THe BAg "PICK OF THE WEEK" - Martin East & Sisco ft. Snow - Travelled Far

Another brilliant colab under the Multi-Racial label with Martin East , Sisco and special finger work from Snow on the keys, a track with a soulful Southern African influence , with mixes that appeal to various floors. Really dope soul-filled track.
AFRODESIAMP3
TRAXSOURCE
 

SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC CONFERENCE 2010

The South African Music Conference is here once again.

From 5th - 8th July 2010 music industry players will gather at the Alexander Theatre in Bramfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa to share and learn about ???? (not sure what exactly). For some unknown reason, there is not any detailed information available online on the SAMC, but former attendees i have spoken to speak highly of it.

Reports from the 2009 edition promised to impart practical skills and knowledge to the delegates with a robust programme featuring workshops and seminars that focus on building skills around crafting music. Delegates were also expected to learn more about maximizing commercial and other value in the music industry.The SAMC is in its 4th year running and has now become the annual highlight for dance music producers and djs in Southern Africa and beyond. This year, they have invited 3 top house music producer/djs to impart some music knowledge to all you budding producers and djs out there. Lars Behrenroth and Ralf Gum (also a guest last year) from Germany and Halo from Chicago, U.S.A. 

I`m not sure if the choice of dates was intentional or coincidental, but this year`s conference looks to benefit from the ongoing FIFA World Cup through increased visitors. Braamfontein, the SAMC 2010 host Suburb, is Johannesburg's central hub for arts and entertainment hosting most of South Africa's musicians and artists. It`s R300 to register...

REGISTER FOR THE SAMC ONLINE AT: www.samc.dj

BUSI MHLONGO - DEATH OF AN ICON

Busi Mhlongo, (October 28, 1947 – June 15, 2010

South African music icon of "We Baba Omncane" fame, which was used for a global Adidas campaign in the early 2000s - had been fighting breast cancer for several years and died at the Albert Luthuli hospital in Durban on June 15. She was 62.

Born as Victoria Busisiwe Mhlongo, she is originally from Inanda in Kwa Zulu, Natal , South Africa, Busi Mhlongo was a virtuoso singer, dancer and composer whose music defies categorization. Drawing on various South African styles such as mbaqanga, maskanda, marabi and traditional Zulu, fused with contemporary elements from jazz, funk, rock, gospel, rap, opera, reggae and West African music she produces a fresh and exciting sound. Her infectious music and singing style have a universal appeal and her lyrics carry powerful and poignant messages. In the 1960s.

Damon Forbes, managing director of Johannesburg-based Sheer Sound, which released Mhlongo's debut "Babhemu" (a joint effort with the artist Twasa), described the mother-of-one as "a strong-minded woman who believed she should be heard."

"Busi said what she thought and believed in herself and her right to be recognized locally as well as internationally for what she represented within the Zulu culture - not only as an ambassador but as a incredible musical talent and amazingly spiritual person," Forbes commented.

Mhlongo's impact on a younger generation of artists was underscored with her featured vocal on "We Baba," a track by young dance music hotshot Culoe De Song, which was up for song of the year at this years SA Music Awards. Mhlongo was also known for her scorching live performances which saw her give full expression to her Zulu roots through her dancing and singing.

Cape Town-based producer Gabi le Roux expressed the emotions of many in the music industry when he said, "It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of another Queen of the SA Music Industry and true custodian of Zulu culture." Gabi le Roux had worked with Mhlongo on her album "Indiza - Voyages Through New Sounds."

Mhlongo released a series of studio albums through both M.E.L.T. 2000 and Sheer Sound since the mid-1990s. "Urban Zulu" is considered Mhlongo's classic album. The Will Mowat-produced album earned the Zulu singer a trio of South African Music Awards in 2000 including best female artist.

Her signature Zulu traditional music blended with soul, jazz and pop, and was heard most recently on "Amakholwa Believers," which earned Mhlongo nominations for female artist of the year, best album and best adult contemporary album: African at the 2010 South African Music Awards.


