As a result of certain organisers, namely, Bridges for Music and Kinky Disco getting their ‘hands dirty’ so to speak, by getting out to some of the lesser-reached areas in terms of electronic music, local talents are taking full advantage and coming to the electronic dance music scene’s attention because of the platform supplied. Recently there was fundraiser in the township of Langa, Cape town with all proceeds going toward building a new music school.
Lebz Letsimo AKA Lebz was on the bill to play a B2B set with Ryan Murgatroyd among other local hero’s on the day. We managed to catch up with Lebz to chat about how he feels about the cultural divide in music, if any, and what he plans to do in the near and, not so near future. Read further:
Bridges for Music is doing some serious good in our country, through electronic music. I see you played at the last charity event that was to raise funds for a new music school in Langa. Tell me about the event, and what was it like to play B2B with one of SA's finest DJ/producers Ryan Murgatroyd? The event is to raise funds in building a new music school in Langa and Bridges for music and Kinky Disco made a great effort in making this event a success.
Lebz playing B2B with Ryan Murgatroyd in Langa, Cape Town.
(continued..) The event was great. What I admire the most about the event is that it’s a united culture, despite the event happening in the townships, but it’s a great platform for local DJ’s and artists. Playing alongside Ryan Murgatroyd has given me the light that even if you play different genres, through music you can still make magic.
What have you got planned for the near future? Pop up Disco, Secret Love, Breathe Sunshine Sessions, DJ’s for bread, Radio, 2nd Annual Fun Day Picnic in Nyanga and other projects lined up for me.
What have you got planned for the not so near future? Focusing on Sonar, Amsterdam Dance Event, and Bigger than Football.
If someone had to take your decks away for a month, what would you keep yourself busy with, in your free time? Music Production (I can still make magic).
Who do you look to for inspiration, for both your daily living and music? Black Mango (Family) and Simon Ringrose (Sibot).
The same question we asked Goldfish recently in interview… If you were to be booked to play the same venue in the same city, every night, from here on in, which city would that be and why? Cape Town, I believe we have the potential in making things happen and Cape Town is where my home is and I really enjoy the people.
Do you think there is a great divide within the music cultures or EDM more specifically? Yes, there is a great divide in our culture, because most people in the township listen to few genres of music, and the suburbs side they play a lot of different music and they move to every genre, but that’s different in the township, they don't dance to what they don't know.
Where would you MOST like to play a set in South Africa? Johannesburg.
Listen out for Lebz. The man is making waves and slowly etching his way onto more and more bills around the Western regions with the hopes to finally make it up north to showcase his skills in the busy city of SA - JHB....and beyond.