The fifth annual Channel O Awards are coming up at Carnival City on Thursday, 29 October 2009.
The categories and nominees were released on 14 July - please
TUNE IN HERE to see the full list.
Here's a look at each of the nominees:
2 Face Idibia
Since the release of his debut solo album on May 15, 2004, 2Face has gathered popularity among both African and international audiences.
A founding member of Nigerian group, Plantashun Boyz, 2Face focuses on smooth songs rooted in African sounds.
Besides his self-titled debut album, 2Face has released Grass 2 Grace and Mine 2 Yours.
9ice
Nicknamed “The Hit Maker”, Nigeria's 9ice's first album titled Certificate included the tracks “Little Money”, “Talent deh Waste”, “Music Daddy” as well as the popular club banger “Ganja Man”.
Influenced by Wyclef Jean to Ebenezer Obey, 9ice's sound is Afro Hip-Hop.
Amani
Amani - meaning "peace and tranquility, the lull just before a storm" in Swahili - started singing and performing at the age of six.
She started her professional solo career in 1999 and released the single “Move On”.
In 2002 she collaborated with fellow Kenyan Nameless on the track “Ninanoki” (I Am Going Crazy).
With the release of her debut album Tamani, she won 7 music awards in East Africa.
Amani was nominated for Best Female Artist - East at the 2008 Channel O Music Video Awards.
Adé Bantu
Previously known as Duke T, Bantu officially changed his stage name to Adé (later adding Bantu after his 2005 album release).
In 2003 Adé Bantu, his brother Don Abi and German Reggae singer Gentleman recorded the single "Rudie (Hold It Down)" with UB40.
In 2004 he released his European debut album titled Bantu.
In 2006 he performed with his band Afrobeat Academy during the Fifa World Cup in Germany. He has collaborated and toured with Tony Allen and Seun Kuti.
Adé Bantu currently resides in Nigeria and Germany.
Black Coffee
Durban-born Nkosinathi Maphumulo has been on the music scene for over a decade but only got his break a few years ago.
Nkosinathi, otherwise known as Black Coffee, is popular for his hit remixes, most of which have enjoyed prominence on the airwaves in the past couple of years.
A DJ and producer, he forged his musical background through his school choir and by studying the keyboard. He studied music because he felt that as a producer, he had to deepen his overall musical knowledge, develop his listening skills and advance his knowledge of music theory.
Black Coffee, who is also a member of the group Shana, believes that being a DJ requires extensive research particularly when it comes to knowing the latest trends on the DJing scene. Who helped him achieve his goals? “There was no one in particular who really put me in the mainstream," he says. "Everything I have done on my own thus far has paved my way.”
Black Rhino
Black Rhino started composing his own songs at the age of 14. He got his first taste of the professional music scene when he featured in his brother Professor Jay’s track “Nawakilisha”.
The release of his Hip-Hop/Ragga tune “Mistari” earned him a nomination for a Tanzania Music Award in 2005.
Three years later the Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Management student dropped his debut album titled Usipime.
Brian Themba
Originally from Soshanguwe Pretoria, South Africa, Brian Temba’s music career began as a backing singer for Hugh Masekela, Jonathan Butler and Vicky Vilakazi.
He’s been involved in various local and international soundtracks for movies namely Tears of the Sun and Pride, as well as playing the role of Simba in the musical, The Lion King in London.
Brian’s debut album Something Better features the hit single, “Dominoes”, which has been nominated in two categories in this year’s Channel O Music Video Awards.
Buffalo Souljah
Buffalo Souljah is a Zimbabwean born Reggae Dancehall artist who first came onto the music scene in 1996 with the group IRC.
Since the late 90's Buffalo Souljah has lived in South Africa, initially continuing his music career as part of the pan-African group Street Disciples, before going solo and earning radio play with songs including "Bubble Your Bumz", and "Too Hot to Shii".
In 2008, he won two awards at the Channel O Music Video Awards for Best Ragga Dancehall Video and Best Newcomer for the hit single “Bubble ur Bumz”.
