Music composer bunk exam for a music opening

In 2014, when Given Zulu had to choose between writing his architect exam or go to an opening concert of a well-known trumpeter, he opted for the latter because that’s what he loved.

Not only did he fail his course, but he also made his parents angry by dropping out of university to follow his music passion.

The 27-year-old composer, producer and sound engineer from Kyalami said he was happy he decided to go to Joburg Theatre for the late Hugh Masekela’s opening concert.

“My mother is a pastor and growing up in church made me fall in love with music and composing. My uncles also used to sing in church, so music is something that comes from within the family. I grew up looking up to the likes of Hugh Masekela, Mariam Makeba and Jonathan Butler. They made me fall in love with the kind of music I compose and produce,” said Zulu.

He composes and produces afro-soul music with a touch of modern beat (amapiano) that will not only relate to the old generations but also the young ones. He has composed for the likes of Amanda Black, Ami Faku, DeMogul SA, DJ Ganyani, Kid
X, Lungisa Xhamela and Professor.

When asked if there were challenges when merging old school music with current beats he said, “I would not say challenges but it’s a lot of pressure because my target market is mostly not young people, although some of them relate.”

Zulu said he would release a single by the end of April before releasing a full album, Premium African Music Volume 1, which he produced, in July.

He said that although he dropped out of university, his parents were happy that he followed his dream of being a music composer.

Zulu concluded that in recent times he had been kept motivated by the likes of Robbie Malinga, Mafikizolo and S’java.

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https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/295077/given-zulu-fuses-old-with-new-on-his-new-love-song