There’s a new kid on the block, Given K who is already stirring things up with his dazzling dance single that has hit the airwaves and is sure to raise many an eyebrow in the music scene.
In an exclusive interview with the young lad, this is what he had to share with us:
• Who are you and what’s your background musically?
“I am Thokozani Given Mahlangu AKA Given K (K stands for keys) born in Bethal, Mpumalanga on July 28, 1993.
“I started music as a listener to different genres played on radio stations such as Ligwalagwala FM, Ikwekwezi FM and Ukhozi FM at an early age. Whenever I listened, I felt like the music was talking to me, made more specifically to suite me. I grew interested in finding out what this thing was that attracted me so much and how to play it? Then I knew that music was my thing in this world. I learned to play the piano in church from a former pianist at the age of 15 in
2008 because he saw the passion I had for music.”
• Is this your debut album?
“No, this is a single track/song. We are still working on producing the debut album. The date for the album has not yet been finalised as we are working with different people and they can’t all be available at the same time. The title of the album will be the same as the single, Avenue.”
• What is your musical genre?
“My music genre is urban dance house music, but I am being featured in different styles and like doing music in general, as long as we can have something sounding good eventually.”
• What drew you to this kind of genre?
“House DJs and producers, especially the likes of Black Coffee and our local DJ/Producer DJ Clifton, they made me fall in love with this kind of music as I have a gospel background and many thought I was destined for gospel, but I chose house and I like being a DJ. It keeps me listening to a lot of music.”
• In making this debut offering, who did you work with and how was the atmosphere in the studio?
“I am working with a lot of people as the album is still in the pipeline, but on the single I worked with Raymza G Simelane who is a friend, producer and my manager. He also gave me all the production basics. On vocals is a beautiful sister, Zilingene. The atmosphere was quiet amazing and fun as we recorded several hooks and we felt they were not hitting the spot and we changed them until we ended up with ‘Avenue’.
“On the album, I will be working with a lot of local artists/producers, the likes of Nazlin, Shushu, DJ Clifton, DJ Twana, Tebo, Nhlanhla, Bonginkosi (Mr B) and many more, as there is a lot of talent in the area.”
• Where does your musical influence come from?
“Well, it comes from different people and places, the likes of Dr Duda, Black Moses, hustlers like DJ Madumane, DJ Sdunkero and the things I see around the area and on TV. The house genre as a whole influences me a lot, church and my strong musical background. Yea, I can say lots of things.”
• As an artist, do you write your own music?
“Yes, I do write my music and compose my own style from chords to hooks, but usually search for a vocalist to do the singing for me, because I am more into production (beat making than singing).”
• Have you performed anywhere? What was the reaction of fans?
“I’ve performed a lot around my town and I must say, it is an encouraging and reviving experience to see the crowd dancing to my work/music. I am still new in the public arena as I was doing music for fun until my manager (Raymza G Simelane) decided to make be go public. I must say, the response was great so far. I hope I will be listened to with the big names in the industry soon as this is my first official single, which will be followed by a debut album.”
• What is your destiny musically? A one-hit wonder kid?
“That is the million dollar question. I love music a lot and I’m willing to work harder on my own music so I can travel the world with my own craft and inspire other young upcoming producers/artists. But I am definitely not a one-hit wonder kid, and will tell, as some say, I need shades because my future looks bright.”
• How would you want the music fraternity to remember you?
“Legends like Brenda Fassie did their part and they paved the way for us to carry on producing good music. I would really like the music fraternity to remember me not only for my tunes, but also as a person who reached out to others and who brought joy and experience to their lives. I so wish that people will one day play my keys, hence the name Given Keys. That will make me feel like I fulfilled my God-given purpose.”
Given K’s “Avenue” featuring Zilingene is now playlisted on the following community radio stations: Barberton Community Radio, Mdantsane Community Radio, Nkangala Community Radio, VKRS Radio (Internet radio), Jango online radio, and will be featured on the In2Radio website soon.
He continues to grow step by step. His song will soon be available for caller tunes and he signed a deal with eXactmobile. He is now also available through Simfy Africa, an African network that distributes music in Africa.