Adapted from: Billboard.biz

Keith & Kinn podcast 014 (JAZZ ROOTS)

LET`S GET JAZZY...
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Keith and Kinn podcast 014 (JUNE 2010) [JAZZ ROOTS]
Mixed by Raw Epic

TRACKLIST
1. franck roger - victoria's dreams (chill-Out version)
2. justin imperiale feat. max paparella - carribean ride (original mix)
3. wil milton - propaganda
4. glenn underground - trust (moog mix)
5. wilile - mangala camara (boddhi satva ancestramental mix)
6. mateo and matos - congo deep (Original)
7. 3 amigos (jellybean, marlon d & mena keys) - we are one (temple movement instrumental mix)
8. henrik schwarz & kuniyuki takahashi - once again (kuniyuki version)
9. motor city drum ensemble - raw cuts #5 (original mix)
10.shades of gray - concord jazz (original mix)

Keith & Kinn podcast 013 (DEEP ROOTS)

LET`S GO DEEP...
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Keith and Kinn podcast 013 (MAY 2010) [DEEP ROOTS]
Mixed by Raw Epic

TRACKLIST
1. alton miller - can`t hide it (tony lionni remix)::PROG CITY DEEP
2. mindlo & essential i - secret in you::NEXT DIMENSION MUSIC
3. audio pyper - africa senzeni::AUDIO PYPER
4. lips ft. bongi mvuyana- time is now (groove assasin remix)::NITE GROOVES
5. zano - my story (ralf gum organic mix)::GOGO
6. hardive - deep inside (mr v. sole channel remix)::STRICTY RHYTHM
7. andre zimma - music (atjazz floor dub)::SWEEDISH BRANDY
8. dennis ferrer - hey hey (tom de neef remix)::DEFECTED
9. guyom - ojo (bertrand dupart remix)::SPACE BREAKS
10.fabrizio ortella - into you::DEEPLY ROOTED HOUSE
11.audio pyper - elliptical::BAAINER DIGITAL

THe BAg "PICK OF THE WEEK" - Black Coffee - Gardens of Eden feat. Zonke / Trip To Lyon

DOWNLOAD GARDENS OF EDEN EP

GOGO Music proudly presents this dope EP by Black Coffee with remixes by label head honcho Ralf GUM and Sai & Ribatone.

Black Coffee is one of the leading proponents of South Africa’s house scene. He’s a reserved, studiously academic character, who’s inventive, imaginative and a boldly educated re-interpretation of classic South African music is radically at odds with the many flash-in-the-pan hit-chasers that populate the dance music genre. Either as one-part member of the unfashionable urban soul trio Shana, or as one of the few Club DJs in his country who genuinely understands the precise function of a music deejay: he does not simply re-mix songs; he re-interprets their previously unimagined musical possibilities and therefore quietly reclaims the composition as his own. 2003 saw Black Coffee starting to put his first project together and he instantly proofed that if you have real skills when it comes to producing, it won't take much for you to achieve your goals. After all he's managed to penetrate the music industry with only a desktop computer, some music-making software and a lot of passion. Since then his career took off like a rocket not only in home-country. After releases on Realtone, Kronologik and other labels, Black Coffee’s final international break-through came when GOGO Music released his single ”Turn Me On”. The song became number one on traxsource.com for three weeks and was a global club-hit. Black Coffee lately started his label Soulistic Music, where he released his album “Home Brewed” of which both tracks from this EP are taken from. He is currently nominated for 4 South African Music Awards with his album and contributed an amazing remix for our previous single by Rocco & C. Robert Walker, too.

