Music News South Africa

Bonga's Beats - Catching a touch of soul

Bonga Percy Vilakazi gives us at touch of soul with reviews of the established Patti LeBelle, the respected Judith Sepuma as well a letting us no what the younger soulful artists; Will Young, Brandy and Robin Thicke are bringing to the table with their latest albums.
Bonga's Beats - Catching a touch of soul

LaBelle - Back to Now

Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendrix and Sarah dash have made history. Out of all the female groups in the history of music, no one has experienced such longevity. They've managed to reunite and make one of the most anticipated albums after disbanding in 1976. Thirty two years later, they still sound as fresh and sassy as they did decades ago. The album was produced by Wyclef Jean and Lenny Kravitz, with songs that will expose the ladies to a whole new audience. The Masters of Philly Soul Kenneth Gamble & Leon A. Huff also contributed in the album.

Notable Songs: Rollout, Without You in my Life, Candlelight

Bonga's Beats - Catching a touch of soul

Judith Sephuma - Change is Here

She is without a doubt one of South Africa's most consistent artists, getting better and better with each album. Judith's 3rd album proves why she's one of SA's most respected vocalists. She's reunited with former producer and mentor Selaelo Selota. As sophisticated, graceful and soulful as the songs are, Judith's remains true to herself and to her African roots.

Notable Songs: Lerato Ya Pelo Yaka, You Stole My Heart Away, Gae

Bonga's Beats - Catching a touch of soul

Will Young - Let It Go

Let it Go, Will's fourth album since winning Idols, is by far his most personal to date. Being the original Idols winner, Will was under pressure to be the best, and it's safe to say that Young is finally comfortable with himself in the music industry. Let it Go is probably Will's ‘calmest' album. Most of the songs are easy listening, wholesome, modern soul-lite pop; almost like George Michael.

Notable Songs: Disconnected, If Love Equals Nothing, You Don't Know

Bonga's Beats - Catching a touch of soul

Brandy - Human

After all her troubles, just when naysayers thought her career was over, Brandy makes a comeback of note with her brand new album Human; after her last album Afrodisiac didn't do so well. One important factor that makes this album great is that Brandy's back to the sound that made her popular in 1998 after she hooked up with producer Rodney ‘Darkchild' Jerkins. They've once again reunited to create Human.

Notable Songs: Departed, Long Distance, Piano Man, Camouflage, Human

Bonga's Beats - Catching a touch of soul

Robin Thicke - Something Else

After selling over 1 million copies of his last album, The Evolution of Robin Thicke, the ‘white boy of R&B' was under pressure to come up with something just as great. So he took a break for two years, preparing for his 3rd album and the result is Something Else. In this offering, Thicke stuck to his style that made him popular, singing some of the songs in a falsetto with realistic and honest lyrics. But don't expect to hear the very same style of sound that you heard in his chart-topping album. Instead, Robin has taken a completely different direction, doing more up-tempo songs.
Notable Songs: Sidestep, The Sweetest Love, Tie my Hands

About Bonga Percy Vilakazi

Bonga Percy Vilakazi is currently the Music Supervisor for the daily hit youth drama on etv, Rhythm City; where he is also one of the story liners. He is also a monthly contributor for Soul Magazine where he was the Senior Writer; and also frequently writes for True Love and Drum; where he has interviewed a host of local and international celebrities including Tyler Perry, Toni Braxton, Deborah Cox, India Arie, Maxwell and Kenny Lattimore.
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