for more details on how you can get involved.