Coke Studio is a similar concept to Xperia Mashlab on 5fm, where different artists are invited to the studio in order to combine their different sounds and genres and create a completely new – and hopefully amazing – song in just three days.
The process gives established and up-and-coming artists the chance to change up their style, even if just for one day, and tap into their creativity – a lesson each artist can carry with them throughout their career.
Rhythm and blues legend, Kabomo, recently teamed up with house diva, Mpumi, at Coke Studio in Auckland Park, to create another unique fusion track on Coke Studio. The two South African icons were shocked and excited to have been chosen to participate in the music experiment.“Coke Studio could have picked any other artist but they chose me,” said Mpumi.
“The fact that they noticed my work and trusted me to deliver on such a major platform is truly humbling.”
At the suggestion of the partnership, Kabomo explained that this collaboration was something both performers had wanted to do for a long time. “Partnering enables artists to bring a unique energy to a song,” Kabomo said. “I have always admired Mpumi and it was a privilege to finally have the chance to work with her.”
Mpho Pholo, more commonly known as 37mph, was the producer of the track and kick-started the process of music making by playing a few chords for the stars – a few chords that quickly became the key notes of the melody that would become their song. The chemistry between the stars, which can be seen on the CokeStudioZA YouTube channel, was so electric that the artists completed their song, Thando, in 4 hours and returned the next day to record another song titled Simple Things.
The artists explained that the fusion of their sounds was not always easy, and recording the process was something new to both of them. “Coke Studio is a celebration of the country’s talent and I feel enormous pride to have been a part of it,” said Kabomo.
The song debuted on e.tv on 23 November.
Details: www.cokestudio.co.za
