Interview with FUTURE HISTORY

1. Briefly introduce each member and their role in
the band.

*Dirty Rascal 'The Truth' (real name,Wandile Themba) - one of two
rappers in the FH Fam. Truth brings incredible energy onstage.
*'Makzol' (Mxolisi Mpho Lepele) - Not just a rapper but what we call a
wordsmith. When Mak's on the mic, make certain you listen. He's also a
fully qualified sound engineer & is studying the trumpet.
*Qairo - FH vocalist. A strong musical background ensures that she
brings a melodic contribution rarely heard on the scene. Has intense
stage presence.
*Malcom - FH Pianist/Keyboardist, however an immensely talented
musician (also plays trombone) who manages to pull the music together
& arranges the band's horn section harmonies that have become
signature sounds of FH music.
*Senzo - A master bassist of the FH family, whether double bass or
electric. He drives the band sound & truly adds an element that most
bassist aspires to. Also incredibly strong & accurate on the drums.
*Kgori - A talented drummer who's immensely creative with rhythm &
brings colour to hip-hop played by FH. You could find him sliding tunes
on trombone as well.
*Oscar 'hangova' - If FH is on stage & you hear the most soulful alto
saxophone improves, it's probably Oscar. Has a confident & real melodic
approach to FUTURE HISTORY music. Has an amazingly sharp ear for hot
sound!
*Hlubi - Also on alto sax, he's your fast-paced be-bop quick thinking'
musician & brings that variety to the band. He has an amazing ability
to tend to sound like he's singing' on his instrument & on a crazy solo
Hlubi can climax a song & turn it inside out at its crescendo! He can
hold down some ill chords on keys too.
*S'bu - On the tenor sax, he’s the smoothest member of the band. Laid
back with a beautiful tone that rounds off harmonies in FH
arrangements. All while making truly intelligent music seem
effortless.
*Tumelo 'genius' - The trumpeter in the band. He contributes the
highest notes in most horn harmonies & possesses a personality wrapped
in pure fun. Has explosive energy during performances.


2. Are you each the instruments that you play?
I assume this is a metaphorical question and the answer to that is
never definite. With so many personalities of one family which consists
of multi-instrumentalists who can never be put into a box by
definition of instrument title, it's hard to say. Furthermore, some of
us are engineers, graphic designers & fine artists. However, music is
the only language we audibly understand collectively when we pick up
our instruments to play.

3. Do you think you are part of the ever changing & ever growing Soweto; if so
Why?
We definitely think we are although development is never as constant
as we'd love it to be. However, In terms of the sub-cultures & that
some of FH band members belong to the Soweto community, we've observed
a lot of brands, projects & events growing. When we constantly get
invited back to display our work and progress, it motivates us as much
as the next to know that we once performed at perhaps a venue that
wasn't much when it started out & now being proud that they helped
grow us and our crowd as much as we helped grow them and their
following. It's mutual benefit to both brands and that's all positive.

4. Who is your favorite Jazz artist?
That's a difficult question when we consider all legends concerned and
the fact that a band of 10 can’t have one favorite. All FUTURE HISTORY
members are well schooled in jazz so opinions may vary also according
to the chosen instrument/s of the individual. Albeit, some of the names
you might hear us quote are Miles Davis, Charlie Parker,Roy
Hargrove,Bradford Marsallis, Chet Baker,John Coltrane, Thelonious
Monk,Bheki Mseleku,Winston Mankunku and the list goes on forever...

5. Why is hip hop dead if you consider that it
might be?
Oh gosh! There are such mixed emotions on this topic, but each to his/her
own opinion. On one hand, a lot of what's now being dubbed as hip hop
really doesn't belong to hip hop culture (maybe pop), hence why we feel
that's the element that's killing an honest art form. Then again, the
purist says this, while others adapt & conform to change & accept that
this is now the present-day hip hop sound so how is it dead. Maybe it's
simply evolution & as all trends go, it’ll come back full circle, who
knows. Our (FUTURE HISTORY's) approach is simply to do what we do best
& that's being musical. If we wanna rap to mbaqanga, jazz, funk, soul or
maskandi we simply do that coz it's timeless music & we put an edge to
it. If Africa's still mimicking the prescribed style of hip hop from
international influences without embracing who we are musically, then
we might as well attend hip hop's funeral. For now, perhaps it's not
dead...just comatose, waiting for inspiration efana ne FUTURE HISTORY
so. LOL

6. When is the album or EP coming out?
Next year sometime. We’re still recording & since its 2 concurrent
projects, dates are not set yet. Every now and then though, we’ll hand
a free track to our audience at shows so they got something' to
anticipate.

