Daniel Baron is making waves with new song ‘Thula’

If you love and support local music and have not yet heard of Daniel Baron, then you’ll do well to continue reading this article.

The Northcliff-based singer and songwriter, and memorable 2009 Idols SA contender, is again shaking international airwaves with his latest collaborative tune, Thula – a single that’s possibly going to become the top track on everyone’s summer playlist.

When considering his unforgettable stage presence and voice some 10 years ago on Idols, there’s no doubt that the heartthrob can croon. But this multi-talented Joburg muso, in addition to doling out catchy tunes, is also an adept producer.

His writing and production skills are this time evident in Thula, which he created and produced for rising stars Zinah Rose Msimang and John Tsenoli.

Speaking to The Citizen, Baron recalls how for ages he had an idea in his mind to create a big, loud song titled Thula (isiZulu for ‘be quiet’).

“I always thought the irony would be so cool. Then I started creating this mega beat and added an explosion of different music influences to it.”

Cover artwork for ‘Thula’. Picture: Daniel Baron Twitter

He said he then recorded a voice note of himself singing “thu-thu-thula” over and over, and thought to himself: “This is cool, but it’ll be much cooler if I have more voices singing it.”

And the voices that sprung to mind were none other than two of the country’s rapidly rising stars, Zinah and Tsenoli, whom Baron said were perfect for the track inspired by his deep love of the African house and gqom genres.

He said the song was as a result of having spent some time in Durban, the birthplace of gqom.

Doing what he does best, Baron then took the traditional gqom and created his own interpretation of the local sound that is already making waves around the world.

“The creative process of this song has been an adventure to say the least,” said Baron. “Something that makes me believe that music can transcend language, culture, politics…

“Wait… music can even transcend musical genre. Music connects our souls, and when the songs play, we become one.”

Commending producers like Baron for creating sounds that help push musicians sonically and building on what has become a proudly South African sound, Zinah said: “It’s so amazing to be part of something different and being able to explore as an artist.

“The freedom of using my own language in song, which I’ve never done before, is incredible.”

Sharing his fellow artist’s sentiments, Tsenoli also highlighted what a great learning adventure the 18-month long collaboration had been.

“My taste in music has always been across all genres. So, even though this sound is an unexplored avenue for me, I was stoked to be able to work with an artist of Daniel’s calibre.”

Already well-known for his singles Goddess and Speed of Light, and being instrumental in the production and song-writing elements on a variety of singles by up-and-coming local musicians, Thula is undoubtedly Baron’s most adventurous single to date.

The highly addictive and foot-tappingly enjoyable track is currently available for fans to download on their favourite digital music platforms.

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