Byron Khumalo
Kwaito is a form of self-expression and a way of life—it is the way many South Africans dress, speak, and dance. It is a street style as lifestyle, where the music reflects life in the townships, much the same way hip hop reflects life in the American ghetto.
What do you stands for?
PEACE AND LOVE
Describe Kwaito music and culture?
Kwaito is us. We are Kwaito. It is the mother of genres in South Africa.
Right in the middle of December 2021 where we experienced most South Africans play kwaito music why?
We can never run away from tradition.. As I said.. We are Kwaito.. It will always be a part of us.
Does this proves that Kwaito has good impact?
100 %.
Do you think that this kind of music is well preserved?
The fact that even today most genres have that kwaito element gives hope that kwaito will be there forever….
How do you describe December in South Africa without playing Kwaito music?
Tasteless…. “Akudesembeki”.
How is the reflection of kwaito music in our daily behavior?
Kwaito is all about culture.. Love and peace….. This is us as Africans especially in the township.
As a kwaito artist do you think kwaito songs tell our Kasi stories better than any genre?
I believe every south African genre has a story to tell. We also dancing to amapiano now and it’s an original South African sound from ekasi… all genres represent us.
There is quite a gap in producing kwaito music lately why?
It’s just that the tempo gone high. We still have great Kwaito producers in the Country.
What is your latest album?
I released Ghetto professor… my first full studio album and I decided to give it enough time to penetrate with in the industry.. I have released a few singles but were mostly features..
Which was the promo songs on that album?
Fast and furious and love at first sight.
How corona virus affected you?
In terms of music I wasn’t that much affected as I took it as the perfect time to breath and focus on other businesses.
How do you cope to sustain your kwaito brand?
Staying relevant. I am versatile artist but I chose to stick to my original sound… no chameleon tendencies.
South Africa and the whole African Continent experience many stubborn challenges yet needs to be addressed, how kwaito can help the country in addressing those issues and heal the world ?
We still have kwaito songs that encourage unity… love and peace within the world… and we have kwaito artists who are ambassadors of such…. We steal vocal.
Any Gig recently?
I haven’t had gigs as of yet as I took a break from the industry to focus on my #IntungwaPhaqaClothing brand and being a new dad again
Any proposed music tour in 2022?
Nothing. Planned as of yet.. But I am working on new music
Upcoming new album? Ghetto proffessor 2.0
How many album do you have so far?
One.
As we still have our very own proudly living kwaito legends, do you use them by featuring them as young National artist?
I still wish to do song with Bonginkosi Zola 7 Dlamini.
Do you believe in musical collaboration as the kwaito artist?
A LOT…Artists need to collaborate and share ideas.
Do you think the world like your musical kwaito?
If it wasn’t loved it would have been forgotten years ago.
How do you compare hip-hop and kwaito interms of stand alone?
Both genres are powerful… it’s just that it’s a matter of time… one rules at a certain time and vise versa.
Oops! We have seen that 2021 blessed you with a daughter. You are now a dad of two, please share good news with us, and tell us how it feels to be the father of the daughter this time and your expectations on grooming her?
Happiest moments.. 2021 I was blessed with a baby. Girl Zobuhle Zamantungwa Khumalo… I love being a dad.. I am a very hands on father.
You are an Artist, Husband, Father and businessman, how do you make time for your family because we see that you are the family man?
I try my best.. I am one person who is always busy but I try by all means that when ever I get a breather I’m with family.
What else would like us to know about your music, upcoming projects?
I am still going to be in the industry for a long time…I have given platforms to young people in the game. My previous dancers whom I discovered a few years ago and gave a platform too are now dancing fo KAMO Mphela.
Any advice to South Africans and Africans as the whole?
Let us all unite and preach the gospel of love and humanity. We are one.
What would you change if can be given a chance to be the President or King?
I would change the education system…. Fees are too high and we have many graduates ekasi but no jobs.
Let us look one of SA concerns, poor education system, there is a subjects Arts& Culture at school, have you take your time as the kwaito artist to check if kwaito music is preserves in that depart interms of being taught to the kids since most kwaito content has our own history?
I wouldn’t recommend teaching Kwaito to kids at school. Let’s not forget that even kwaito one has to be talented… we rather teach kids to discovery their talents and follow them.
Do you regard yourself as the most influential young kwaito artist of the century?
Maybe my time is coming… I pray.
Do you have any social links where people can follow you?
Yes… I am on Instagram as @byronkhumalomusic_sa
Facebook as Byron Khumalo and Twitter @byronkhumalo.
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About the Author
Aoma Keziah