Since then he has collaborated with several African artists including Namibian duo and 2008 Channel O Music Video award winners (Best R&B Video for the tune “Falling in Love”) Gal Level and Malawian hip-hop artist, Taygrin for the track ‘Type Of Guy’- which is featured in his 2009 debut solo album The Movement.
Brown Dash
Audiences where first introduced to Dash (real name Siphiwe Mpamile) as the unmasked face that sang alongside Mzekezeke. He appeared with the masked man on his debut album when he performed the title track Sguqa Ngamadolo in 2002.
Since going solo has dropped the albums Mthandazo Wabolova, Puff and Pass, as well as Back 2 Kasi.
Cannibal
A Hip-Hop/Reggae artist, Cannibal started his music career in 1993 and went professional in 1999.
He has three collaboration albums under his belt namely: Hip-Hop Kaya, Cannibal Na Washikaji and Street Hustler. He has done collaborations with artists including Nazizi, Ukoo Flani, Abass, Harry Kimani and Chiwawa.
He has performed across East Africa, including the Tanzanian tour dubbed Fiesta 2008 and the Uganda Punchline Concert.
Cannibal is currently working on his fourth album.
Da L.E.S.
South African Hip-Hop artist Leslie Mampe was born in Washington, DC and is popularly known by his stage name DA L.E.S aka Mr Freshtodef.
He moved to South Africa in 1993 and first became known to the mainstream community in 2005 when he appeared as a member of the motherland crunk group Jozi.
He released his debut album, Fresh to Def under Ghetto Ruff Records in June 2008, which includes the tracks “Tippy Toes” and “We On Fire” to mention a few .
Damara Dik Ding
Damara Dik Ding is a Namibian kwaito group that has successfully collaborated with a variety of established artists. Their single titled “Bakuten” has turned the group into a popular name both within Namibia and other countries.
Darey (Dare Art-Alade)
Formerly known as Dare (pronounced Da-Ray), this artist has shared the stage with musicians including Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kelly Rowland, Diddy, 2Face Idibia, Marques Houston, Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Femi Kuti, Lionel Richie, Rihanna, Shakira, Lucky Dube, Asa, Usher, Joe, Sean Paul, Diana Ross, Ciara and Method man.
Dare honed his skills at an early age, singing with several choirs, including the National Troupe of Nigeria Choir and then the Cathedral Choir. In 2006 he released his debut album From Me 2 U through Storm Records.
The album was laced with several hit singles, including ‘Fuji’ and ‘Escalade’. The album also included the song, ‘Original Naija’ which was used as the theme song for the first ever edition of Big Brother Nigeria.
After a couple of years in the studio, he has released his follow up album titled unDAREYted.
D'Banj
Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo (born in 1980 Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria), popularly known as, D’Banj is a Nigerian based singer and harmonica player.
"Dapo" is a nickname for the Yoruba name "Ifedapo" (meaning "Love came together"). D'Banj cites Fela Kuti as his "great mentor". He started making waves in Nigeria in 2006 with Rundown Funk U Up album.
His most influential tracks to date are “Why Me”, “'Tongolo Remix”, and “Booty Call”.
Durella
Durella - born Oluwadamilare (meaning: the Lord has rewarded me) - recalls the great R&B groups of the 90s that sang ballads which made girls weak at the knees as his earlier influences.
In February 2006, a chance meeting with executives from TC Records lead to Durella signing his first record deal.
His first album titled The King of the Zanga was released in November 2008.
Gal Level
Daphne and Frieda make up the duo called Gal Level. The Namibian gal pals were once members of the dungeon family and launched their first album Shake It in October 2005.
They have performed alongside South African artists such as Jamali, Brickz, Mzekezeke, Malaika, Ringo and Bongo Maffin.
Gazza
Born Lazarus (Karandu) Shiimi he earned the nickname “Gazza” on the soccer field as his teammates referenced his style to that of famous English soccer player Paul Gascoigne, “Gazza”.
