[womenofhouse]

Zipho

Hailing from Durban, Zipho is one of the most promising voices of the present cohort of fresh talent emerging from South Africa. Her “unmistakable enchanting vocal stylings” on Enoo Napa’s wildly popular “High in Your Love” set the tone for a massive collaboration with De Cave Man and TonicVolts titled “Just Call Me”. Along with topping the Traxsource Afro House Top 10 this stunning single also broke the top 5 list for downloads in all genres. Durban is, without a doubt the hotspot for some of the most prescient Afro house in the world right now. I am looking forward to it reaching greater heights and Zipho’s firm place in the ascendance of it. 

In a nutshell:

22-year-old soulful singer /songwriter from Durban, enjoys the simple things and mostly enjoys making music and bringing emotional ideas to life.

Best known for: "High in Your Love" and "Just Call me" 

Started from:

I began jamming at 16, I started taking it seriously at 21.

Influences I enjoy spiritual sounds, exploring music that stretches beyond the continent's borders and represents trend and culture of societies, most importantly evokes emotion. I particularly enjoy Bon Iver, Kwabs, Sampha, Laura Mvula and plenty other international artists. My local inspirations include Nonku Phiri, Thandiswa Mazwai, Jackie Queens. I'm greatly influenced by people and art. Humans and struggle have been a great catalyst for my musical intentions. I am passionate about social issues and love, I feel music is a great platform to express my views on those subjects. 

Why house? I enjoy the versatility and freedom it accommodates for songwriting and creativity, though I don't box myself in that specific genre, I love the challenge.

Find Zipho - Traxsource  | Instagram | Facebook

[womenofhouse]

the "exposure" gig: you say yes to one of these and you're giving a free pass to your exploitation.

often people can afford to pay you they just don't want to. it's about power dynamics not how talented they think u are/respect for your craft

while they’re not paying you, you're rehearsing, taking an uber to the gig, buying an outfit etc. spending money, time and energy on "exposure”

a performance is work. it's not standing on stage waiting to be discovered/"paying your dues" in exchange for some superfluous credibility

performing is work. exposure is not a currency. it don't pay my rent, my son's school fees, mi cyant buy clothes wit it/food. pay me. 

comic via theotmeal.com

[womenofhouse]

Tamara Wellons 

The first time I heard Tamara Wellons sing: 

It’s all love/strange and rare, 

Far and wide/always there 

Breathing life on me!

...my heart swelled. It literally expanded and my initial thoughts were, “when I grow up I want to sing like that!” The yearning was to sing music that restores and, generally, speaks to something. Wholeheartedly. And so it was, that in digging through Tamara Wellons’ catalogue of R&B/Jazz/Soul explorations I found an artist steadfast in sharing her (the) truth. From her debut Life Is to a concept album inspired by Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Are Watching God to her latest offering Pretty, an album “themed from a conversation about cultural influences around beauty, racial history and self-confidence,” Tamara Wellons is a provocateur. And what is the provocation? “To move people to do something - especially - with their art. Do something that will make a difference.” In this way, Tamara’s authentic and fiery voice brings a lucid sense of purpose to house music. It is a huge honour that she agreed to be a part of this project. I am deeply moved.

In a nutshell

I would describe myself as an artist who sings, write songs from the soul and a woman who loves the creative life.

Best known for

Oh Well, Like Rain, In My Lifetime (Ocha Records, Osunlade, Carlos Mena, Ezel), Out Of This World ‎ and Euphoria (Seasons Recordings) 

Started from 

My musical journey started as a young girl in a small town around family and lots of love - Southampton County, Virginia (USA)

Influences 

R&B singers of the 90's; Whitney Houston, El Debarge, Mary J. Blieg and Anita Baker Jazz influences; Astrud Gilberto, Nancy Wilson, Dinah Washington. Other influences; Brand New Heavies, Loose Ends and Caron Wheeler

Why House? 

