TSA - Music Over Matter EP

1.   How did the idea of the Music over Matter EP come about?

It was taken from the idea of ‘Mind Over Matter’ which is basically the use of willpower to overcome physical/tangible problems. So music is therapeutic for me as I use it as an outlet to blow off steam. Music is a skill that’s been lingering in me so the MOMEP is me exploring that side of me and I’m determined to make it happen no matter what. That’s Music over Matter.

2.    How did you prepare and how long did it take to complete it?

The song that started it all was ‘Music Matters’ which features one of my good friends Lefa and produced by Gama Rayz. It pretty much determined the tone of the project and it gives you an idea of where my head is at in terms of what I’m trying to do as an artist. I started working on the EP last year in December and recorded the last song this month.

3.   What's the story behind the EP?

Music has always been a big part of my life so this EP is me celebrating that. I don’t really like talking much so I use it as my personal therapist because I can get through a lot of things good or bad by indulging in my favourite music.

4.   Now that the EP is complete how are you feeling about the potential feedback?

I like how “potential” is the operative word here. TSA is not used to feedback, we've at least handed out over 200 discs in 2013 and no feedback was received. This distribution process has always been about creating awareness other than potential feedback.

5.  Years from now what do you think you would say to the current you,   

     regarding making music?

     
     Yo you was good back then but you’re even better now.’ – I just want to keep improving     

     because I’m only as good as my previous song/performance.

5.   Which track do you think will stick out from the rest?

Uhm, damn that’s a tough one. I think it will have to be “Cultivation” which was produced by TruHitz and co-produced by myself. It sums up the whole project and the beat has a sample from “Amantombazane” by Riky Rick. Shout out to him for giving me the clearance.

6.    When and where will people be able to get ahold of the EP?

      
       It will be available for download online on www.facebook.com/tsanobodyelse and on my    

       twitter @TSANobodyElse.

      Check out  

TSA Presents Nobody Else: Behind the Music - Part 1

The Other Side of Jozi

The city of gold, a place of dreams, a direct translation for “Gauteng”, it’s additional character is found in its surname, “Maboneng” a description for a place of light(s), a place of quick thinkers, Gauteng Maboneng.

This city holds promise, some dreams materialize while others become a shot in the dark and only luck is refuge, this city has seen ordinary boys and girls from all corners of the land become great men and women, in some cases, the opposite.

This group exhibition with works by Andrew Ntshabele and Senzo Shabangu; refocuses the lens and pulls a closer look at the other side of these great walls, a dream sold to men and women of this country, to urban and rural dwellers of this land, it draws closer to the false promise and the reality of what this city really is and furthermore the fabrication sold by its ever haunting demeanor, this is Johannesburg and everything goes, some say go big or go home and most go big never to return to themselves.

While the description somewhat casts a certain light on this wonderful city, there is the other side, a side that is sacred and rewarding, this city’s steady step has the power to shape its inhabitants, some find new dreams and the hope to keep them alive, this city is a magical place and a haven for most, it has brought inspiration to artists, ideas to architects, money to businessmen and woman, it has brought a voice to emerging politicians and light to a forgotten dreams, welcome to Gauteng Maboneng, some make it, some don’t.

Andrew Ntshabele, born in the small rural of Moruleng in the North West Province. In 1989 his family moved to the city of Johannesburg amongst the hustle and the bustle of the urban life. His passion and love for the visual arts was identified by his teachers through nursery school right up to High School. This led him to enroll at the University of Johannesburg, which enhanced his knowledge in the world of visual arts. The majority of his works are painted and drawn in realistic style. His subject matter are the poor and the marginalized people who eke out a living in the inner city and its out skirts.

Senzo Shabangu, is from a small village in Mpumalanga Province, called Driefontein. He came to Johannesburg at the beginning of 2006, to become a pilot; instead he ended up studying printmaking at the Artist Proof Studios. His main themes are based on life experiences – the pressures of life in Johannesburg.