Bubblegum Club had the opportunity to chat with Gyakie, a rising star in Ghana’s Afro-fusion scene. My first question to her was about her intriguing name. She replied: “In my local language, anything that is spelt ‘gy’ is pronounced as a ‘j’.” Born Jackline Acheampong, professionally known as Gyakie, the songstress has music in her…
London-based South African artist Nakhane agreed to meet with me virtually to discuss their latest album Bastard Jargon. Being on the free Zoom platform, I didn’t expect the meeting to last any longer than the allotted 40 minutes. So fruitful was the kindred connection that we ended up hacking the system by simply starting our…
Certain albums change our lives. It can be the experience of that first note and the resulting rise of goosebumps along your arms, or simply that one was surrounded by loved ones, making the best kinds of lasting memories. Music can be a timestamp of life’s precious moments or the most devastating kind. However you…
With the release of Desire’s album On The Romance of Being on the 7th of April, he let us into his world of sonic creativity and has captivated his audience, yet again. He sets to showcase the project through a live performance. It will be held at the Market Theatre on the 13th of May 2023 with…
Natural soundscapes have become a crucial factor in meditation, stimulation and concentration for the current generation, and have been for over 40 years. This sonic experience has intertwined with neurological aids that promote sustainable mental health for its audience. Music isn’t just data that has been recorded for playback, but is the transmission of sound through performance, as that…
I sat down with Jill Richards in Melville amidst the sounds of a Thursday morning in a coffee shop courtyard. The gentle whir of a generator, the hiss of a steam wand, footsteps on the pebbled ground and quiet chatter between friends were the ambient noises behind our conversation; sounds I noticed only after they…
Known for his bold yet spirited work—Zürich-based artist, producer, DJ and vocalist—Xzavier Stone, can be recognised by his subtle and deft spins on rap and R&B music. Stone has a penchant for playfulness and experimentation. “Threading severe electronic music and sound design with harmony and an off-kilter sensuality, Stone offers up a mystery and tease…
“Be Free” is artist and sangoma, Desire Marea’s latest offering ahead of his sophomore album release—On the Romance of Being—recorded live with thirteen musicians, including Andrei Van Wyk, Sanele Ngubane, Portia Sibiya and more, due to come out on April 7th. Reviewing the single and its video for Brooklyn Vegan, Amy Geiger writes that “Be…
What is true? Boiler Room x Ballantine’s True Music Studios answered that question with a well-curated program of true music. Soweto was buzzing with the sound of South Africa’s truest music; starting the weekend just right, on a Thursday, in the heart of Orlando with a stellar starting lineup. With a series of events that unite…
2022 was a great year for music. There was a consistent flow of good music across multiple genres and 2023 promises the same. The New Year offers a clean slate which gives artists more freedom, more inspiration, and to experience more growth. It also gives an opportunity for artists that have been in hibernation for…
“I think of music — South African music in this case — as having a heartbeat. A heartbeat that tells us something of the places we have been, of our desires and our strifes, that tells us something of those we have met along the way and of the Edens we hope to one day…
It’s one thing to release a critically acclaimed and commercially successful debut album but to do it twice is a rare feat that not few alternative Kenyan musicians can boast about. Kenyan musician, DJ and producer Blinky Bill’s debut album “Everyone’s Just Winging It and Other Fly Tales” which featured classics such as “Atenshan” and…
