Young musicians already rubbing shoulders with icons of the industry
Making their mark in the music industry
Stemming from a strong religious upbringing, eight locals formed a band called the Levites and have been performing a mix of music, including house, jazz and Afro-pop, for the past four years.
The members are aged between of 18 and late 20s and the band is made up of two vocalists, two saxophonists, a base guitarist, a lead guitarist, a keyboard player and a drummer.
The group is currently working on an extended play (EP) for release later this year.
One of the challenges they face is finding time to meet up and make music together, because of their varying schedules.
Inspired by Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba, the group would like to make more music that has South African melodies and rhythms.
“We want people to experience the sounds of Africa,” said Luyavuma Mabuza, one of the band members.
“We want to make that type of music more fashionable.”
Like other Daveyton artists such as Lebo Mathosa and Lira, the Levites hope to be successful musicians, nationally and internationally.
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Having over 3 000 followers on their Facebook page, the Levites said the response to their music has been amazing.
“When we are on stage, there are fireworks. We feed off each other’s energy,” said Dindy Mashiane.
As the resident band at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, the group has worked with Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Ray Phiri and Tshepo Tsholo.
“One thing Tshepo taught us was to always be humble and authentic,” said Mashiane.
“You should never settle for less and don’t follow trends, the world will adjust to you.”
The Levites opened for Judith Sephuma at the Ekurhuleni Comes Alive jazz event at the Birchwood on May 11.
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