Relebogile Mabotja

Izimvo is excited to introduce Relebogile Mabotja. You may recognise her from ETV’s Rhythm City, where she plays the role of Mpumi.

Lebo got her big break when she was selected to play Mabel in Fame-The Musical at age 17, which earned her a Naledi Award for Best New Comer Female and Best Female in a musical. From there things took off and she began presenting for CrazE before appearing on Home Affairs, Generations, Zone 14 and Kompleks. Most recently she is the presenter of a new reality TV show on SABC 1 called, Dance Your Butt Off.

The show features 12 overweight constants who dance and diet and gym to shed weight for the winning prize. Lebo is also a musician who performs regularly at events and corporate functions with her band and has shared the stage with some of SA’s finest talent.

Personal

Q: How would you like to be introduced at a social event?

A: Actress, singer and presenter, Relebogile Mabotja.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favourite movie.

A: I absolutely hate rats. I can do snakes and am kinda ok with spiders, but rats, even just seeing them, freaks me out.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Pyjamas, couch, series re-runs and popcorn…*bliss

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you want it to be?

A: My dream home combines my upbringing with my current dreams. I love comfort and to entertain people, but also love the idea of children growing up on a farm. So I see a mansion on a farm, where I can fit a plot…hehehe. Somewhere quiet but not too far from my other life.

Career

Q: You’re currently working on Dance your Butt Off on SABC1. How has the response been to the show?

A: The response has been overwhelmingly great. So many people are inspired by the show, but mostly entertained. There are a few people who are uncomfortable with the thought of overweight people dancing on TV and with myself being the presenter, but they continue to watch the show anyways.

Q: Of your achievements in the music/ acting industry, what are you most proud of?

A: I have been nominated for and have received numerous awards for my work, but I am most proud of the fact that I have had to opportunity to work with the amazing people I have admired throughout my life. I have become friends with the musicians whose music I danced to as a child and the actors I watched on screen. When that happened, I felt like, ok, I am here now, I am proud, next stop, Hollywood!!!

Q: Being a character on a regular show, do people often confuse you with that character?

A: Always. It’s something I have accepted, to the point that I may have to change my ID to have all of my names officially…hehehe

Q: What are your career plans for the near future?

A: I am dying for a new challenge and I feel that that I should look at radio. I am also a television producer, but now I want to create a show, see it till the end and know that I was all me! I would also love to go back and focus on my music and share this with the world.

Q: How did you feel the first time you saw yourself performing on TV?

A: My first time I saw myself on screen was for an interview for my first professional work in the theatre, Fame –The Musical, when I was just 17. I must have called everyone I know beforehand and when it aired, I was crazy excited! I could not believe that the country was watching me and my work. It was surreal.

Q: If you had to choose between singing and acting, which would you choose?

A: What a corner you have placed me in…I would choose singing. Music is my first love and when I perform, there is an element of acting and taking on a stage character of sort. I also feel that this is one aspect of my career that I am far from having fully explored. Let’s hope I never have to make that choice.

Life in South Africa

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in South Africa?

A: Our country is diverse and exciting. You can find wildlife, winelands, beach, sun, warm winters, occasional snow, modern city life that houses entertainment and fashion. Our people are friendly and hospitable and it’s amazing to have seen that we proved the world and ourselves wrong by putting on a world class event.

Q: When asked about crime in South Africa, what is your response?

A: Every country has crime and it is a pity that many people leave our country due to this. South Africa is a work in progress and has so much more to offer than just violence and fear. I love Mzansi to bits and will always be a proud representative of it. We have uTata Mandela, the father of the world, and no other country has anything on that!

Q: To which three local attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: Robben Island in Cape Town – It’s touching and educational and puts the reality of Madiba’s story into perspective. Orlando Cooling Towers for a Bunjee Jump – I am a huge fan of adventure sports and being there you get a view of the most famous township in our country, the amazing artwork of the heroes we have produced as well as a thrill to welcome you to the “motherland”. Kruger National Park – when people arrive to find that we don’t have lions in our back yards, it is great to take them to where our wild animals are. We host the big 5 and once a visitor has seen all of this, there’s no better way to end of the day with a braai in the park!

Q: South Africa’s greatest musical/ acting export is?

