Uhuru | |
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Also known as |
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Genres | |
Years active | 2012–2016 |
Labels | Kalawa Jazmee Records |
Past members |
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Website | uhurumusic |
Uhuru (Swahili: freedom) were a South African musical group best known for producing the hit single "Khona" performed by Mafikizolo. [1] Signed to Kalawa Jazmee, the band consisted of Nqobile Mahlanu (Mapiano), Sihle Dlalisisa (DJ Clap), Xelimpilo Simelane (Xeli) and Themba Sekowe (DJ Maphorisa). [2] Independently, Uhuru is best known for hit remixes like "Y-tjukutja" and "The Sound". [3]
Prior to collaborating in 2012, Mapiano and Xeli were friends who were into playing contemporary African jazz in Soshanguve where they originated from. [4] The band members were signed through DJ Clap who was already an artiste signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records. [5] Uhuru manages artwork and production in house as DJ Clap, Mapiano and Xeli mainly act as DJ, pianist and vocalist respectively. [6]
Uhuru shot into limelight in 2013 after the release of the chart-topping single titled "Y-tjukutja", which went on to be dubbed as the song of the year for 2013 in South Africa. [7] The producers also featured in "Khona", a song which topped many music charts and won several awards in South Africa and beyond including the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards. [8] In 2015, the collaborating artists undertook solo ambitions. [9] By 2016, the Uhuru brand underwent serious challenges and incorporated a new face. [10] Later in 2016, Uhuru released "Own Devices", "The Sound (Remix)" and Free Prophecy, Vol 1. under new management, putting to rest rumoured band break-ups. [11]
This list of songs or music-related items is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (August 2015) |
This list of songs or music-related items is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (August 2015) |
The MTV Africa Music Awards were established in 2008 by MTV Networks Africa to celebrate the most popular contemporary music in Africa. The 2008 and 2010 events took place in Nigeria, first in Abuja and then in Lagos. The 2009 event happened in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya each of the premiere awards were created and executive produced by Alex Okosi and Jandre Louw.
The airplay music charts in South Africa were gathered and published by the company Entertainment Monitoring Africa (EMA), formerly known as Mediaguide South Africa. It is a member of the Times Media Group, under Entertainment Logistics Services (ELS). The company provides a weekly top 10 airplay chart, which is available for viewing by the general public online. A top 100 is available for subscribed users of the company's website. The first top 10 airplay chart under the EMA was issued for May 21, 2013, with its first number one single being "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams. In 2014, the City Press wrote that the EMA charts were "regarded as the industry standard when it comes to tracking what songs are being played on radio". EMA currently monitors 48 radio stations and 8 television stations.
"Personally" is a song by Nigerian duo P-Square. It was released as the second single from their sixth studio album, Double Trouble (2014). The music video for the song was directed by Jude Engees Okoye and Clarence Peters. It was uploaded onto Vevo on June 21, 2013, and features a cameo appearance from Osita Iheme. "Personally" claimed the number 1 spot on MTV Base's Official Naija Top 10 Chart from August 10 through August 22, 2013.
"Khona" is a song by South African duo Mafikizolo. It was released as the lead single from their eighth studio album, Reunited (2013). The song features additional vocals from Uhuru and was released by Kalawa Jazmee Records. In South Africa, the song peaked at number 1 on YFM, Umhlobo Wenene FM, Ukhozi FM and True FM. Moreover, it peaked at number 2 on the Metro FM music chart. In Nigeria, the song received numerous radio airplay on the Beat 99.9 FM and Cool FM. On the Prisoner of Class music chart, the song made the list of the top 10 African songs of 2013, peaking at number 1. Furthermore, it peaked at number 1 on Afribiz's Top 100 chart.
The MTV Africa Music Awards 2014 took place on 7 June 2014, at the Durban International Convention Centre. The awards aired live across Africa on MTV Base and MTV. The ceremony was sponsored by KwaZulu-Natal Province, Absolut and the City of Durban. The show was hosted by American comedian and actor Marlon Wayans. The ceremony featured performances from artists such as Miguel, Trey Songz, Flavour N'abania, French Montana, Tiwa Savage, Davido, Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Oskido, Professor, Diamond Platnumz, Phyno, Yuri Da Cunha, Sauti Sol, Sarkodie, Ice Prince, The Arrows, Khuli Chana, Dr SID, Fally Ipupa, Michael Lowman, Don Jazzy, DJ Clock, Beatenberg, DJ Kent, Big Nuz, Toofan, D'Banj, DJ Vigi, DJ Tira, DJ Buckz, and Burna Boy. On 27 May 2014, the nominees for the MTV Base Leadership Award were announced. On 28 May, MTV Base revealed Drake, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, and Miley Cyrus as the nominees for the Best International Act category. Davido and Mafikizolo received the most nominations with four each. Mi Casa and P-Square received three nominations. Diamond Platnumz and Wizkid were nominated twice for both Best Male and Best Collaboration.