He draws influence from Dancehall, Hip-Hop and Kwaito - in his own terms, he calls it Ghetto Music. Besides being a lyricist and performer, Gazza also serves as the Goodwill Ambassador of Education sanctioned by the Ministry of Education as well as an Ambassador for Team Namibia.
With four albums under his belt, Gazza has produced and written all his own songs.
Goldfish
Hailing from Cape Town, South Africa Goldfish is an electronica duo made up of muso's Dominic Peters and David Poole, who hooked up while studying.
The success of their ‘underground’ album, Caught in the Loop made waves in South Africa and lead to the release of their second album, Perceptions of Pacha, featuring hits “This is how it Goes” and “Cruising Through”.
Gxploits
Gxploits are an R&B group which is made up of Olufemi Amusan aka Phemmy, Okey Uzoeshi aka Okey and Seun Oyedokun aka Shay.
They started out in 2002 as a Gospel/A-Capella group and even though they come from different backgrounds their vocal ability harmonises them as group.
Their hit tracks include "Bolu Molu Merente” and “Tear Rubber” - which were produced I.D Cabasa and Zeeno Foster.
HHP aka Hip Hop Pantsula aka Jabba
HHP has come to enjoy a highly popular standing in the music industry: as a lyricist and rapper who is so highly regarded by his fellow artists that he’s in constant demand as a collaborator and as a musician.
HHP is also popular personality who has a diverse fan base that includes South African Tv viewers, who voted him winner of the reality show ‘Strictly Come Dancing.
“Always stay fresh, current and creative,” is HHP‟s mantra. “Those three things mean the world to me. Without them, I’ll just fizzle out,” he says.
Howza
Blackjack’s Howza entered the music scene with the release of his debut solo album Cut to the Chase. Howza admits that having started off a member of groups Gunpowder and Blackjack helped him learn the ropes about the music industry.
According to Howza moving from singing to rapping has proven to be a smart move for his career.
Ikechukwu
Ikechukwu aka E-killz or International Killz is a Nigerian Hip hopper who has stidued in the US, worked in the corporate world, run his own production company, acted and trained in the martial arts.
Ikechukwu first came to attention with his collaborations before releasing his debut single, “My Name Is” and the album Son of the Soil.
He continues to make movies and record material for a new album, with the stated aim of exposing the richness of talent from Nigeria to the rest of the world through the World Famous Akademy label he formed with friends Naeto C and Uzikwendu.
Jay Ru
Hip-Hop artist Jay Ru is the sixth child in a family of eight children and his roots can be traced back to the Benin monarch. Like many other artists Jay Ru started his music career in a band - he was a member of the group 2XY also known as Hip-Hop Formula.
He left the group and formed another called P.O.D (People of Destiny). Shortly he left P.O.D and went solo. He recently dropped his debut solo album titled F.B.I (Female Body Inspeckta), which features the 2009 Channel O Music Video Awards nominated single “Big Boi Anthem”.
J. Martin
J Martin hails from Ohaofia in Abia State, Nigeria. As a child he was heavily influenced by his mother who was a choir mistress and while growing up he learned to play multiple instruments.
This Mass Communication (IMT, Enugu) and Business Admin (Enugu State Uni of Technology) degree holder has worked with P Square, Soul E, 9Ice and Timaya.
His debut album titled Good or Bad was released in 2008 and the first single has earned him several nominations and awards within and outside Nigeria.
Kalaharians
The group was founded in the late 90's and is made up of TC, CJ as well as Quelly the female vocalist. The name “Kalaharians” means Namibians.
Their sound is a fusion of different tribes and characters. The end result is a unique style of African Rhythm and Dancehall.
In 2009 they are nominated for a Channel O Music Video Award in the Most Gifted Ragga Dancehall category.
Kalibrados
They come from different backgrounds but were brought together by their shared love for Hip-Hop.