A: Our greatest living musical export would have to be Sibongile Khumalo for me. She can shift from opera, classical music, jazz to our local classics, singing in many different languages of the world…what a lady! Our acting export of course would have to be Charlize Theron. She has shone the light on our country to the rest of the world and has opened many doors to the rest of us.

Michael de Pinna

Izimvo has the pleasure of introducing multi-talented entertainer and Mr Yebo Gogo; Michael de Pinna.

Best known for his antics in Vodacom’s “Yebo Gogo” adverts, Michael is a highly respected and sought-after entertainer with over 25 years in the entertainment industry. Besides being a professional actor, singer, dancer and cabaret artist, Michael has also recently opened an exquisite executive guest house, de Pinna’s, in Northern Johannesburg.

Website: http://www.michaeldepinna.co.za
Location: Johannesburg

Michael was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: How would you like to be introduced to an audience in Australia?

A: As there are so many South Africans in Australia, Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome Mr Yebo Gogo himself!

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from your morning routine to your favorite brand of underpants.

A: I hate clutter!

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Falling off a Chez Longue (lounger) straight into the warm Indian Ocean.

Q: How would you describe your dream holiday home and where in South African would you like it to be?

A: I like the Seychelles, but having said that my dream holiday home would be overlooking the sea at the top of Lions head in a penthouse surrounded by my five King Charles Spaniels.

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South African Entertainment

Q: With over 25 years in the entertainment industry, which of your many accolades are you most proud of?

A: My singing has always been the closest to the real Michael, but I guess becoming known as “Yebo Gogo” in the Vodacom series of advertisements and hanging onto the role for 15 years.

Q: Tell us about how you were first hired for Vodacom’s award-winning “Yebo Gogo” advertising campaign and what do you think it was about the character that made him so popular with South African audiences?

A: I was appearing in a play in Cape Town and merely went to an audition and got the plumb job of the decade. The popularity was all about being the victim which people can sympathize with, but nobody wants to be.

Q: South Africans are known for our sense of humor and the ability to laugh at ourselves. What is it about South African humor that makes it so unique?

A: I think it is because we have so many senses of “humour” in South Africa relating to the rainbow nation that lives within this wonderful country.

Q: Give us a little insight into your daily routine. How much time do you spend working on new shows, preparing for your next gig etc?

A: I am a “rehearser”! I rehearse and rehearse until I get it right. I give attention to things in order of importance as and when it comes along.

Q: If you were opening a new dinner club, which young South African entertainer would you ask to do the opening act?

A: Nianell.

Q: What can we look forward to from Michael de Pinna in 2010 and beyond?

A: I’m very involved with my guest house in Melrose North in Johannesburg, and I also still perform my cabaret shows for corporate companies and am getting involved with a medical company, and will be their new presenter on TV for the various products and subjects that they wish to discuss. I also present a chat show on Radio Today with the glamorous Carolyn Steyn.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: My sister and her daughter were attacked in their house in Johannesburg, and both have emigrated to pastures new. My perception of SA has not changed, but I do think one cannot live in SA without security which is “state of the art.” If you don’t have it, and sometimes even if one does have it, I think once can become a sitting duck. Sad but true.

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?

A: To take a leaf out of Nelson Mandela’s life, and to build up the country, and not divide it.

Q: Who do you consider as South Africa’s greatest entertainer?

A: Mark Banks.

Life in Johannesburg

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in Johannesburg?

A: The trees and the fact that it is home.

Q: Favorite restaurant for a celebration?

A: I do not have one.

Q: What are your thoughts on the Guatrain and as a guest house owner, do you feel it will directly benefit your business?

A: Please God, and while we are on the subject where is it and how do we use it?

General

Q: De Pinna’s is your executive guest house in Melrose North, Johannesburg. What was the impetus for opening the guest house and are you fully booked for the World Cup?

A: My father was in the hotel business and it kind of happened by default. I am not fully booked for the world cup. July is still wide open.

Q: Which three South African entertainers would you most like to go on a long road trip with?

A: Annabel Linder, Harry Sideropoulos and Steve Hofmeyr

Q: If you could go back in time and give your eighteen-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

A: Get a degree or a personality. I have a personality.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils and which book would you say has had the greatest influence on your career?