7. Does South Africa have a room for your sound or
do think there is a bigger audience internationally?
There's absolutely a larger audience outside of home no doubt, but we
believe in home audience 1st so that they have something to be proud
of by the time we receive international appreciation. As artists we
all should be internationally known & locally accepted. SA knows music
so let 'em give you that green light that you can represent your
country well out there.

8. What should we look forward to on this coming performance at the TSJS?
Y’all will enjoy so much on our set!
Look forward to your favorite multi dimensional band to bring you an
array of sounds played over rhythmic funk-infused tunes with a jazz
influence. As well as lyrics that constitute what we've pioneered as
Grootman Rap. It's ahead of time yet nostalgic! We're there to shut it
down!
FUTURE HISTORY. "we're legends already made, our tales are already
framed. We're orchestratin' history"

The Blue Finale

What is a Jam Session secret? Taking place in a boutique shop, seriously out of the ordinary. This super-soulful gathering continues to do-the-do. ''I have no idea why the concept of boutique music gathering works so well in Soweto'' confesses the ever-eclectic turntablist kid fonque. ''But that's the thing about.

Lounge/Soul/Nu Jazz/Break beat music scene, it's full of unique quirks...'' Its year End Tsjs will be hosting The Annual Grand Finale with a Twist this Time …Thee “Blue Finale”. Feeling blue that you never lived up to expectations or wistfully waiting for the last session of all fun and festive moods.

Heart broken or Dejected? Looking for comfort in beats that speak of your sorrow? Remember, sorrow is just a passing phase.

Either way, a little more heat in your lives is surely a good thing, and we plan to make the end as spectacular as humanly possible.

With an all star line-up, including Stand up Comedy plus a full live band expect

all the usual glitz and glamour of Jam Sessions Grand Finales, Kid Fonque headlining providing his usual brand of upfront, soul-inspired lounge House beats.

Merlot or Shiraz Khumza, showcasing with matured years in the industry, the sweeter the Kick becomes, the sweeter The Loop, The Lesson is Maturity in his set.

Future history jazz with Nu Jazz remixes. This group features a mix of original jazztronica/soul/funk tunes as well as remixes of music from hip hop and McCoy Tyner Jazzelicious, A perfect blend of modern rhythms, horns, and electronica.

Next generation of music Makers … The Layders

Omi & Wireless G Razing the volume up high…..as usual

Join us, notched up a peg or two to help wave a melancholy goodbye to feeling Blue that quite lived up to Expectations. And always remember …..When life hands you Lemons, ask for tequila and salt, and call me over!

Interview with the Kid

So between everything that Kid does during the day, he managed to answer the questions that I had sent him. So I decided to share them with you guys. I tried to pick his brains as to know what does he think of various things.

1. Have you been there, done that & got the actual T-shirt?
I got loads of T-Shirts... Love them and you could say I have been there and done some of it :)
2. Do you produce music of your own? Unfortunately not, as I don’t have enough time at the moment. Maybe in the future.
3. What guides your musical path/set?"
Depends on my mood, but I am a big fan of interesting music of many genres. If I feel it I usually incorporate it into a set.
4. Do you think the lounge music industry has a big following in SA; if so why? Not really, I am not too proud of being under the ‘lounge umbrella’ as it brings images of cocktails and rich people which is completely the opposite of what I do and like. But I have been blessed to release albums of quality beats and will continue to do so under any name or pigeon hole... If its got soul, people will listen.
5. Who comes 1st? You/ crowd/people/ the corporate?
Me then the crowd depends on the gig. I can play a number of different sounds, as long as I like it and own it I will play it.
6. What was it like playing at the TSJS?
LOVE IT!!!! Really open minded folk. I really feel like I can be my musical self and explore different sounds with the crowd.
7. Who is your favorite all time performances / DJ’s you’ve worked with.
Has to be Gilles Peterson at Carfax. What a night!
8. Any chances of playing at the worldwide festival soon?
We can only dream.

So after all that, Kid gave me something that I want to share with you... Hope that you will enjoy it.


Click on the link below:


http://soundcloud.com/thesissocialjamsession

Album art cover, designed by Mpumelelo Macu ©.

The Build up to the session is here...