Shortly after, Kalibrados - as well as the record label Mille Mambos - were born. Apart from producing their debut album Negócio Fechado the trio has also produced albums and tracks for other acts namely: Angola’s Killa Hill, Lawilca and Big Nelo, as well as South African Hip-Hop group Skwatta Kamp.
In late 2008 Kalibrados came back with their sophomore album titled “Cartas Na Mesa” which features guest appearances by Virgul (from the Portuguese band Da Weasel) on the single “Bam Bri Bam”, which is also the soundtrack to television soap Dino Soul.
Kelly Hansome
Signed to Kennis Music, Kelly Hansome's tune “Maga Don Pay” became an popular hit at nightclubs and on radio stations after it was released. Kelly describes himself as two personalities in one. “I am a singer and a producer. Everything around me inspires me,” he adds.
Khuli
South African born and Mmabatho-bred Kuli Chana is a member of the group Morafe. Khuli rhymes in vernacular rap, Motswako (which involves street-talk and influential messages in Setswana, English and other South African lingo).
For his debut solo album titled The Motswakoriginator Show he worked with various producers including fellow group member TowdeeMac, IV League, Don Juan (Jazzworks) and PH.
Kwaku T
A young Kwaku moved with his family to New York in the early 80’s. He spent his formative years here until he moved back to Accra as a teenager.
While in the US he was exposed to a variety of different musical genres ranging from High Life, Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock n Roll, Folk, Blue Grass, Reggae, and Jazz to Blues.
He formed one of the first Ghanaian rap groups, Talking Drums, with his partner Abeeku Ribeiro.
With hit singles such as “Akwaaba” and “Aden” that blended local dialect with the English language the young teenager created the hybrid sound for what was to become a new genre of Ghanaian music known as Hip Life.
The Big Brother Africa 2 contestant has performed on the same platforms as artists including Stevie Wonder, Hugh Masekela, Public Enemy, Jermaine Jackson, Sounds of Blackness, Ja Rule, Fat Joe, P-Square, 2 Face, Keisha White, Akon, HHP (SA), Tumi (SA), Nameless (Kenya) and Professor J (Uganda).
Lady May
Lady May was born in Angola to exiled Namibian parents but returned to her parent’s country in the mid-90s, eventually settling in Windhoek.
Lady May’s mixture of Afro Pop and traditional Oshiwambo music has won her awards, including a Channel O Music Award in the category Best Dance Music Video in 2008.
Albums such Kamaali have earned her acclaim and high-profile live performances (including the 2008 Big Brother Africa eviction show).
Theon stage diva does not let youth prevent her from following her desire to make an impact with her music saying in an interview that “it’s important to follow your dreams. If anybody does not agree with them or wants to stop you, talk to them, explain what you want and then follow it through.”
Lira
Lira set a benchmark with her 2006 album Feel Good - and with her late 2008 release, Soul in Mind she’s once again created a record that is defined by its honesty, soulfulness, femininity and utter joyfulness.
During the course of her career, Lira has performed at the Joy of Jazz, the recent Macufe Festival, Oppikoppi and the 2007 Cape Town International Jazz Festival, as well as graced international stages in Italy, Thailand and Fiji.
The 29-year-old has grown over the past two years - most especially as a songwriter and intuitive performer.
Lizha James
Lizha James began singing in a church choir and at 14 was in her first group, the house act Electro Base. In 1999 she released her first solo album titled Watching You.
With lots of composing and television work under her belt, Lizha released her second album in 2005 entitled Rainha do Ragga and went on to win a Channel O Music Video Award in 2006 for Best Female Video.
She again earned an award in 2007 when the video ‘Nuna wa Mina’ took home the award for best R &B Video. 2007 also saw Lizha release her third album, Sentimentos de Mulher and receiving an award by the Minister of Culture for her music career.
The following year she won a Channel O African Music Video Award for Best Female Video. In the same year she participated in Channel O’s Young, Gifted and Black campaign alongside Taygrin, Lira, Da L.E.S, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Hugh Masekela, Gal Level and Stoan, to mention a few.
