Breaking into the RnB and hip-hop space is a challenging task alone. Now, add bursting on to this male-dominated scene as a solo-female musician — the battle increases tenfold. Local songstress Scintilla, however, breaks down how to establish yourself in the industry with ease. This multifaceted musician unpacks her journey of setting goals, setting boundaries, setting yourself up for success in the face of adversity, and remaining authentic in the process.
[Giuliette Price on a secluded path near UCT’s middle campus. PHOTO: James Browning]
Giuliette Price is a Cape Town-based vocalist and songwriter who has wasted little time since their move from Johannesburg in 2021. Since then, they’ve played on stages with names on the level of Kujenga, MOONGA K. and Alice Phoebe Lou.
The Cape Town-based slacker-jazz indie rock four-piece, Hartleyvale, was formed when its members met while studying jazz at the South African College of Music (SACM) at the University of Cape Town (UCT). They describe their sound as “intuitive, with divine guidance from our varied influences”.
We all know that there is something extra special about listening to an original vinyl record. Whether it be the superior quality of the sound, the cultural significance of a specific vinyl or even the longevity of a classic LP – nothing beats owning and listening to your own vinyl.
[The imagery of Emmaleen leans into her genre’s aesthetic. PHOTO: Supplied/Emmaleen]
Namibian-born Emmaleen is a self-taught guitarist, banjo player and vocalist who has been gracing Cape Town with her gothic blues for the past several years. She has played on stages around the Mother City, including SurfaRosa, Evol, and The Armchair Theatre.
Cold is the debut release from Cape Town-based musician Jean-Paul Britz, released in December 2022. The album’s eight tracks serve as a pensive meditation, with its experimental production choices resulting in a weighty, liquid soundscape.
With a vast variety of musical acts constantly emerging from the Mother City, it is no secret that Cape Town is home to one of the world’s most electrifying live music scenes. However, this ever-evolving scene would be nothing without its sound engineers cooking up some magic behind the scenes.
[Table Mountain watches over Manfred Klose (left) and Given Nkanyane (right) on their short trip home. PHOTO: James Browning]
Stone Jets are a now London-based musical duo who have turned a lucky Cape Town recording studio meetup into an international touring band. Since relocating in 2019, bassist and vocalist Given Nkanyane and guitarist Manfred Klose have played their smile-summoning, South African-flavoured tunes on stages across the UK and Europe.
Pierre Rommelaere is a familiar face for local musicians and their fans alike — even if it is only from behind a camera. From his humble beginnings photographing live music at venues in Stellenbosch and Cape Town, Pierre has risen to one of the most prominent live music photographers in South Africa.
[Keanan performs on The Funky Bazaar stage in December. PHOTO: James Browning]
Keanan Eksteen is a Kraaifontein-born musician strumming charming indie tunes with an old-school rock ‘n roll attitude. An impressive first year of performance in 2022 saw Keanan take his hip-shaking, arm-flinging energy to stages in Europe, sell out local hotspot café Roux, and collaborate with the internationally acclaimed electronic duo, GoldFish.