It's one of the most spirit-filled music outside of gospel music. I connect to the spirit of it because of what it does to the body. You can't just sit and listen. It forces you to move. Also, from what I know and feel about house and according to how I live it: there's no judgement in house music, it's all love energy, rooted in soul. 

Find Tamara - Traxsource | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

[womenofhouse]

Aya 

In keeping with the past week's nostalgia this week's feature belongs to a voice that warmly serenaded my ushering into deep house. Lysa Aya Trenier, better known as Aya, is the voice behind Blue Six's Sweeter Love a sultry, saccharine deep house number released in 1998. A London-born singer, songwriter and actress, she is most notably associated with the Naked Music recording label and has collaborated with the likes of Lenny Kravitz (she co-wrote and played piano on Thinking of You), The Pharcyde and Grammy-winning songwriter/musician/producer Stuart Matthewman. Love this tune!

[womenofhouse]

For the past couple months I've been thinking about this song and last week's #womenofhouse feature track sung by Janelle. again, another song that introduced me to house, with another vocalist I couldn't find. After a little digging it turns out Shanan went on to do a feature with Miguel Migs, but beyond 2000 there is nothing else. This project was reissued on vinyl in 2015, 16 years after the original release. I will always love this song

[womenofhouse]

This week's #womenofhouse feature will not have a face to the name because I could not find her :( The song is 15 years old and is, for me at least, a definitive deep house track. It is in fact one of the first songs that introduced me to house music when I was growing up in Zimbabwe. Apart from finding her name in the credits for the 1999 release I could not find any other information on Janelle. I seem to remember there being a video on heavy rotation on Channel O then, which I could not find. Many a time, I couldn't remember who this song was by but I always remembered Janelle’s distinctive voice singing. So here's a sharrat to Janelle who's voice is etched in my memory to this day. Press play and enjoy!

[womenofhouse]

Barbara Tucker

The genesis of house music dates back to the late 1970s. Some 30+ (by some accounts 39) years later, house music has travelled from the bath houses of NYC to Chicago to Europe to South Africa to Angola to Brazil. To swanky clubs, township taverns, private yachts, community radio stations, interweb podcasts, festival stages, taxi ranks, all over. This week's #womenofhouse feature artist has been in the game for 31 of those prolific years. What started for her in 1985 would stretch across generations and oceans to inspire a little song called Conqueror by one Jackie Queens (via Most Precious Love 😊). "Some call her the Queen or Mother of house, to sum it up Barbara Tucker is House...The world-renowned, leading diva of dance music is much more than just a vocalist — she lives to bring the spirit of love from the stage to the floor. Strong in her belief of the power of the stage, she performs from her pulpit, singing the message of everyday people, everyday love" says SOUL HEAVEN.com A shero of mine for as long as forever, it is with much love and gratitude (and feigned composure) that I present but a sliver of the remarkable story of a living legend, in her own words. Thank you Ms Tucker, for accepting my invitation and for sharing your gift with us!

In a nutshell: I am an American woman born of African decent.  A woman who embraces God in every way and serves and breathes this every day. A woman awakened to music through generations of this talent. Growing up in New York, because of my background in theatre and dance too, I later became a  promoter of night parties. Dance parties that also showcased unsigned talent. My 1st recording Dec '85 was Set it Off with Harlequin Fours. From there I worked with David Guetta, DJ Down, Louie Vega, Eric Moriello, David Morales, The Cube Guys, George Clinton, disco king – Cerrone and so so many more. I've choreographed the 1st and only House Music award show at Studio 54 in 1992, 9 off-Broadway plays and currently mentor on stage. I'm very active in my church Zoe Ministries, under the direction of Bishop E Bernard Jordan. I have been a part of the Winter Music Conference since '92. Actively on panels and showcasing artists and DJs at my annual event "And Let The Singer Be Heard". I am an artist. Mentor. Spiritualist. Servant. Writer. Actress. Dance. Music. Sister and Muse....I am Barbara Tucker!  

Best known for: Beautiful People, Deep Inside, I Get Lifted, Most Precious Love,Stop Playing With My Mind, Jazz It Up, Respect and more

Started from: In church lol. Really, in a club.

