Drumming Up Applause - Southern Sun Magazine, February / March 2012

Southern Sun Feb 2012.pdf

Sipho goes to school

Sipho goes to school PDF

How will you be spending Christmas? With my family and the kids.

Where are you going for the holidays? I will be at home with the family.

How does your childhood Christmas differ from Christmas today? I grew up in a very humble home so we celebrated with just the basics and had good family and friends around. We still celebrate with family and friends but I am very mindful of the meaning and essence of Christmas.

Are there any Christmas experiences that stand out in your memory? Yes. Will never forget the first Christmases with my daughters and to see the smile on a baby’s face. They know it is something special but can only articulate it through smiles and laughter.

What would be on your Christmas wish list if you could receive any present at any price? I am not a flashy guy but I would love more knowledge and somehow the ability to solve people’s problems. These are priceless.

What’s the best present you have ever received (and why)? No one present is ever better than the next and the gift of giving is more important. Even a simple SMS from people overseas means a lot.

What’s the worst present you ever received (and why)? Not hearing from friends who you think will call and don’t.

Who is the hardest person to shop for (and why)? My children!

A present you can never get enough of? E.g. chocolate, flowers etc. Books – I love them, especially biographies pertaining to great people on the African continent.

Is it the thought that counts or the gift that matters? Definitely the thought, but I do like to spoil my loved ones.

Do you have any ideas for DIY gifts (and have you ever received or made a gift)? The gift of music is my DIY gift and I made my own cards when I was a youngster! LOL!

What song do you want to usher in the New Year with? I think this year I will stick to the traditional Auld Lang Syne.

What advice/values/lasting impressions of your parents and upbringing do you carry with you and try to pass along to your (grand)child? Always respect your elders and be grateful for what you have. Always surround yourself with good people – family and friends.

Lewis Club Magazine Dec 2011 / Jan 2012 - Readership over 1.5 million

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Bona September 2011

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August 01, 2011

By Diane Coetzer, Johannesburg

Before a small gathering of people at a studio in the depths of South Africa’s national broadcaster SABC, Paul Simon revisited the magic of his 1986 Grammy Award winning record, Graceland.

Dedicating the short concert to the late South African singer Miriam Makeba, Simon was joined on stage by most of the original players on Graceland, which sold over 14 million copies following its release

This included guitarist Ray Phiri (who was also an arranger on the original recording), New York-based bassist Bakithi Khumalo, and Vusi Khumalo and Isaac Mtshali, alternating on drums. Also present for signature songs “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” and “Homeless” was Ladysmith Black Mambazo, with leader Joseph Shabalala – adding to the emotional impact of the short show.

Simon described the 11-song performance as something “between a rehearsal and a concert”. “It’s a great joy to be reunited after so many years,” Simon said. “When I landed in South Africa, it felt like I was coming home. It’s such a nice feeling.”

The performance was filmed as part of a documentary Simon is making on Graceland. Details of the film have not yet been released but according to sources it is in partnership with one of the cable networks.

Among the songs performed and recorded last night were ‘I Know What I Know”, “The Boy in the Bubble”, “Crazy Love”, “Diamonds on the Soles Of Her Feet” and “You Can Call Me Al”.

Contributing to last night’s show was veteran South African performer, Hugh Masekela who took center stage with a rendition of his songs, “Grazing In The Grass” and ‘Stimela”. Simon paid tribute to the trumpeter and songwriter, along with South African artist Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse and producer Koloi Lebona for their role in putting together the Graceland project during the height of the repressive South African apartheid regime.

Originally released on Warner in 1986, a reissue of Graceland will come through Sony Legacy to mark its 25th anniversary. The label has not yet revealed details.

Award-winning afro-jazz and soul musical maestro Sipho Mabuse will take to the stage and set it alight on Saturday, 4 June in the third Road to Joy of Jazz session at Silverstar Casino. Opening the stage is the fiery Soweto lass, Nombulelo, she of funky Ngivulele fame.

For Mabuse, after close on 50 years of musical accomplishment and history behind him, his influence on the industry – that gave him his voice – continues to grow in leaps and bounds.

Also known as ‘Hotstix’, he wears many hats – entertainer, businessman, father and care-giver to many, he is an integral part of the entertainment industry and his contribution to the diverse landscape of South Africa is appreciated and honoured by music lovers the world over.

From Carnegie Hall, New York to Newtown Johannesburg, when “Hotstix” hits a stage, the world sits up, listens and many a time – sings along. Now Silverstar visitors have an opportunity to hear and experience him up close and personal.

Soweto’s spunky afro-soul fire-bomb, Nombulelo will also take to the stage – she opens the show.

Nombulelo brings that hot post-94 sound and energy that says music is going forward because our forefathers and mothers have laid a powerful foundation.

Her album Essence of Love is a showcase of her talents and vocal prowess – abilities that saw her winning the Old Mutual Jazz Encounters Best Afro-jazz vocalist category for the Gauteng Region when she was just 18.

Her stage performance is also fiery, especially when she pays tribute to those South African standards that made her fall in love with music.

Fun lovers are urged to book early to avoid disappointment, tickets for entry are R250 available at Computicket and this gives you the show, a hot buffet dinner and welcome drinks.
www.hotstix.co.za