Q: The Power of One.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: Bisop Tutu – to run as our next President.

We’d like to thank Michael for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future.

Reminder to follow @izimvo on twitter for regular updates and our Facebook page to submit question and interviewee suggestions. You can also read all of our interviews on your iPhone using the Izimvo iPhone application.

Heinz Winckler

Izimvo is honoured to introduce winner of South Africa’s first Idols competition: Heinz Winckler.

Heinz, winner of South Africa’s first Idols in 2002, has gone on to release 3 chart topping studio albums, a Live DVD, performed Chasing Shadows on the sound track of Disney’s Treasure Planet, came fourth in World Idols (Dec 2003) beating the UK’s Will Young, and has been nominated for 2 South African Music Awards. He was chosen for Cosmopolitan’s Sexy Man Calendar for 2003 and won People Magazine’s Crystal Awards for “Best Male Personality”, “Hottest Hunk”, and “Hottest Artist”.

Today Heinz is a house hold name in South Africa where he has done countless shows, including opening for Westlife. He has also guest starred on several local soapies and has been a guest on almost every local talk show. Heinz’s  recently released studio album, Ek Kan Weer In Liefde Glo, has gone gold in only 4 months.

Website: http://www.heinzw.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/heinzwinckler
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heinz-Winckler/41471650756

Heinz was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: How would you like to be introduced at a social event hosted internationally?

A: Heinz Winckler, the pop sensation from South Africa!

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I have a Brown II belt in karate and music production is a hobby of mine.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Watching good movies or TV series, going for a walk along the beach with my wife, swimming or bodyboarding in the ocean.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you want it to be?

A: It would be a Cape Dutch style home with traditional finishes, wood and leather in the interior with beautiful stylish local art and photos of family and friends on the walls. It will be a small wine farm in the Stellenbosch area where I will have a small vineyard and a state of the art studio with a guest house setup where artists and bands can come and work.

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South African Music

Q: Congratulations on the success on your latest album, “Ek Kan Weer In Liefde Glo“. Tell us a little about the album and the story behind the title track.

A: Thank you. I’m very excited about my first Afrikaans album. My supporters have been asking for it for years now and since I am Afrikaans I thought I would give it a bash doing Afrikaans in my own style.

The title track is actually based on an English pop song that we got from last year’s Eurovision winner. It is a co-write by Ronan Keating and two other writers. We translated it and changed the meaning of the song to have a more positive message of hope in love after heartbreak or disappointment. I have had many people come up to me to thank me for what the song has done for them.

Q: Can you describe the moment when you first heard one of your songs on the radio?

A: Yes! It was Once In A Lifetime and I was in the Highveld Stereo studio the morning after I had won when the played it – it was an awesome feeling! I still get goosebumps every time I hear one of my songs on the radio.

Q: Which one of your many accolades are you most proud of?

A: At this stage it’s a toss-up between playing a lead role in the US touring company of Rent and my latest album going gold in 4 months!

Q: What changes would you make to the Idols format both internationally and here in South Africa?

A: I think the format works well. The purpose of the show is to find a new pop singer based on public vote. It does just that. The main thing we need here is a better voting system that can handle any amount of votes, better broadcast sound quality and the contestants also need better sound on stage and more time to rehearse. I think that’ll help to up the level of the show locally.

Q: What are your predictions for the music industry, record labels and the manner in which music will be distributed in the future?

A: The easiest answer is to look at what is happening in Europe, the UK and the US and then know that we will follow suit in about 10 – 15 years. I think CD’s will become collectors items and/or redundant and most people will only buy online.

There will be a small market segment in SA that will get there quite soon, and the masses will only get there in a few years time as the middle class becomes stronger and technology becomes more affordable.

Artists and labels will rely more and more on ringtone downloads, internet purchases and syncing rights for income and live performing will become more important for all artists as a source (maybe even main source) of income.

I think we’ll see more independent labels doing well and the majors merging and even failing.

And lastly I think we’ll see more and more artists who become famous on the internet on their own.

Q: What can we look forward to from Heinz Winckler in 2010?