Influences: Tramaine Hawkins, Ledisi, Lola Falana, Chaka Kahn, Tina Marie and Jill Scott

Why house?: I’m a dancer first. The music embodies me. Can’t understand house artists who don't dance. Maybe it’s just a job. But you can't stand still. 

[womenofhouse]

Yves

This instalment features Yves Bayeza whom I met last year when we both performed at Zim Fashion Week. I was struck by her arresting presence on stage and her humility off it. Given that this series serves to uplift women I am thrilled to have someone who values our unity in this cut throat industry taking part in this project. Repping Butterworth, Yves is a recent recipient of an Eastern Cape Music Award (ECMAS) for her track Bayeza which was remixed by Kalawa Jazmee Records’ Mono T. Her album 7ven, released last year, is a lyrically powerful work of art which features music co-written by Fiesta Black and Harrison Crump. beeeg love!!!

In a nutshell: I'm a singer songwriter from a small town called Butterworth...I'm a lover of all things music and im proud of my Xhosa heritage....

Best known for: Bayeza (Ndidikiwe) : Mono T Remix, Dreammaker : Jerah & Dj Clock Remix

It started from: It all sunk in when I was a part of a band when I was thirteen via my mom...she saw it first I guess...and making it on Shell Road to Fame with that being my first live TV appearance/performance 

Influences: My dad was a soloist so every record he owned and the music he played at home influenced me. It was an amalgamation of great artists from Tracy Chapman, Sankomota, Khadja Nin, Chaka Khan, Letta Mbuli, Sting, Dick Khoza, Batsumi I can go on and on...to Lalah Hathaway to Amel Larrieux,Jill Scott ....such great artistry in the world.

Why house?: So far I have remixes...but why a house Remix?...I'm a messenger and house is music what you listen to, to find inspiration and for me I want to touch people in many ways and music is one powerful tool that change lives...I want to be part of that change.

[womenofhouse]

Msaki 

The #womenofhouse series has already featured an impressive line up of vocalists whom I admire immensely and am eternally grateful to for being part of this project. So thrilled to add to the awesomery by introducing Msaki who many of us (South African house heads) know as the earthy and velvety voice behind MOBI DIXON’s Love Colour Spin and house music veterans Revolution's Springtide. She is a rare breed of artist who without warning disrupts your senses, leaving you moved and quietly longing for more. In 2013, Msaki independently recorded and released an EP called ‘Nalithemba’, and she recently released her much anticipated debut LP, ‘Zaneliza: How the Water moves’.

In a nutshell: I am forest child and I can't be far from the sea! Keen film photographer and a lover of most things analog, (possibly a technophobe who was born too late). Thank God for my tech-savvy husband. Living a chilled life in East London. So chilled...

Best known for:  Love Colour Spin : Mobi Dixon, Springtide : Revolution 

Started from: I ran from music but would always be singing when washing the dishes. I washed a lot of dishes.When the music caught up to me, my life started to make sense.

Influences: Honest singer-songwriters, Mama Busi Mhlongo, Bjork, Folk, Inner city blues, South African jazz, Ben Howard, Neo Muyanga, dislocated angsty indie crooners, symphonic film scores, King Fela, The Brother Moves On and many other nuanced urban African sub genres being created right now all over the continent. Africa is too beautiful! 

Why house?: I love house! House has an intelligent audience always in search for the building blocks of their dance anthems. People are not just dancing, they are listening carefully and ready to be moved. Excuse the pun.

[womenofhouse]

Sio 

Screaming on the inside coz, I am uber excited for this week's  #womeonofhouse feature. Sio is a model, actress, poet, writer, singer, songwriter and a founding member of the group Project5ive. Best known for her tracks with Luka WeGoDeep and Lilac Jeans, Sio released her debut EP ‘Under the Winter' last year. Her talent is, in equal parts, thrilling and refreshing. we can look forward to new material coming out on the newly minted Stay True Sounds, this year. co-founder Jullian Gomes is certain she has something special to offer the industry. i am in full agreement **all the fire emojis**

In a nutshell: I'm a female homosapien who's been given the gift of storytelling. The place I tell the stories best is in song.