THE BLUE FINALE: 6th December 2009

Unhappy: (ŭn-hăp'ē) - Not happy or joyful; sad or sorrowful

Synonyms: long-faced, down and out, miserable, depressed, saddened, blue, THE BLUES…

Yes, the Blues. Do you remember what that’s like? We at the Thesis Social Jam Sessions have forgotten. We’ve forgotten all about blue Mondays; baby blues; blue rooms and blue movies (well, hopefully). And instead, we remember a place. A place where we spread jam on musical sarmies to our heart’s content. Where music plays, people dance and strangers do what strangers do.

Sunday, the 6th is our finale, as we bid farewell to another great year of peanut butter and jam mixes. And true to our colours, we’ll have cold beer, slightly odd audience, a marquee, some blue couches and blue skies. You should come too. And because we believe blue is the colour of awesomeness, that’s exactly what we’ll be dishing up. Yes; it had to come; that’s the one!! The one that comes; after; yet; another year of great sessions. TSJS ain’t here to fool you, its here to give life times of music; friendships & memories of good times. . We perfectly happy to end our year with Kid Fonque; Omi; Khumza & Wireless G spinning me in the lounge; Dubstep; break-beat in House; Nu- jazzy kinda flavor. Right there; where we were is where we are now!!!!

Omi:

Akin to our audience, our resident Dj Omi has established himself as the eclectic type. His sets range from Bassnova; Nu-jazz to funk; Soulful Hip-Hop & Break beats with an easy and unwinding skill. Take time and pin your ears back to the ‘Take a Breather’ and Feiyue Mixes he has concocted.

Wireless G:

Also a resident Dj, this guy just wants to get the party pumping. His distinctive style of blending lounge with hip - hop really sets him apart. When he gets his hands on the decks, you can be sure the party will always close with a bang.

Khumza:

Another one of our resident Djs, some will describe Khumza’s beats as matured as aged wine. From Dub, to Funk and Lounge house beats. Come mellow out with his laid back style and make yourself at home.

Kid Fonque:

He may be a guest Dj, but his regular visits make Kid Fonque one of the TSJS clan. His style is soulful; jazzy and uhm, quite unpredictable, might we add. Ranging from Break Beats to Nu-Jazz and Funk, he has undeniably influenced a Dj or two from our TSJS stable.

The Layders:

Two peas in our TSJS pie. The duo will surely keep you guessing with their freestyle kinda Jam. Milky is on the decks & Mothusi is a band on his own. Confused? Don’t be! For 2nd time: open your mind to this brilliant performance by this crew.

Future History:

Gracing us for the 2nd time, Future History is a band with a difference. With nine members, one can only expect a staggering performance. Their music is hip-hop played over rhythmic funk infused tunes with a jazz influence.

Thapelo aka Kingflat, Thabiso & Motheo

Ok, here’s a part that will certainly put a smile on your face, well… more like a chuckle. Journeying from Pretoria, these three guys will have you ROFL-ing and take away all your awful blues. Frankly, this is a long time coming after our last comedian Big Mo.

With such a line up, the colour of blue has never been more splendid. It’s the coolest colour - literally!!!

PS: eh, what strangers do is meet. And oh, we won’t be serving blueberry muffins!

Buli's Crazy Tuesday

So Gee is @ home writing this because he love’s Buli to bit’s.

She don’t know that she is on here but, we as the Thesis Social Jam Sessions woul love to wish her a very blessed Happy Birthday. May she see many more.

Like we do… It’s was a crazy Tuesday down @ the concept store.

Happy Birthday Buli.

Jumble Rumble Round 7

News just in… Thesis will be involved at the Jumble Rumble round 7 taking place at the Nike Gallery on 4^th this Saturday the 7^thof November. What’s that?????

Jumble Rumble is the brainchild of Mome (Cream Cartel. Vuzu) and Mkay, who both work at the Gallery on 4^th. This event is like a flea market that is specifically aimed at showcasing street brands in JHB. This helps in brand awareness (awe ala dushie style) and gives people a chance to interact with their brands. Thesis is glad that it’s a part of this… Hope to see you there. The is an after party (Mome’s Birthday party). So you can shake that ass after buying that class_ic t-shirt from you local brand.

More information on the flier.

Shafiq Husayn_En' A-Free Kah

This is our first review… Musically that’s it.

