City of gold finds local talent
THE future is looking rosy for the Port Elizabeth kwaito duo of Sithembiso Kula, known as Mathousand, and Lungile Msizi, known as Sdudla ("the fat one"). The popular New Brighton performers recently signed with musical powerhouse Heavy K – also originally from Port Elizabeth – under his label Drumboss Music, which is in partnership with Kalawa Jazzmee.
Kalawa Jazzmee, a Johannesburg-based company and one of the biggest recording stables in South Africa, is owned by the renowned DJ Oskido.
Having only been in the music industry for five years the duo, known for their hit song Iyahamba le bus, are thrilled that their talent will finally be recognised nationally.
"Everyone knows Heavy K is a very talented artist. We are happy and appreciate the platform he is giving us," Sdudla said. "This means our music is reaching a new level.
"Signing with his company is a stepping stone as it is going to expose us to a lot of opportunities."
He and Mathousand attracted their fair share of bad publicity last year when they were arrested after a taxi driver accused them of assaulting him and stealing his cellphone.
Also last year, they signed with the Johannesburg-based Baainar records, owned by Motherwell-born Lunga Nombewu, but it was a relationship that was not to last.
"We are just glad that we have put all that negativity behind us," said Mathousand.
"Our court case was struck off the roll on December 11 last year because there was insufficient evidence against us. We also terminated our contract with Baainar records, because they never fulfilled their promises.
"This year we are starting on a clean slate and are focusing more on producing hits for kwaito lovers in Mzansi," Mathousand added.
The two have already sent several songs for their first album to Heavy K, who now lives in Johannesburg but is originally from Veeplaas.
"We will be going to Joburg soon to finalise the album. However, our fans should not worry as we will still be based here in Port Elizabeth," Mathousand said.
"It's just that there will be a lot of travelling for us if we are to reach our goals. Everyone knows things are happening in Johannesburg."
Heavy K, who this month received two nominations for the annual Metro FM awards, said he aimed to create opportunities for aspiring artists, particularly those from the Eastern Cape.
"I know how it feels to be an artist in the Eastern Cape and struggle to get recognition. Sdudla and Mathousand are hard workers and very talented.
"My fear was that they would sign with another recording company and be taken away from the Eastern Cape. Fans should look out for their single, which will be followed by a music video," Heavy K said.