Master Jam
Elroy Meyer’s (aka DJ Master Jam) is a former dancer. In 2006 he entered his mix-tape demo into the Wheel People/Soul Candi National DJ Competition, where he won the title in the Eastern Cape Province (South Africa) leg of the competition, placing him fifth in the National Finals from over 2000 entrants nationwide.
His talent on the 1ns and 2s has seen him travel all over the country sharing the stage with artists including Brickz, Mafikizolo, Jamali, Skwatta Kamp, Mandoza and the late, great Lebo Mathosa, DJ Mbuso, DJ Christos, DJ Siyanda and Euphonik.
In 2009 he broke into the international scene with his hit track “Change the World” which features RJ Benjamin.
M-Trill
Teria Yarhere a.k.a M-trill began his career by writing lyrics for his elder brotherr. M-Trill was signed on to Grafton Records after graduating from the University of Port Harcourt in 2005 and has performed alongside international acts such as Akon, U.K Hip-hop queen (Phoebe One) and Junior Reid.
His career took off with the release of the hit single “Bounce” which saw thim win a Best African West award at the 2008 Channel O Music Video Awards.
With one album under his belt (Number One), 2009 sees M-Trill working towards releasing his next.
MwanaFa
MwanaFa - meaning Philosopher in Swahili - blends Hip-Hop instrumentals with visual imagery.
This Masters Degree in Finance (at Coventry University in Coventry, United Kingdom) student draws inspiration from reading, watching movies as well as from a wide range of music genres namely Reggae, Soul, American Hip-Hop from artists like Jay-Z, Tupac, Morgan Heritage, Beres Hammond, Buju Banton and Babyface.
Previous albums include Mwanafalsafani, Toleo Lijalo and Unanitega - which won Best Hip-Hop Album of the Year at the Kili Awards. He'll shortly be releasing his next offering titled Mabibi Na Mabwana.
Mzekezeke
The masked one “Mzekezeke” is a Kwaito artist who entered the music scene in early 2000 with such tracks as “Sguqa Ngamadolo” and “Amakoporosh”.
Many believe that Mzekezeke is South African DJ, Sbu - an allegation the famous YFM DJ and record label owner denies.
Even though Mzekezeke is contracted to TS Records - which Sbu owns - the two have never been seen together.
Naeto C
Naeto C was born in Texas, and spent his earlier years growing up in England and Nigeria within a household hugely influenced by music. His fondness for music grew fast and was articulated into other creative art forms, most specifically poetry, which took him to various competitions and earned him accolades as a young poet during his earlier years.
While studying in the States, he formed the World Famous Akademy record label with Uzikwendu and friend Ikechukwu - and before graduating with a B Sc. Biology he had recorded over 40 songs solo and about 25 with the World Famous Akademy as a group.
Over the past few years Naeto C has furthered his studies and his music career, achieving a chart toppers with the singles ‘Sitting on Top’ and ‘You Know My P’ and producing and writing for a host of other artists.
He went on to record his third single “Kini Big Deal”, which proved to be a club banger throughout the continent. Naeto is currently studying for a Master’s Degree in Oil & Gas at the University of Dundee while recording material for his next album.
Negro Bue
Eduardo Mingas better known as Negro Bué started off writing lyrics for his sister’s group Hip Hop Girls Jocrizi.
He was convinced by a friend to consider getting more involved in the music business and thus the group NSPJ was formed.
He then decided to go solo and in 2003 he released his solo album titled O Meu Outro Lado which featured hits like “E So Nice”, “Essa Vai”, “'Tao Dificil Para Mim” and “Nossa Historia”.
He is currently based in Luanda, Angola where he continues to work on his music as well as tapping into other business ventures.
Nneka
The Sunday Times (United Kingdom) describes her 2005 third album titled Victim of Truth to be “as good as The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
Nneka Egbuna was born in Warri Oil City in the Delta region of Nigeria. Like most Africans in transit in Europe and beyond who are affected by the lack of growth and stability at home, Nneka sought to explore more about her life and personal development.
