Local up-and-coming musicians collaborate on a new hip-hop project
The group, called East Rand Connect (ERC), consists of Ekurhuleni’s up-and-coming young musicians.
Talented Ekurhuleni residents are on a mission to take local music to new heights.
They recently decided to join forces to create best collaborations for music lovers in the city.
The man behind the idea is Witfield musician Rodney Mushanga, who originally hails from Zambia.
Mushanga said there is no doubt that collaborations are the future and that local musicians cannot afford to ignore its spin-off and the impact it has on the music industry.
“Worldwide, artist collaborations have become popular in recent years, and we are seeing more partnerships than ever before.
“By working together, we as musicians will have the opportunity to share knowledge and experience on how we can make quality and more successful music, both individually and collectively.
“We have seen it with many artists. It usually ends in some positive results,” said Mushanga.
According to Mushanga, the group’s main objectives include helping local singers of all genres to make a name for themselves; helping them make it in the South African music market or business; and moulding them into professional musicians so that their talents capture the attention of fans around the province and, hopefully, across the country and globally.
To achieve that breakthrough, the group wants to release at least one album per month and give memorable live performances at local music festivals and community events.
The project managers are also hoping that their artists will eventually get a chance to shine on big local festival stages, including the Spring Fiesta and H2O.
“Our project focuses mainly on the youth because we want them to at least have something positive to focus on, instead of spending their spare time engaging in harmful activities,” said Mushanga.
However, the group mentioned that this will only become a reality if they have the full the support of local businesses, government and music lovers.
“We believe that people will support us, as in most cases people tend to love seeing or watching live performances delivered by home-grown talents.”
The local artists would also like to team up with some of the best in the industry to help them boost their music careers.
Of the more than 30 members of the group, who come from all walks of life and work across a variety of genres, 10 musicians have already compiled their songs and released an album.
East Rand Connect Volume One was released late last month and is made up of 10 hip-hop tracks.
It was a team effort by Shackboy, Sir Abster, Trophy X, TaupChelv, Asap Shembe, Fred, Slangjovi, Daddy Long Stem X Thomas Hazey, Pharvoh, Zation, Dexswaggerboy and Blackwolf featuring Legacy 3rd.
ERC Volume Two will be released at the end of October and will fall squarely in the house genre.
“These projects help artists connect with their peers and collaborate with like-minded fellow artists to create memorable music together, be noticed and share ideas for new material to make something that could propel your career.”
If you want to join the group contact Fred Angasisye on 079 577 4877 or Rodney Mushanga on 072 894 2948.
You can connect with the group on social media Facebook: eastrandconnect Twitter: eastrandconnect
You can send your unreleased song of high quality to music@eastrandconnect.co.za or info@eastrandconnect.co.za
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