A: First of all lots of new music in the form of a few more radio singles from the new album. I will also be performing live all around the country – for more info go to www.heinzw.co.za and my fan page on Facebook. I will also be a coach on the new season of Supersterre on SABC2. And I’m playing one of the lead roles in the new season of Getroud Met Rugby as well as the movie that will follow-on the movie. There is also the possibility of doing 2 overseas trips for shows this year – but more on that later.

Life in South Africa

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in South Africa?

A: The space, the rich culture, the amazing scenery and the fact that it is my home.

Q: When asked about crime in South Africa internationally, how do you respond?

A: I tell them that yes it is bad, but that they need to take it with a pinch of salt as the media tend to exaggerate things and that I choose to not live in fear.

Q: With less than 100 days to the first African Soccer World Cup, what advice would you offer to first-time visitors looking for the ultimate South African experience?

A: Eat the food, because it will lead you to the people, and the people are what makes this country great. There is too much to experience, and you will not get to everything, so do what you can and come back for more later. But my top three activities would be to take the cable car to Table Mountain, drive the pass from Gordon’s Bay to Kleinmond and do some wine tasting at the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Robertson wine farms.

General

Q: Which of your lyrics would you most like to be remembered for?

A: It’s Your Song, and no one can take it away. Just let me sing along, to your song, we’ll sing all day long, to your song. (It’s from Real Song from the new album and song is a metaphor for the calling and purpose we each have.)

Q: Do you follow any rituals before getting up on stage to perform?

A: Just practical stuff – pray, warm up the voice, drink water, tune the guitar and make sure I know my set list.

Q: If you were to write a message for your unborn son to open on his 18th birthday, what would it say?

A: I’ve actually already wrote him a song that I surprised my wife with on her baby shower.

It’s in Afrikaans though – but the jist of it is based on the meaning of his name (Lian) which means Willow and is connected to my wife’s favourite scripture, Jeremiah 17:7,8. So the lyrics are something like this:

A willow Tree
By a waterstream
No worrying in drought
Son of promise
Son of hope
Man of God

Your mom and I stand together
And bless you in Jesus’ name

My son, my blessing
Borrowed from our creator
To raise and to cherish
To lead in the fear of God
My son

Q: If you could invite any three South Africans to an intimate dinner party, who would you invite and what music would you play in the background?

A: My wife and my parents. Beethoven.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you like to ask them?

A: Jacob Zuma. What is your true, actual vision for this country.

A massive thank Heinz for taking the time to answer our questions. We’d like to wish him every success for the future and wish him and his wife, Alette, all the best with the birth of their first child any week now.

Be sure to follow @izimvo on twitter for regular updates and our Facebook page to submit question and interviewee suggestions. You can alos follow all our previous interviewees on Twitter at http//twitter.com/izimvo/interviewees

Karin Hougaard

Izimvo is truly honoured to introduce singer-songwriter, poet, artist, writer and actress: Karin Hougaard.

Karin has endured the test of time and has become a true icon of South African music. Since her debut as teen singing sensation in the early 1980’s, Karin has released 9 award-winning albums and has various compilations and singles to her name. Karin has also appeared in various stage productions across Europe and South Africa as well appearing in many television programs.

Karin is currently working on a various new projects including a new solo show called Die Boom which she will perform in The Netherlands.

Website: http://www.karinhougaard.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KarinHougaard
Karin’s YouTube Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/karinhougaard
Facebook Fan Page
Location: United States

Karin was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: My first name only – nobody at a social remembers one’s last name – unless it’s one of those pain in the butts who tries to impress you by knowing everyone at the party’s names after being introduced only once! (I guess truthfully I envy being able to do that).

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: My bookshelf is arranged by theme and as far as possible I try to keep it alphabetically.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Scuba diving…if all else fails I take a bath and lie in the tub with my ears submerged!

Q: How would you describe your dream holiday home and where in South African would you want it to be?

A: I already have that little hide-away, it’s right on the water’s edge in KZN hidden on the Wild Coast. What I cherish most is the sound of the waves crashing on the beach and the Dassies and Duijkers who visit the garden.

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South African Music

Q: Your music career started at the age of 16 when you become the youngest ever winner of the South African talent competition, Crescendo. What are your thoughts on talent competitions such as Crescendo and American Idol?