“Trip To Lyon” is a fierce deep dub tune that showcases Black Coffee’s inimitable ability to combine a few elements in an intelligent way and to build up the tension to a real peak frenzy – perfect for the dance-floor! For “Gardens of Eden” Black Coffee worked together with vocalist Zonke. Her name is nothing unknown in the music scene; she has breathed life into many songs over the years on albums by the likes of Thebe, the late TK, Loyiso, Skizo and Mafikizolo. She has on top of that contributed to the potentially massive hit, “All in the way’” with Frank Roger. With these achievements, one can easily say that Zonke is overloaded with an amazing talent complimented by endless experiences. Something that sets her apart from other artists is that her style of music has been predominantly laid back, on a soulful live vibe, with the feel of the well know acid jazz innovators Incognito.

Ralf GUM once again contributes to the release with his outstanding remix skills and delivers a wicked peak-time rework of “Gardens of Eden”. Ralf’s producing music since 1993 and worked with notable artists as Inaya Day, Michael Procter, Beady Belle, Wunmi, Concha Buika or the fascinating Monique Bingham. He released on and remixed for many top labels like Mn2S, Papa, Tommy Boy, Deep Sugar, Sole Music, Look At You or Defected, but not only convinces as a producer – as well his DJ-sets have helped him building up his reputation as legendary house artists. He played at more than 350 German and international spots, including gigs all over Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America, the United States and Southern African states.

The second remix of “Gardens Of Eden” comes from Sib & Ribatone who already cemented their ability to compete amongst the best with only a few releases under their belt. They are the original producers of the hit song “Sunday Showers” that was remixed by Kentphonik for his 2007 album. It was further reworked by Dj Rork and Casamena for Stalwart. They collaborated with Rebecca Knight on Guilty Secret released on Ministry of Sound and worked with Keith Thompson on Thoughts of life released on Walking Monster. For this release they take “Gardens Of Eden” on a smooth broken beat vibe.

This EP follows up the great success of Black Coffee’s “Turn me on” and the latest GOGO Music smash-releases “Complicated” by “Ralf GUM feat. Kafele” and “Hard time for lovers” by “Rocco & C. Robert Walker” in an excellent way.

Keith & Kinn podcast 012 (SOUL ROOTS)

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I`m pleased to present volume 12 of the keith and kinn podcast.

As usual, it’s filled with excellent house music productions from around the world. We open the mix with an inspirational track by the legendary Afro Blue a.k.a Skizo, a.k.a Dj Ski.

This month's highlights are Styles with “When Darkness Falls”, a beautiful track with serenading strings that take you deep into the night mood. “When darkness falls” is the first single to the “After Dark EP” soon to be released on the Phaze One Productionz imprint. Also coming strong is Dj Bullet with “I`m Not a Dj”, my favourite set opener of the moment. Dj Bullet is one of the many flag bearers of the rising ancestral soul sounds coming out of Mzansi.

Seems like remixes are taking the crown nowadays with all but two tracks on this podcast episode being remixes. Look out for amazing remix tracks from Applejac on “Cameleon” by Dezaray Dawn and Nufrequency`s “Fallen Hero” remixed by Motor City Drum Ensemble, Frankie Feliciano`s remix of “For the love of you” by D`moov feat. Nicole Henry (an instant classic if you ask me) and Soulistic Music`s super rocking remix of “Hard time for lovers” originally by Rocco & C. Robert Walker...

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did making it..Peace!!!

Keith and Kinn podcast 012 (apr 2010) [SOUL ROOTS]
Mixed by Raw Epic

TRACKLIST
1. afro blue - ???
2. nufrequency feat. ben onono - fallen hero (motor city drum ensemble remix)::Rebirth
3. dj bullet & d'vine soul - i`m not a dj (essential i deeper mix)::0152records
4. styles - when darkness falls::phaze one productionz
5. dezaray dawn - chameleon (applejac's sounds of mecca remix):: illvibe Collective
6. d`moov feat. nicole henry - for the love of you (frankie feliciano ricanstruction vocal mix)::Foliage Records
7. osunlade - butterfly (ron trent's music and power mix)::Yoruba
8. rocco & c. robert walker - hard time for lovers (soulistic music mix)::gogo music
9. dasouL, fabry diglio & M.A.D boss feat. william scott - moon in taurus (halo & jamie thinnes feat rocco revisited vocal)::CityDeep
10.arnaud d feat. sheyi - word of love 'Part 2' (dj bullet afro-deep mix)::Seasons Limited