With that in mind, she began the hunt for a firsthand understanding of her German heritage. Moving to Germany also afforded her an alternative outlet for self-expression.
Influenced by Fela Kuti, Nneka’s popularly considered to be part of the new revolution in African contemporary music.
Okyeame
Kwame Nsiah Appau is known in the Ghanaian music circles as Okyeame Kwame. He always wanted to become a professional musician despite his parents insisting that he become a doctor.
He has been in the music industry for seven years and has released four albums. Apart from being a musician he recently entered the movie industry in flicks including Comforter, Twist and Turns and Sorry for Love.
Paulino YQ
Due to his small frame and boisterous sense of humour, his classmates nicknamed him YQ - meaning Young and Quizzical.
Inspired by nothing but nature and day to day activities, Paulino is a Dancehall artist who aims to spread messages of truth, righteousness, love and laughter through his music.
Over the course of his career his releases include “Dancehall Emperor”, “Tic-Tac”, “Hail Rastaman”, “Rejected and Hold” and, “Buttshegone (Butt she’s gone)”.
Like most artists he struggled to get his music released and his breakthrough came in 2006 when he finally released his debut album titled The Court Of Love.
Since then he has managed to share with the world two of his unreleased works Africa Unite and Issue of the Heart which were recorded in the 90's.
Pro
Pro (real name Linda Mkhize) only turned professional in 2005 but since the release of Head & Tails in that year and its follow-up, DNA (2006), Pro has become a highly regarded artist who has managed to create his own sound in a genre that is not short of acts jostling for attention.
Now all grown up - he changed his Prokid moniker to simply Pro - he’s joined the TS Records label and has released his third album, Dankie San, earning more critical acclaim along the way.
P Square
Peter and Paul are identical twins who hail from Lagos, Nigeria and have earned a large following with their soulful sound that also includes elements of their heritage.
The duo first appeared on the scene with their debut album Last Nite, which was released in 2003 and rapidly turned P-Square into a household name.
They followed this with the 2005, independent release of Get Squared which produced several radio and television hits that cemented Peter and Paul’s reputation outside Nigeria.
In November 2007, P-Square released their third album titled Game Over which also made waves in Nigeria and all of Africa. The song ‘Do Me’ blazed up charts and is still a big hit for the duo.
Ray GNigeria’s Ray G is gaining popularity in the Ghanaian music industry, simiarly to fellow Nigerians 2 Face Idibia and P Square did.
Ray G started his career in music in 1994. Togo Connection was his first album which contained 12 tracks. Ray – born Raymond Uwoloh – is currently working on his second album, which features artists including W4, Rough Rough and Row.
Risasi
Martin Agoya aka Risasi started off as a backup vocalist for Poxi Presha in the early 90's. The crew was comprised of Poxi, Fullstop, Newtone, Suzuki and Risasi.
Disagreements within the group led to Risasi pursuing a solo career. He recorded his first album titled Right Track with Andrew Madebe.
The album featured tracks such as “Mombasa Raha”, “Niko Masaa” and “Mbona”.
Soon after he went on to release his second album with Hassan Majid and Babli Omar from Tabasam Records.
Rhythmic Elements
At the forefront of Rhythmic Elements are Thapelo Nkoana aka Master T who doubles as a DJ and Mckenzie Matome, who is the producer.
Their sound is a combination of African and Dance music (Afro House) fusing both live and digital elements to give the group a modern feel.
Rhythmic Elements was started in 2006 to bridge a gap in the market. The duo felt that most the music on offer had a heavy Western influence and they wanted a style of Dance music that would bridge that cultural gap.
Sasha
Known as the First Lady of Nigeria’s Storm Records, Sasha is one of the continent’s most impressive female rappers. She started her music career in 2001 when she made an appearance at the Girls Nite Out annual talent show where she emerged the first runner up.
