Local is just awesome!

With winter here, The Beat looked at some local groups heating up the music scene, and which we reccomend for your playlist.

Teargas is made up of three like-minded talents namely; Ntokozo “K.O.” Mdluli from Piet Retief in Mpumalanga and two brothers Ezee “Ma-E” Hanabe and Bantu “Ntukza” Hanabe from Soweto. They all met at Vaal Tri-angle Technikon in Vanderbijlpark, where their common musical interest in hip hop led their friendship to flourish. Although the group officially came into being in 2004, prior to that the guys were mostly making moves in the underground hip hop circuit. There new single Wake Up is out now.
 

Cashtime Fam is an extension of Teargas, Inspired by the concept behind the legendary Kwaito group “Tkzee Family”, Cashtime Fam is South Africa’s first Hip Hop group of its kind. Cashtime Fam consists of Six members namely, Smashis, Kid-X, the group also includes the award winning members of Teargas who are, K.O, Ntukza and Ma-E. The group is young on the scene and already making waves in its genre. Definitely one to watch.

 

Nothende has been said to have her ‘soul’ house in order and its no wonder because in just a matter of years, she has worked with many SA artists, recorded NO.1 hit singles and even scored herself a nomination for a SAMA award. Nothende’s music is a fresh blend of urban/soul sounds enriched with great, smooth melodies and catchy lyrics. Her vast experience in the industry has prepared her to set new boundaries through powerful vocals and high energy, ground breaking performances, with the intent on motivating and encouraging positive elevation – in mind, body and spirit, while providing unforgettable entertainment.

 

 Afro’traction is the epitome of Afro Soul and Jazz.  With their new album ‘Soulfuly Yours’ hitting stores this November, the album is a must-have for any fan of refined elegance while exploring prominent splashes of our Africa! Wandile Moya, whose humble beginnings started in a small town in Nelspruit, is a composer, songwriter, vocalist, bassist, guitarist, pianist and programmer – all without any formal training whatsoever.  This is undoubtedly raw talent as never seen before. He has performed for the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Al Gore. New single  “Imali yama lobola” is out now.

 2012 and JR is ready to release his third album, after the success of his first two albums expectations and are high. JR has always prided himself as more than just a hip hop artist or rapper but a musician and his diverse sound is proof of this. Not shy to experiment with his music, he often plays with different sounds and mixes different genres to create an outcome that can only be described as eclectic, Kool Forever is an up tempo hip hop album infused with dance, pop rock and other cool genres to create fun. New single “Phuma!” is out now.