Paul van dyk - vega (raw epic introspective soul remix)

Something for the discerning ear...not your usual doof doof...

hear it on sound cloud
http://soundcloud.com/rawepic/paul-van-dyk-vega-raw-epic-introspective-soul-remix

Keith & Kinn podcast 011 (LIBATION)

Keith and Kinn podcast 011 (mar 2010) [LIBATION]
Mixed by Raw Epic

TRACKLIST

1. ralf gum ft. kafele - complicated (ralf gum main mix)

2. rowick deep ft. s-tone - make it (culoe de song horizon dub)

3. c robert walker - nobody else but you (shaheedmos remix)

4. trinidadian deep - voyage trinidadian (original)

5. arnaud d - life in the jungle (vocal mix)

6. sage monk - lambs Of sumerian shepherds (fabrizio ortella cannibal mix)

7. boddhi satva - maboko na ndouzou (instrumental mix)

8. infinite boys - machangu (dubstrumental)

9. black coffee - the cameleon

10.dj bullet ft. olona - mamela (mindlo's late mix)

download mix

Rihanna - Cold Case Love (Raw Epic`s Riddim Grind Edit)

A grungy and experimental edit of probably the most exceptional track i`ve ever heard from Rihanna. Never intended to give this album any time (don`t even know how i ended up listening to it) but i`m glad i did as i would have not discovered this gem.

DOWNLOAD/STREAM

iN tHE bOOTH ::: MR O

House music is huge in Southern Africa and although Botswana has deep roots in the house music scene and is considered a house nation, only in recent years have we seen a surge in decent house productions being released. With that in mind, I set out to pick the mind of Botswana`s number 1 dance music maestro. He has been through the hey-days of kwaito, the vinyl era, 3 radio stations, and presented at the biggest dance music meeting in Africa, all in a massive 10 year career.

In 2009 he released his greatly anticipated first compilation album, “Tshaba Tshutshu”.

K&k:
You waited 10 years before releasing your album. How difficult is it to put together an album in Botswana?

Mr O:
Very. There is a shortage of quality producers that can buy into one’s vision. We also lack a unique dance music sound. Look at South Africa, they have successfully carved their own niche in the dance music scene with 100 percent homegrown dance music which is consumable all over the world and has a unique African sound.. Again, the returns on putting together a dance album in Botswana are far outweighed by the input costs.

K&k:
What inspired you to start djing?

Mr O:
Music my man, music. The pulsating rhythm of a packed dance floor and that thumping bass and the feeling that comes with knowing that you are the man behind the magic.

K&k:
Who are your major influences?

Mr O:
The legendary Dj Ski, Dj Fresh, Cosmo and Dj Sid. These are the men that made me hunger to be a dj. Euphonik makes me want to be a performer whilst Cleo and Roger Goode inspire me to make the party jump!.

K&k:
Which track on the album is your favorite and why?

Mr O:
It has to be track one “easy livin”. I’m sucker for a house track that flows and allows you to be lifted away to faraway places man. The chords are just too soulful to ignore.

K&K:
Which is the one gig that you regard as the best you`ve ever played at?

Mr O:
Too many to mention. A couple of stand outs though. 60’s party 2007, Bak2Skul 2009 and Simunye House Grooves @ House of Blues back in 2002

K&K:
Obviously music is a life passion to you. How do you prepare mentally and spiritually for your gigs?

Mr O:
Some good food, an empty bladder is a good start. From then, I go with the flow. Depending on what time my set is, I like to set the mood when I play. Its always a nice idea to arrange your bag with the newest music first, and always know where the “ save me I’m drowning “ tracks are.

K&k:
when are we going to see a second album from you?