A couple of months later, she got signed with Trybesrecords and in August 2002, she appeared in the hit single ‘Work It’ which had her rapping alongside her Trybe mates, 2 Shotz, Timi, Del, Blaze, KB, Freestyle and Eldee.
The success of this appearance lead to the release of Sasha’s first single ‘Emi le Gan’ in 2003 and since then the rapper (and designer) has been an in-demand live performer and a favourite on radio and television with songs like ‘Adara’ off her debut album. The First lady is currently working on the release of her next offering.
Steel
Steel is an Urban RnB/Afro-Hip-hop musician. Like most young boys, while growing up his dream was to become a soccer star- he still nurses the dream of playing for Arsenal – but as he grew older realised that his true calling was within the music industry.
Sexy Steel, as he is popularly known, started off as the lead vocalist for the group Hy-Profile and then went solo. He has made cameo appearances in various music videos namely with Olu Maintain for the tune “Yahooze” as well as with 9ice.
Taygrin
Honing his rap skills since his teens, Tay has been influenced by rappers such as Jay-Z, KRS 1, B.I.G and Tupac.
To find his individual and distinctive rap voice however, Tay looked inwards at his African soul and found that the roots of his Chewa heritage and Malawian culture gave him his true style that complemented the original American Hip-Hop template.
Tay scored a hit with his first ever track ‘Break-Out’ that preceded his album Split Screens. The album features 15 tracks including “Breakout – The Remix”, “Ndabwela” and “Monga Anamwali – The Remix” as well as guest appearances from Stix from the Real Elements, Dominant 1, Scar, Stagga, Simalike, Barry and Botswana’s Kwaito/Kwasakwasa artist VEE Wamampela a.k.a Taku Taku.
Teargas
Teargas is made up of three like-minded muso's: Ntokozo “K.O.” Mdluli from Piet Retief in Mpumalanga; and two brothers Ezee “Ma-E” Hanabe and Bantu “Ntukza” Hanabe from Soweto.
Although the group officially came into being in 2004, prior to that the guys mostly made moves in the underground Hip-Hop circuit.
Inspired by the country’s political past where police used teargas to disperse protesting crowds in South Africa’s townships, the threesome opted to call themselves Teargas, to reflect that they see their music as a tool to disperse socio-economic ills like crime, HIV/Aids and poverty.
In July 2006, they released the critically-acclaimed debut, K’shubile K’bovu, a 14 track album filled with positive messages of hope and social awareness as well as party songs.
After taking a break, the trio returned to the scene with their sophomore album entitled Wafa Wafa.
Thandiswa Mazwai
Thandiswa has come a long way since her days with award-winning group, Bongo Maffin - who went on to release six albums, becoming widely recognised as the voice of South Africa’s conscious youth – their compositions consistently combined dance floor favourites with thought-provoking lyrics. The group is also been described as being one of the “founding fathers” of Kwaito.
Having won several awards after the release of her platinum selling debut solo album Zabalaza, Thandiswa went back to her Xhosa roots and after exploring various musical influences, her second album titled Ibokwe was released. Nearly two years in the making it was released in February 2009.
The Dogg
Namibia’s The Dogg got his first taste of the music industry as a backup artist and a dancer and soon began opening shows for his famous cousin Killa B and well known friend Jossy Joss.
The Dogg rose to fame following the release of his single “Jesus Otati” in 2003. He later signed a record deal with RC-Ghetto Records which released Dogg’s debut album Shimaliw' Osatana in 2004.
The latter was a success earning him awards for Artist of the year and Best selling Artist in 2004 at the Sanlam-NBC Music Awards.
Dogg’s second album, Take Out Yo Gun unleashed a stream of radio hits including “Ngenge Ndasi”. Other releases include Introducing TeeDee, and Mshasho: You Can't Ignore – which is also the slogan of The Dogg’s company.
In April 2009 he released his latest album This is my Time.
The Dream
Olatunji Hakeem also known as The Dream is the first born in a polygamous family. He started his music career as a member of the group the Dominance, which he formed with ex group member Alejo.