Shafiq Husayn is 1/3 of the world renowned collective Sa-Ra creative. Just recently, Erykah Badu enlisted Shafiq to produce and guide her latest album New Amerykah: Part One (4th World War), which has garnered the singer the most critical praise since her debut. As the official song writer of Erykah Badu, Shafiq’s music is full of spiritual messages. Over the years Husayn has worked with Afrika Bambatta, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Jurassic 5 and many more. He was also a member of Ice T’s Rhyme Syndicate. This is his first album away from the collective. What he delivers is a highly acclaimed album that is highly recommended by most dj’s like Benji B and Lefto. There are more than 30 contributors on the record including Bilal, Count Bass D, Fatima, and Sonny Coates. The end result is the work of an artist at the top of his game. The track Nirvana also has a Mark de Clive lowe remix that should see the light of day soon.

If you are crazy about music and the whole funk, hip hop and soul vibe, then this is a must have album. It will calm you down… Oh we know that you like getting down.

Thesis Social Jam Sessions #14

It's all about giving homage to the DJ’s. 14 Months. In the House seems to be bringing a whole more decennial landmarks, once of which happens to be our much lauded collection of Dope Flayers, with Nu- breed Jazz podcast released just last month, to celebrate this quite extraordinary boutique music series.

Yes they take pride in the music that they play, some would even have highly paid, trendy, scene attending, music consultants to carefully select the tracks that their beloved customers are treated to. It's an important part of networking experience and ambience to get the music just right, so can a CD from a boutique music series. Create this vibe and be a palatable experience too?

Unsurprisingly - There's only one event on everyone's lips and hips this weekend Thesis Social jam Session. This month sees two extra special TSJS giving homage to DJ’s event. Firstly, remember their newly found breed Ricardo! Returns home to Jam sessions for the first time in more than 10 months.

Ricardo! Dub /Dance hall Groove Foundation return 'That Feeling' to the dance floors for 2009. He reworks those recognizable Dance hall drums adding a slick vocal for good measure, alongside accapellas. Look out for part 2 with mixes from Bennie Man and Sizzler on the Beat means this is hot

Omi- a magical mystery tour guider, driving us through different venues every time his on the decks, going thru worlds most creative, innovative and credible labels significant to people.

37mph-This South African born producer has been given credit by international heavy weights from Shady Records Senior a&R – Riggs Morales and music legend Wyclef Jean. Music connoisseurs will savor different sounds namely classical, lounge, acid jazz, drum & bass, jungle and hip-hop soul. This masterpiece will be accompanied with a live band and an 8 string section.

Words do no justice to truly describing the beauty and art in the music 37mph makes, one simply has to lay back and just experience it....

Wireless_G is one of those very rare DJ's that competently straddles the treacherous ground between Souls to breaks. A guy influenced as much by Jazz and Afro Beats as he is with Deep House. This Soweto born DJ’s has built up a reputation as being a leader in the contemporary down tempo sound and many following faithfully….. Twittering

A line-up that defies belief . Strictly Rhythm favorites...

FROM SHANGHAI TO SOWETO

For those who are into exclusive shoe collection and sneakerholics. Who have been looking for something fresh in the buyers market. Then search no further because something hip, funky and freshly mind-blowing has hit the Jozi ground.Feiyue sneakers have finally landed in Soweto.

Pronounced Fei-ue; in Chinese. Feiyue sneakers originate in Shanghai in the 1920s, then crossed continent to Europe in 2006. Now crossing continents to Africa for the first time and arriving in Johannesburg Soweto in 2009. By bringing the shoe across continents, came the opportunity to bring diversity and something new into the community and grow the sneaker culture in the country.

Launched on the 18^th October 2009 to create brand awareness and help establish the sneaker, the Thesis social jam session team was hard at work to create the ultimate Asian theme party ever hosted in Soweto. The theme “from shanghai to Soweto” which takes the concept of putting the sneaker into travel became the motive of the party (Refer to pictures on flickr): http://www.flickr.com/photos/thesissocialjamsessions/. A photo shoot using the BRT system that’s being introduced in the city, we used the same concept to introduce something new to our people.

The venue was converted into a mini Shanghai with the use of paper jets, Chinese paper balls and shanghai landscape photos to create the image of shanghai in Soweto. The Djs Ben, Omi, playkstat and the Wireless G serenaded the crowd with music varying from nu-jazz, futuristic soul, break beats, tribal and neo soul

Both the (brands TSJS and Feiyue) are inspired by urban art, music and travel. It became no surprise that the sneaker settled well in this part of the African continent, it was well received by the audience who attended the launch.

So if you are a sneakerholic and are looking for the next best collection, don’t hesitate to bring Feiyue to your home.