The 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards took place on 31 August 2014, at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. The eligibility period was from March 2013 to March 2014. In April 2014, the NEA reviewing committee began collecting submissions for the 2014 edition. The deadline for submission was April 30, 2014, and the nominations were announced on May 29, 2014. Tiwa Savage and Davido received the most nominations with 5 each. Don Jazzy, Flavour N'abania and Wizkid all got four nominations each, while Olamide, Patoranking, Chidinma and Oritse Femi followed closely with three nominations.
The 2014 Channel O Music Video Awards took place on 29 November 2014 at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Soweto. Nominees were announced on 4 September. Cassper Nyovest, K.O and Davido led the nominations with 5 each. DJ Clock's hit song "Pluto", which features the singing trio Beatenberg, followed with 4. AKA and Uhuru both received three nominations apiece. Cassper Nyovest and Diamond Platnumz both took home three awards apiece.
Mafikizolo is a South African Afro-pop music duo formed in 1996, consisting of composer Theo Kgosinkwe and lead singer Nhlanhla Nciza. The duo rose to fame after they released their singles "Ndihamba Nawe kuphela", "Kwela Kwela", "Sibongile", "Udakwa Njalo" . The group released their self-titled album Mafikizolo in 1997 and Music Revolution in 1999.
Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa is a South African recording artist, DJ, record producer and businessman. Having been in the music industry for over 26 years, Oskido has reached a prominent status in the South African music industry, more-so in popular youth culture. He is undoubtedly one of the pioneering artists that popularised the Kwaito genre of music outside of the townships of South Africa, and he's been central to the rise of Afro-house and opened doors for the new genre known as amapiano. Oskido is the co-founder of Kalawa Jazmee Records, a record label that is home to musical acts like Mafikizolo, Bongo Maffin, and many other foremost groups.
Kalawa Jazmee Records is an independent record label based in South Africa. The label is known for its contribution to the development of the Kwaito genre of music in South Africa.
Themba Sekowe, known professionally as DJ Maphorisa, is a South African DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. As a record producer with a blend of house music, amapiano and afropop, he has worked with and has received production credits from several notable artists, including Wizkid, Sizwe Alakine, Kwesta, Uhuru, Drake, Black Coffee, Major Lazer, Runtown, C4 Pedro, TRESOR, Kabza De Small, Era Istrefi Mpura Young Stunna Killer Kau He was signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records prior to establishing his own record label, BlaqBoy Music.
The 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards were held on October 22, 2016, at Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg, South Africa. It recognised and rewarded musicians and achievers who made an impact on African music and youth culture during the eligibility period. The awards ceremony aired live on MTV Base, MTV and BET. It was transmitted worldwide on partner stations and content platforms, including BET International. The show was hosted by Nomzamo Mbatha, Yemi Alade and Bonang Matheba. It featured performances from Future, Yemi Alade, Nasty C, Babes Wodumo, Cassper Nyovest and Patoranking, among others.
Mkhonzeni Langa better known by his stage name Professor is a South African Kwaito musician from Durban. He first rose to prominence as part of the Durban-based Kwaito duo Tzozo and Professor before branching out on his own making a huge mark on the South African music industry with hit songs such as Jezebel, "Imoto", "Lento", "Fingerprints", "Speaker" & "Unobenga".
Mthokozisi Khathi, professionally known by his stage name DJ Tira, is a South African DJ, record producer and Kwaito artist. He helped popularize the Gqom music genre.
Busiswa Gqulu, known mononymously as Busiswa or Busi, is a South African singer-songwriter and poet. Born in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa, she gained public recognition for her feature on DJ Zinhle's song, "My Name Is", after being discovered by Kalawa Jazmee's CEO Oskido.
Sesan Ogunro is a Nigerian music video director based in the United Kingdom, often credited for his work as Sesan. He has directed music videos for Afrobeats genre artists such as D'Banj, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage and Davido. He is the CEO of Film Factory Nigeria, a video production company in Lagos; and Film Factory South Africa, in Johannesburg.
Apex and Bionic are a Nigerian R&B duo of brothers Andrew Omokhudu and Daniel Omokhudu. They released their debut single in 2014 titled Tell Them. In June 2019, they had a collaboration with Tuface titled For Your Matter. They are currently signed to JFK Resolute Entertainment Record Label.
Candy Tsa MandebeleMokwena is a South African singer, songwriter, actress. Born and raised in Limpopo, she began singing in her mother's community traditional group, Sekgapa, at the age of 14. Mandebele began her career in 1993 as a songwriter, prior to joining group Shaka Bundu Girls in 1995.