When he is not in front of the camera he dabbles behind the scenes as a video director; in movie and song production as well as song writing.
Currently The Dream is co-producing Izee as well as West African idol Tamitayo’s albums.
Theo
Theo Kgosinkwe entered the music scene as a singer and songwriter for the multiplatinum selling Afro-Pop group Mafikizolo.
In 2008 Theo decided to release his own debut solo album titled I Am. The album features collaborations with Don Laka, Jezel Brothers and the Mafikizolo Backing Band.
Tzozo En Professor
With their hit single “Woza eDurban”, Tzozo en Professor became ambassadors of KwaZulu-Natal province (South Africa) when the provincial Department of Tourism awarded them with the Excellence Service Award for their track that put Durban on the map.
Staying true to their style of making club bangers the duo made waves across the continent with the release of their single and House anthem “Vuma”.
The duo have also produced songs for Somizi and the king of Maskandi, Phuzekhemisi.
Wahu
Wahu is an actress, wife to fellow musician Nameless and a singer. While in secondary school she wrote her first song “Showers of Blessings” (with a friend) as a tribute to God for the school’s national academic success. The song is still part of Precious Blood Secondary School’s hymnal collection.
Her second song “Esha” - inspired by the late Brenda Fassie - was a fusion of English Swahili and Kikuyu based on a traditional Kikuyu folk song. With a number of singles under her belt, “Sweet Love” remains Wahu’s biggest song. It has received two nominations: the British Music of Black Origin as well as the Kora Awards.
Weird MC
Weird MC is a lyricist, producer and composer. Influenced by Fela Kuti, Missy Elliott, Jimi Hendrix, Lauryn Hill, Tina Turner, Dr Dre, The Neptunes and Lagbaja, Weird MC’s material borders on the political as well as “Party till you drop” anthems.
She started out by participating in talent contests. In a bold move she placed an ad in a magazine seeking a producer. A young producer named Kevin Best answered her call and within two months of recording with him Weird MC released a double sided single titled “Wanna make u jack”/”Let’s Get Wet”.
This single received good reviews and soon after Da Rappatainer secured a support slot opening up for MC Lyte. Her debut album titled Simply Weird produced the tune “Allen Avenue”. The single “Ijo Ya” off the album After Da Storm, earned her a Best Special Effects award at the 2006 Channel O Music Video Awards.
After the release of the catchy single “Bizzy Body 2” alongside P Square she took a break from her career to study Music Technology at the Institute of Music and Technology Deptford in England.
Weird MC is also recognised as one of the Pioneers of “Women in Afrobeat” a genre which has been male dominated since its inception.
Winnie Khumalo
Winnie Khumalo's new album titled Happy Day reveals that good things do come to those who wait.
Happy Day includes soulful sounds like “Drift Away” as well as the popular “I Wanna Live My Life”- which was penned by fellow stable mate Zonke.
Winnie entered the music industry at the age of 15 in 1988 with the release of her debut album Hey Laiti.
People she's worked with include the legendary Brenda Fassie.
X.O.D.
Ugandan born John-Mark West calls himself X.O.D - short for extraordinary.
Brought up in a tough environment and moving between Johannesburg and Uganda, X.O.D’s life has not been an easy one. He has however managed to focus on the opportunities that life has to offer and began making music that reflects his background.
Zeus
Born Game Bantsi, Botswana's Zeus fuses local sounds with international Hip-Hop and other urban genres.
Zeus has been bubbling under since the success of his collaboration with South African star HHP and his first single ‘Imagination’. Zeus recently established his own record label and events company, D.I.Y Entertainment.
A university background in Marketing and Management together with the ability to network and develop a strong business support system including the likes of Lekoko Entertainment and Big Dawg Productions have equipped the young rapper with the acumen and personnel support to tackle such a business venture.
Already the first release from D.I.Y Entertainment is a joint venture with another company, RIZN Entertainment, for the album Freshly Baked.