Mr O:
2010 ninja! Already looking for tracks

K&k:
You`ve been on radio for quite a while and currently host a radio show on Thursdays on Yarona FM. Is there a difference between a radio dj and a club/party dj? If so, how do you make the transition?

Mr O:
Radio djs never have to worry about a clearing dance floor when playing something new!. There is no transition to make really, if you have the talent and the passion for both, then go for gold.

K&k:
What influences your dj sets?

Mr O:
Moods, time of set, venue and crowd. I get paid to rock, period. Deep, soul, some techy stuff, tribal, commercial, kwaito, whatever. It all depends on the timing.

K&K:
How would you describe your style?

Mr O:
Just call me Dj GOOD MUSIC!

K&k:
What do you hope to achieve with the Tshaba Tshutshu album?

Mr O:
Recognition on a wider level and penetration into other markets outside of Botswana

K&k:
What else do you do besides music?

Mr O:
I have a full time job as Yarona FM Programmes Manager.

K&k:
Your album was mostly produced in Botswana. How has the experience enhanced you as a dj?

Mr O:
It is a testimony to the fact that even though the production talent is not as plentiful as in South Africa, its bloody great talent that exists in Botswana

K&k:
For various reasons, House music CD sales for local releases are relatively low in Botswana. What do you think can be done to get people buying more house music?

Mr O:
Nothing. For as long as the big brand music stores eg. MUSICA refuse to stock our local music then we are dead in the water. There is no effective distribution in Botswana, plus a lot of piracy.. digital downloads are the way to go. CD sales have plummeted globally. even so, how much digital penetration is there in Botswana? We are in trouble! Those are not the only challenges, you’d think the SA industry would be as supportive of us as we are of them.. owai. The SA dj scene is extremely self centred and territorial. They want a piece of everybody elses pie but are unwilling to share theirs. So you cant even get airplay or sales there.

K&K:
In 2006 you attended the Southern African Music Conference. What lessons did it have
for the home scene?

Mr O:
2006 and 2007. I learnt that we need to get shit done our damn selves. Coz aint nobody trying to help you eat. And that’s another thing all these other cats on the regional and international scene have mastered. Self promotion and self preservation. Another lesson I learnt, embrace technology or die!

K&K:
In an ever changing music industry where tastes are constantly evolving,
How do you manage to stay on top of your game?

Mr O:
I cant explain this. I have an uncanny ability to pick up a hit song from a mile away. Also you have to continuously track music trends, be in tune with what the audience wants.. trust me you cant learn all that twiddling your thumbs at home. Fortunately, being an employee of Yarona Fm has also helped keep me in the loop. Networking with other djs is also a great help.

K&k:
What other music projects are you involved in?

Mr O:
This year id like to focus on honing my production skillz. I believe I have a coupla hot beats in me just dying to break out.

K&k:
You must have a lot of groupies. How do you handle that attention?

Mr O:
I always hear this.. I always WHERE.. SHOW ME!. I never see em!

k&k:
Where`s Mrs O?

Mr O:
Not yet,but I would like to get married. I think it’s a great institution.

K&k:
Who do you regard (aside from yourself) as a DJ that’s making strides in the
industry?

Mr O:
Locally, House Junkies are hot, Jam-n-i. Kim Wizzy, and C4.. outside, im impressed by Euphonik’s hustle.

K&k:
Complete the following…

Mr O:
“Mr O is…..Radio, Good Music, Passionate, Driven, Talented and Misunderstood .

