Let Freedom reign

Music kept black people sane during the apartheid years. The fight was not only kept alive on the streets, but it was kept alive in the songs our people sang as well. The 27th of April marks the day South Africa got its freedom and the day we gave meaning to the songs sung by our forefathers way before our time, in their struggle for emancipation.

Today, music is still a major influence in politics and governance of the rainbow nation. People of all races and genders are free to sing about whatever they wish to sing about without fear of offending any of their listeners. One song that stands out for me is "Should we fight back" by South African rock band, The Parlotones. It talks about how a saviour( Nelson Mandela), was born to help free this nation and lead it. The song reminds us that we should continue to stand together as a nation. www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/t/the-parlotones

Hip-Hop is still alive

If you do dream in colour and in rhyme, this one is for you. Hip-Hop lovers have always maintained that Hip-Hop is not just a music genre, but it is a culture. It is the way we live, breathe and eat. We always question young men that walk around with their pants sagging, huge caps on their heads, tops that look like dresses, spray cans in their hands, hectic words on their lips... What you do not know is that this is part of the Hip-Hop culture. Underground or not, we all have love for this game.

To celebrate this culture, Sprite "Uncontainable" is taking on the task of finding South Africa's finest Hip-Hop lovers in the categories of dance, graffiti and emceeing. If you have what it takes to blow the world away with your art and have one of the greatest underground rappers, Talib Kweli as your mentor, you know what to do, right? Enter the competition and keep the movement going. We love Hip-Hop and it loves us. Show some respect!
www.zalebs.co.za/.../sprite-unleashes-their-nationwide-hip-hop-talent-search

Toya on top

"You know this life can crush your goals, you just gotta know you're not alone. It's in your mind, your jail, your soul, fly free and live life." These are part of the lyrics to 'Pump it on', the debut single released by new South African star, Toya Delazy, earlier this year.

 Toya is a young girl from Mahlabathini, KwaZulu-Natal, who is currently giving local stars a run for their money. Born Latoya Buthelezi, this girl's voice and song lyrics are real and hard-hitting. Like any other girl, she sings about love, life and achieving one's dreams. She has shared stage with stars such Baba Maal, The Mahotela Queens and Tumi and the Volume, amongst others.

 This girl's star is certainly rising and shining brighter every single day. 'Love is in the air' and 'Pump it on' are the singles to look out for right now and they are on high rotation on local radio stations. We await the day Toya goes international and collaborates with the likes of Emeli Sande, Missy Elliot and Kanye West. Her debut album is set to be relased later this month and I hope it gets her an award at the Metro FM awards later this year. Show some respect and Pump it on!