It is with tremendous regard that we view certain artists who have made their mark in the mainstream without sounding distastefully conventional or patently absurd. The likes of Simphiwe Dana Proverb etc. are very authentic in their approach to the entertainment industry and such authenticity has made them highly acclaimed articts who will stand the test of time. Rudeboy Paul Mnisi is also a very interesting character particularly because of his varied work choices and his aversion to 'celebrity-ness'. It must also be added that he is a DJ with artistic integrity and has genuine talent. His latest album "Azanian Pulse-the second offering" is largely delectable and the songs which aren't so wow are,well, fairly digestable. By far and large, it is interesting and twice as good as the first one.I am happy that Simphiwe Dana has followed up her Zandisile album with "One Luv Movement on Bantu Biko Street" which is quite interesting but for me Zandisile is the best so far. To some degree this muso has managed to subtly reivent herself but I think that there should be complete change in terms of the form (as well as the content of her latest album) compared to the Zandisile one). I somehow get the idea that some parts of the 1LMBBS are a vague rehash of Zandisile (including the video). Nevertheless, there is some innovation (however slight).
As for the likes Ntsiki Mazwaia, Hoodlum and Proverb, whatever happened to consistency? As I've mentioned these people know their stuff but they are not consistent in terms of delivering. Proverb must be one of the finest Hip-Hop musos. His latest Manuscript is a work of fine art and it is amazing because there is such a small market for this music in SA (even though it has been growing, it's just not fast enough). I think this brother should have a serious talk with his PR or perhaps find another because there is just to little of him in the entertaiment sphere even though he has so much to offer. And Hoodlum? His song 'The mind' was supa and the content (I think) was world standard. Infact better than the deragatory and populist garbage of the '50 cents(s) of this world.
Ntsiki Mazwai is upcoming but I get the feeling that she feels pressure to live up to big sis. But Girl you are a gifted poet/muso and you need to deliver.
Without much ado I must say that these artists have as much an obligation to produce consistently qualitative work as they have freedom to express themselves without censure or public pressure.
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