A: I think competitions are wonderful platforms for up and coming artists, however sadly more often than not mentoring is not available for a young winner. This often results in very young artists not being able to sustain a career due to a lack of experience and the skills to deal with overnight fame.

Crescendo catapulted me into a music career – but it was up to me how I utilized the opportunities. I had parents who were wise and thanks to them I attended university like any regular kid.

The downside was – being very young when I started out – I had to grow up in the public eye with very little margin for error career wise. Also becoming an adult also influenced how I looked at my music and musical choices, gradually I reinvented myself from a teen pop star into a mature more serious artist. This is not easy to do, but thankfully I seemed to have survived change.

Q: Besides an illustrious music career your are also an accomplished actress, artist and poet. Which of these disciplines have you found to be most rewarding?

A: Each of the disciplines addresses a different aspect of my creativity. Each has its own very specific challenges – I feel blessed that they compliment each other and make me a more rounded person and artist. There just is no way I can choose between them – I am the sum of all these parts.

Q: Which of your numerous accolades are you most proud of?

A: I think the fact that one of my compositions “By My” from my last album HARTSTUKKE has been recorded (separately) by 2 of The Netherland’s most prominent singers – Paul de Leeuw and Herman van Veen and there’s a third version of the song being recorded by a young Dutch artist even as we speak! I love the fact that my music transcends borders and get to take on a new life and meaning of their own.

Also the fact that one of my songs lyrics, Kruietuin is prescribed for Grade 11 Afrikaans as poetry. It’s a huge compliment.

Q: Are there any young South African acts that have recently caught your attention?

A: I love the poetry of Kabous Verwoed – he regularly performs his poetry and a few well-known SA composers wrote musical scores / musical backdrops – against which he speaks his poetry. His latest project is called “Reiswoorde”.

Q: Can you give us an insight into your creative process. What comes first, the lyrics, the melody or does it depend on the song?

A: Many things inspire me, a smell, a phrase, a sound and therefore it is very unpredictable how the process will happen. It actually varies from song to song – sometimes it’s the melody first, or a lyric first or both simultaneously! Sorry no easy recipe!

Q: What can we look forward to from Karin Hougaard in the years ahead?

A: I am currently working on my new show for the 2010/2011 concert season in Europe. It is called Die Boom / The Tree. It is multi-lingual (Dutch, Afrikaans, English) and I’m currently writing music, poetry and texts for the project. Hopefully this will (as usual) culminate in an album. Also I am due to play one of the 2 leads in a Dutch play called Juliette written and directed by Dutch artist Herman van Veen for the 2011/2012 theatre season. I’m also still painting on the sly – so hopefully an exhibition will follow sometime…

Life in South Africa

Q: What about South African life do you miss the most living in the States?

A: The ease with which all South Africans laugh and our very unique, warm sense of humor. Hearing my mother tongue and being able to express myself in it – being a word person I sorely miss Afrikaans. Naturally – it goes without saying – I miss biltong, blatjang, boerbeskuit, melktert and a good Boere Braai immensely!

Q: When asked internationally about crime in South Africa, what is your response?

A: It is always so difficult to answer I do not want to focus on the negative, there are so many great things about SA. But when asked I try to explain the vast levels of poverty we battle with and how it impacts on our society. Crime is one of the many ugly faces caused by poverty, a lack of education and the breakdown of a society’s moral fibre.

Q: Which three South African attractions would you recommend an international visitor?

A: Constitution Hill and the Apartheid museum, any of our brilliant Game Reserves, Cradle of Humankind.

Q: If you could bring anything from America back to South Africa, what would it be?

A: Their unbelievable sense of national pride and unity as a country despite the differences. Their can-do attitude. I think we as a people can do with such a continued and sustained feeling of pride and belief that we can achieve anything.

Q: South Africa’s greatest musical export is?

A: Here in the USA Honda just ran a television ad featuring the song Pata Pata, so I think few voices are so well-known in the entire world as that of Miriam Makeba.

General

Q: Which of your lyrics would you most like to be remembered for?

A: I have written many songs and each of them hold a special meaning for me personally, to me they are like children and I cannot pick a favourite. I can only hope that somewhere in the wide world someone will listen to my songs and that the lyrics will touch them and they will be remembered.