Keith & Kinn podcast 010 (VISIONS BEYOND)

Keith and Kinn podcast 010 (VISIONS BEYOND)

Mixed by Raw Epic

TRACKLIST

1. Unknown (Intro)

2. Elements Of Life Ft. Ursula Rucker - Journey`s Prelude (Abicah Soul Dub)

3. Qness Ft. Malehloka - Uzongilinda (UPZ a.k.a Avi Alman Remix)

4. Dj Le Roi Ft Lady Bird - So Astounded (Black Coffee Remix)

5. Peteblas - Message To The People

6. Black Coffee - Trip To Lyon

7. Josh Wink - Dont Laugh (Manoo`s Laugh Remix No Strings)

8. Fabio Genito - Ayahuasca (Organic Mix)

9. Glady's Knight - 1st To Say Goodbye (Dj Micks - Rocco Style Remix)

10.Doctor Rockit - Cafe De Flore (Raw Epic Proportions Remix)

Doctor rockit - cafe de flore (raw epic proportions remix) by rawepic

Doctor rockit - cafe de flore (raw epic proportions remix) by rawepic

Hie Fam

I`m busy working on a couple of remixes and edits of some of my favourite songs...This a product of my continuing musical journey..

Check out the first installment, a major classic -
'Doctor Rockit - Cafe De Flore'.

Your feedback and criticism is most welcome..

Raw Epic

iN tHE bOOTH ::: CANY McKENZO

CANY McKENZO

From behind the scenes of Botswana`s pop music industry, heading production of some of the most successful albums of the past decade, Keith and Kinn is proud to present Cany McKenzo. Known mostly as a hit maker for other artists, Cany has been silently working on a sugar recipe for his own project, Cotton Candy, released on his own label X3MIX Records. We tracked down the man behind the hits and caught up with him in his well equipped studio.

EARLY YEARS

Cany McKenzo started djing at high school parties in 1996. While studying for BSc at the University of Botswana in 1999, he also deejayed in hostel parties and went on to do his BSc (Hon) Quantity Surveying at Reading University (UK) from 2001. It was then that Cany Mckenzo got the opportunity to work for a Radio Station where he worked as a presenter for a hip-hop show doubling as a club dj and later became part of the commercials production team. By then, his interest in music production had grown bigger and soon enough, Cany enrolled for a part time sound engineering course, juggling his studies with varcity and work.

MUSIC

In 2005 Cany McKenzo met Mr Tagg to form a production team called Ken-Tag-It, which produced albums such as Selemela by Mr Tagg, Skhokho by Mapetla, Mopheme by Jay-R and Maphuthadichaba by Thulie. Having managed to release these 4 albums in less than 6 months Mckenzo took a different approach, and set up his own label. X3MIX Records was born. Cany has since produced hit songs for artists such as Mapetla (Ahh!!), Skazzo (Hoof Hoof , Follow Follow), VEE (Monwana), Exodus (Masupatsela) and Mingo (Tshaba Tsotsi).

In 2006 X3mix Records was also commissioned to do the Botswana Independence Theme Song for 40 years Anniversary.
.

In 2007 Cany returned to the UK, this time to work towards saving for his dream studio, a 100% Pro-Tools system. Well dreams do come true and Cany now boasts an MPC 5000 the AKAI flagship and the close of 2009 saw him host top South African house producers, Dr Duda and Mono T on special production assignment for Easy B`s Monate Fela album.

COTTON CANDY

Cany`s first love is deejaying, and with the release of his debut album, Cotton Candy, he`s set on a come back to the decks. Crafted in his state of the art studio, Cotton Candy showcases Cany`s production skills and some singing too (Cany sings on two of his songs). From kwaito hit maker to house producer, the focus for 2010 at X3mix is house beats.

The album is undoubtedly dance floor candy with an electro vibe in many of the tracks. Cany has put considerable effort in this album and the result is solid beats and a host of new singing talent on the opening track "Angel of Love" and "Tonight", my favourite track. Another song to look out for is the Setswana love song, "Lorato".

Theres something for everyone on this offering, whether its electro fueled beats, soulful or kasified grunge. This is the beginning of a new journey for McKenzo who intends to bring more candy to dance floors across Botswana and the world.

::: Wherever you are in the world, If you would like to buy the COTTON CANDY album please send me an email by filling out the quick REGISTRATION FORM on the right side panel :::