Best known for:  'This Love' by Lilac Jeans ft Sio Blackwidow, 'Next to you' by Luka ft Sio Blackwidow 

Started from: Music, specifically singing, started for me in primary school, though I was never given any leads. So I'm still pleasantly surprised that people like my voice.

Influences: My musical influences are really all the people who are work with, they greatly influence what and how I write. My songs are also greatly shaped by my life and the lives of those around me.

Why House? House is freedom to me. There's always something new to discover in the many beautiful, complex layers of a house song. And it makes people move, gets you to dance. No one can feel bad after dancing. House music is a healer.

[womenofhouse]

Emily Bruce

Completing the series on Cape Town vocalists I present to you Emily Bruce. Described as "an absolute treat to watch on stage, a truly energetic and engaging performer" Emily's remarkable talent and love for house music has taken her voice far and wide with global dance duo GOLDFISH

In a nusthell: Cape Town thoroughbred born into the District Six and Kalk Bay families of Bruce and Adams. Divine chef, passionate about well-made food, delicate flavour pairings, and desserts from all corners of the globe. Loves writing and co-producing music, teaching singing, and copious amounts of awesome coffee.

Best known for: “Choose Your Own Adventure” and “Get Busy Living” - GOLDFISH

Started from: The time I could speak, to church choirs, university ensembles, and world class combos.

Influences: Everything I studied to achieve my degree as a Master of Music in Jazz Vocal Performance, a journey that spanned 17 years. All the incredibly talented and generous musicians and creative artists I’ve come into contact with in my life.

Why house?: We all need a place we can call home; where we are comfortable to explore, relax, and just be. House is my home.

[womenofhouse]

Maya Spector

Cape Town based vocalist Maya Spector’s voice has a texture that might be best described as an old soul, weathered by life and schooled by adversity, yet still so alive in vocal tone and bubbly in its expression. she's featured on tracks by Native Rootz, Luka (We Go Deep) and MIZA's A Dream which is featured on his latest album.

In a nutshell: Born in Japan (but not Japanese) to a mom from RSA and dad from USA.  Crazy cat lover of note, traveler, foodie, wannabe gardener and a bit of a perfectionist.  

Best known for: "A Dream" -Miza, "We Had Freedom" - Luka

Started from: Musical theater as a little kid belting out big numbers and ended up studying jazz in varsity.

Influences: Jazz, soul, funk, blues, musical theater, folk, trip-hop.  Inspired by music from Bach to Banks.  

Why House?: No joke, it chose me!

https://soundcloud.com/miza-modibedi/miza-ft-maya-a-dream-stasoul-remix

[womenofhouse]

Bonj Mpanza 

I'm so excited to present the first in the Cape Town vocalists series of #‎womenofhouse‬. This young lady truly has a unique voice, which reaches to the very core of my existence. Bonj Mpanza is the lead singer of future afro band The CITY and a highly accomplished vocalist whose features on DJ Mizz’s Eduze and Kaleido & House Victimz’s Uthando turned more than a few heads last year! I will share more of her music later in the day, but for now, here's an introduction to this amazing talent in her own words :)

In a nutshell: Born and bred in the vibrant township of Dobsonville, Soweto. Addicted to slaap chips or anything with an incredible potato feature in it. Love listening to and writing music, get a thrill out of authentic, fresh and cool live shows. Can't live without my amazing family & awesome friends.

Best known for: Eduze by DJ Mizz and UThando by House Victimz & Kaleido (Original Mix)

Started from: Started singing in church and haven't stopped ever since.

Influences: Kwaito, Gospel, R&B, Afro Pop, House, Jazz, Soul, Electro and Pop music. Passionate about our beautiful country and continent. 

Why house?: It's about the magical spirit of dance in Mzansi.