Q: Do you follow any rituals before getting up on stage to perform?

A: I take three very deep breaths and if I’m not in a play portraying a character – but singing my own concert – I take off my shoes!

Gated Community - one of Karin's paintings

Q: If you could invite any three South Africans to an intimate dinner party, who would you invite and which of your albums would you play in the background?

A: Ideally Madiba, Elizabeth Eybers (were she still alive) and William Kentridge. I will play no music since when there’s music in the background my mind keeps wandering towards it and I do not want to miss a word.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow

A: Just waking up would be very nice!

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you like to ask them?

A: If this were a hypothetical interview (because I’m not sure I want to afford him the exposure!) – Mr Julius Malema. I would like to ask him how he envisages the ideal South Africa, because I don’t get where’s he’s going with his rhetoric.

We’d like to thank Karin for taking the time to answer our questions and wish her every success for the future.

Be sure to follow @izimvo on twitter for regular updates and our Facebook page to submit question and interviewee suggestions. You can alos follow all our previous interviewees on Twitter at https//twitter.com/izimvo/interviewees

Claire Johnston

Izimvo has the great pleasure of introducing the lead singer of Mango Groove: Claire Johnston.

Claire, the voice and face of Mango Groove, has become an integral part of South African musical heritage. Since their first iconic multi-platinum release in 1989, Claire and the band have enjoyed over 12 Number 1 hits and have received every conceivable South African music and video award.

Their career highlights include the direct satellite link-up to the Freddie Mercury tribute in London; their performance in front of 200 000 people at the Paris “SOS Racism” concert and their performance at the renowned Montreux Jazz festival where the band received 3 encores.

With the release of their latest album, Bang the Drum, Mango Groove continues to be an act that truly reaches the hearts of all South Africans.

Website: http://www.mangogroove.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/CJMangoGroove
Location: Johannesburg

Claire was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: How would you like to be introduced at a social event?

A: In my personal capacity – Claire Leyden. In my work capacity – Claire Johnston.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I am an only child and I love eating and reading at the same time. One is almost a trigger for the other!

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: The African bush always calls me: anything from getting out into the wilderness to just watching a bird in our own garden.. very redemptive.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you want it to be?

A: A difficult one, as we love our home as it is. Ideally, perhaps, it would be quite old (Victorian/Edwardian), with a huge stoep, and overlooking a large river with crocs, hippos, elephants, birds and other wonderful things. I would probably also need it to have broadband!

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Mango Groove

Q: You joined Mango Groove at the age of 17 while still at school. What was the reaction from your parents to the news and were they supportive of your early career?

A: My mum and step dad were always very supportive of my singing. I’d been a ”professional performer” in a way since I was 10 (in the Brickhill-Burke production of ”Annie”), so I think they always knew which path I was going to follow. In fact, I recall my mum being disappointed when I opted to do a straight BA at WITS instead of Drama, as planned.

Q: Can you describe the moment when you first heard a Mango Groove song being played on the radio?

A: Hmmm, do you know that I can’t?! But what I do recall very clearly was the thrill of hearing a street cleaner whistling the chorus of the Mango song ‘Move up’ from my Cape Town Hotel room window in 1987.

Q: Mango Groove have enjoyed many successes including 12 number 1 hits, performing for the Freddie Mercury tribute to an estimated audience of a billion people and being only group to stay at the top of the South African national charts for over a year. Which of the band’s numerous accolades are you most proud of?

A: A tough call, but a couple of things stand out: being part of our country’s very first democratic Inauguration concert (there must have been a couple of hundred thousand people there, and what an emotional event!), and being the only SA act to perform at the official concert celebrating the handover of Hong Kong to China.

Q: Your new album, “Bang the Drum“, comes 14 years after your last full studio album. What was it like getting back into the studio as a band and how would you describe the album to someone unfamiliar with your previous work?

A: It was really great to get back into the studio, I must say. We elected to go back to the studio where we recorded our first two albums, so it was a bit like coming home! The album only took us 4 months to record, so everything felt pretty instinctive and effortless. The new album is very familiar Mango Groove, and pretty much ”back to our roots”: a noisy, live mixture of ’50s and ’60s urban music styles (Kwela, Marabi, Mbaqanga) and contemporary pop… Simple pop songs, simple choruses and tight arrangements.

