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Interview
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Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Interview >>
Globespinning with South Africa's Freshlyground
South Africa has given the world a smorgasbord of musical styles, from the Afro-jazz of Hugh Masekela and the a cappella harmonies of Ladysmith Black Mambazo to the Zulu pop of Juluka and the hard rock of Billboard chart-toppers Seether. The latest outfit from the Rainbow Nation to start gaining attention in this hemisphere is Freshlyground, a coed, multi-racial Cape Town septet whose pan-global pop has made the members stars at home over the course of four albums. Their participation in Shakira's anthem for the 2010 World Cup, Waka Waka, earned them global attention. Now, promoting their latest album, Radio Africa (available through iTunes in the U.S.), they're wrapping up their first North American tour. We caught up with singer Zolani Mahola by phone as the band made its way from New York to Canada.
1. How is the American tour going?
Last night in New York at [the club] SOB's was pretty awesome. It was just packed; it was hot.... This tour is a little on the back of Waka Waka and people have gotten to know us through that.... Some people have been to South Africa and been exposed to the music.
2. You're over here without an American record label. Why come over?
We're looking for a producer and management. The whole record industry, it's depressing. Regarding all that label thing, if we could negotiate a good deal for ourselves, fine, but that's not what we're gunning for. It's for exposure and getting our name out there and then making a killer next album.
3. Do you see yourselves as continuing what Hugh Masekela and Juluka did in taking South African music global?
We carry the mantle, but what we do is different from those artists.
4. How would you describe Radio Africa as compared with the previous albums?
It's just a bit more rootsy, and deeper. I think the songs are stronger, and I guess it's more African, more of the Afro in Afro-pop than the others have been. The thing is that it's not a commercial album at all, which is what we all knew from the outset. It's gotten good reviews, but, because it's not straight pop, it's not sold huge amounts.
5. What's the South African scene like these days?
There are lots more bands starting up, but there aren't a lot of venues for people to play. But there is some interesting music coming out. People are finding new ways to express themselves. 07/13/11 >> go there
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