Your genre is often described as Afro-fusion. How do you describe it?
We like to call it Afro pop! It is simple honest pop music.
You’re one of the most culturally diverse groups around. Do you have any cool pre-gig traditions?
Not really, apart from the “standard” huddle. Aron likes to meditate, Simon to warm up the Sax and Peter to practise with his drumsticks using his thigh as the drum.
How did it feel to perform at the 2010 Fifa World Cup Handover Ceremony with the world as a stage?
It was a pretty surreal experience, as we were hanging out in this amazing venue for the WHOLE day. By the time of our performance the novelty had worn off. Plus people were dealing with enormous amounts of stress as the broadcast was live. So I don’t think it was a very pleasant experience for anyone who had to be involved in the performance.
So many great South Africans bands have left home, would you ever consider doing the same?
No. We love living in SA despite all the trouble it is going through at any given time. Cape Town is a home to all of us.
How has the response been to your music in the international marketplace?
People find it hard to place us as we are not pop enough for the international pop market but at the same time we are not world music enough for the specialised audiences. That has been our struggle as far as album sales go. From a performance point of view most of our shows have been amazing, people feel the music even if they are not familiar with it.
What has been your most outstanding gig to date?
Performing at the Harare International Festival of the Arts in May 2008 was by far the most emotional and intense experience. The show had been sold out for weeks before the date, it was absolutely packed with Zimbabweans who were so emotionally charged as a result of the circumstances in their beautiful country. The energy was unreal. People connected through music. Amazing show. By far the highlight of our career…
Winning four SAMA awards must have been an incredible moment. Who do you have to thank?
Our manager Sevi for the endless hours of work and Lance Mc Cormack from SBMG who was the first person to believe in us.
What message do you have for all the South Africans who live abroad?
Maintain our uniqueness out there. Do not assimilate. Be proud for what our country has achieved and now that things are a little fragile. Voice your concern. You are South African, be proud of it!