Q: Can you give us an insight into your creative process. What comes first, the lyrics, the melody or does it depend on the song?

A: I’d say it’s often driven by a chorus title, or alternatively by a penny whistle or horn line. A lot of toil and trial and error follows, but ultimately it’s a pretty organic process.

Q: What can we look forward to from Mango Groove in the years ahead?

A: Where do I begin? Seriously, though, we will be touring SA in April this year and are also looking to get back to some foreign shores later on in the year. There’s a live DVD in the pipeline, and who knows what in the future? A musical or two, more albums, stuffed toys… we take these things as they come :)

Life in South Africa

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in South Africa?

A: I love the people, the weather, the bush, the birds and the animals.

Q: When asked internationally about crime in South Africa, what is your response?

A: It’s a massive challenge for our country, certainly, but I have confidence that we are tackling it together. Living or travelling in South Africa, one simply has to be vigilant, and smart about how you do things.

Q: To which three local attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: An unfair question, as there are so many!

Certainly the Kruger Park (for its sheer scale and variety), the Wild Coast, the Eastern Cape (John – my husband and founding member of Mango Groove – and I have a personal attachment to Shamwari and we have spent a lot of time there), the Cradle of Humankind ( for a sense of where have we all come from as human beings) and The Apartheid Museum ( for a sense of how far we have come as a nation). That’s 5 isn’t it?

Q: South Africa’s greatest musical export is?

A: Its variety! It could be anything from Ladysmith Black Mambazo to Seether, with everything in between.

General

Q: Which of your lyrics would you most like to be remembered for?

A: “Another Time, Another Place, Another Country, Another State of Grace. You’ll walk beside me, I’ll tell you no lies, and then you’ll see Another Country in my eyes”. Nice work, John – I wish I had written them!

Q: Do you follow any rituals before getting up on stage to perform?

A: I’m always nervous (I’ll never lose that), but apart from last-minute ”fussing” (clothes, make up), I generally just pace and warm up my voice. Oh, and I also knock back a neat scotch (no ice)!

Q: What are your thoughts on talent contests such as American Idols? Do you think you would’ve entered if they were around when you were first starting out?

A: Talent competitions in one form or another have always been part of our business, and they are one of many ways one can get noticed or signed. They have a high-profile now, given how much reality TV is out there, but I’m not persuaded that they are the backbone of the industry.

Talent rises to the top in many ways, and I would say that there are more dominant mechanisms for unearthing this talent: record companies, production companies, talent scouts, the live circuit and (perhaps above all) the tenacity and passion of artists themselves.

Looking at the global industry, the artists that dominate still tend to be pretty ”organic” and self-starting, with the Talent Contest competitors forming a small part of this.

Would I have entered? Very possibly.

Q: If you could invite any three South Africans to an intimate dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve for dessert?

A: Guest List: HF Verwoerd, BJ Vorster, PW Botha. Topic: What the hell were you thinking? Dessert:Humble Pie!

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: In my own bed, of course!

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you like to ask them?

A: South Africa has so many stories to tell, so I would be spoilt for choice. :)

We’d like to thank Claire for taking the time to answer our questions and wish her and the other members of Mango Groove every success with the future.

Bang the Drum

If you have not already done so, be sure to go out and get Mango Groove’s latest album, Bang the Drum. This 16 track offering delivers the quintessential “Mango Sound” and is a must for any fan of this super group.

Ard Matthews

Today’s talented voice belongs to the lead singer of Just Jinjer: Ard Matthews.

Since igniting the local music scene in 1996 with their debut album, “All Comes Around”, Just Jinjer have become South Africa’s biggest selling rock band of all time. The band, with 6 number 1 hits and two double-platinum albums, recently returned to South Africa after a decade of touring and performing internationally.

Consisting of Durban born lead singer, Ard Matthews (vocals/guitar), Brent Harris (drums/vocals) and Denholm Harding (bass/vocals), Just Jinjer are currently promoting their latest album “Milk and Honies” in Kwazulu Natal.

