@ Tshwane Open media launch

DeeVah (Dembe Thakhathi)

While DeeVah is a versatile singer/songwriter, recording artist, performer, poet, rapper, lyricist and model, her forte is music, singing and writing from the tender age of nine.

DeeVah brings her passion to her music, which she sees as her voice of change. Her musical versatility allows her to perform jazz, soul, acoustic, folk, R&B, house and pop.

She has performed across South Africa, and was part of the Standard Bank Grahamstown Jazz Festival in 2009 and 2010.

 

@ Pro-Am prize-giving dinner

Nebo Soul Afro Touch

Nebo Soul Afro Touch Band was formed in 2011 in the small township called Lotus in Tshwane. The first step was the release of her first album – African Cultural Jazz Treasure – sponsored by her sister. Between the two, they hustled to sell the CDs to anyone who cared to listen, selling all 500 discs.

After the passing of her father, Nebo got her first piano and developed her craft with the help of Thato Lenake.

Since 2013 Nebo has opened for Zahara, Zonke and Lira, among others. And her star continues to rise.

She has also appeared on Tshwane TV, SABC Morning Live and a number of radio stations.

 

@ The Tshwane Open Night Market

DJ Kenzhero

Kenneth Bekizizwe Nzama was born during the 1976 Uprising into a musical family.

His first musical influence came through his grandfather, whose collection of music from jazz, blues and soul led him to look at music differently.

In 1998 Kenzhero’s love for music lead him into deejaying poetry sessions around Johannesburg. From that he spread his wings, moving to Cape Town working as a Dj.

He now travels widely, sharing his passion for the music.

Melo B Jones

Melo B Jones is a 20-something singer/songwriter living and creating music in the vibrant city of Tshwane.

The origins of her come from her personal journey: “Melo” is derived from her first name, Boitumelo. It echoes the mellow tones and melodies found in her sound; the feeling her music brings. “B” is her personal sign off. Her initial. “Jones” is a fixation with something or someone. An addiction.

Her music aspires to represent that wholly, from an inspired and fresh angle – especially in a South African context. Mixing soul, jazz, neo soul, and R&B, her music is an uncategorised blend of her childhood musical influences, her life and all that she loves in one.

Having performed alongside and collaborated with acts such as electro-house collective, Crazy White Boy (with the hit single “Show Me The Way” from Electro Candi II) and Cape Town based group, Ill Skillz, her sound crosses from house to R&B to hip hop.

Lerato ‘Vardz’ Litheko

Once Vardz heard “Below the Heavens-Blu&Exile” it was a done deal, she was going to be involved in the hip hop scene no matter what’, taking jobs to be near the music.

“I worked my way up production jobs in events such as Party People, Back To The City and other related events. And because I always love trying out new things I was surrounded by cans of spray paint , bboys, mics and the decks. It was only a matter of time before I jumped onto one those mediums.”

Vardz considers herself lucky to have been on the same flier and opened for such greats as HHP, Dj P-Kuttah, Khuli Chana, Tha Cutt, Dj Kenzhero, 9th Wonder, Jean Grae, Halo the MC, Rapsody, Pharoahe Monch and Pac Div.

She plays at a number of clubs around Joburg and Tshwane, and at events such as Back To The City, Sprite Uncontainable, Powerplay Griffin Sessions, The Annual Lesotho Summer Shakedown.