Website: http://ardmatthews.com and http://www.justjinjer.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ardmatthews
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ardmatthews
Location: Cape Town

Ard was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Ard Matthews. Rough n tough and from the Bluff. Still on the good side of my 30s.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I’m a real geek actually. I love gadgets and tech stuff. I did a computer course a few years ago to understand more about the inner workings of these wonderful machines. To give you an idea of how bad I have it: I will have one of the first iPads in the country when they get released. (I know ppl)

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: I can lose myself in a good video game. Playstation, xbox; you name it. I’ll rock it hard. Let’s not forget that I can also lose myself with just an acoustic guitar and a few fresh melodies!!

Q: Tell us about “First Offerings” and how it came about?

A: “First Offerings” is a concept album that is 100% for the benefit of my charity called the MyLife Foundation. www.mylife.org.za. ALL proceeds go towards this cause. Unfortunately the completion of the record has been delayed but I am still working on it feverishly.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you want it to be?

A: I’m thinking about a cool, self sustainable small holding somewhere on the coast. I’m still undecided as to exactly where as it’s all just so beautiful. I still have a strong pull towards the Natal coast. I love it!!

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

South African Music

Q: Do you remember the first time you heard one of your songs on the radio? Do you ever get used to it?

A: It’s always a thrill. I’d be lying if I said it ever got old. It’s always the biggest complement to me that someone cares enough to play it and that ppl care enough to want to hear it. Awesome feeling!!

Q: How important would you say social media is for bands? Is this driven by the band or their record labels?

A: It’s extremely important nowadays. I wish it wasn’t. Bands should be just judged for their quality of music and their live shows…not for the Myspace friend count.

Q: During the songwriting process, which comes first – the melody, lyrics or a combination of the two?

A: A combination. I try never to have any rules about my process. ‘ What He Means’ was a melody for almost a year before I wrote the opening lines lyrics..

Q: How important do you think the move to the States has been for Just Jinjer? Could you have enjoyed the same level of success without relocating?

A: Possibly. But I fear I may have lost out on sleep wondering about the “what if I hadn’t tried” aspect of that decision. I think life is all about the journey so I’m happy to have had so many stops along my way home…

Q: What advice would you give the young musician with a demo CD in their pocket?

A: Pick only 2-3 of your very best songs. DO NOT give an exec a 12 track album. They will NEVER listen past the first few songs if they even listen at all. Spend your whole budget on getting 3 songs sounding awesome rather than doing 12 averagely.

Q: Are there any new local acts which have caught your eye?

A: I’m diggin the New Holland record. Cool vibe. I also love Die Antwoord. They so funny!

Life in South Africa

Q: Living in LA since 2002, how would you describe the perception of South Africa and it’s people?

A: South Africans have a great reputation. They are known to be good; diligent workers with good manners. I knew a lot of Americans who had complete SA envy. Plus…we live in AFRICA!!! It’s just so cool

Q: Is your move to the States a permanent one or do you think you will move back to South Africa?

A: We actually moved back to SA in August last year after 10 years of representing our country abroad.

Q: To which three local attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: The Garden Route. Table Mountain then the Winelands.

Q: South Africa’s greatest export is?

A: Leon Schuster.

General

Q: What is the craziest thing a fan has done to get your attention?

A: Far too crazy for this interview. We’ll leave it to the readers imagination ;-)

Q: Traveling as much as you do, do you have any advice for those long flights? Can you tell us how many Voyager miles you clocked up in 2009?

A: We were so foolish. We only applied for our miles halfway in to our careers. If we had started collecting from the beginning, I’m sure we’d all be around a million miles.

Q: Which of your lyrics would you most like to be remembered for?

A: “that’s NOT what He means, and it doesn’t matter what Book you read” – from What He Means.

Q: Favorite flavor of ice cream?

Q: Chocolate in choc sauce with choc sprinkles and a choc flake. I like chocolate.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: I want to read about Leon Schuster and I’d like to ask him why he does not want to braai at my house this weekend already!!

We’d like to thank Ard for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him and Just Jinjer every success for the future.

Be sure to catch Ard and Just Jinger at the Durban Botanical Gardens this Sunday, the 14th Feb. The Old Mutal Music at the Lake opens at 16:30 and tickets cost R80 for adults, R20 for kids between 6 and 12 and free for kids under 6. Book your tickets here.