Future Afro beats emerge from Cape Town

We featured a review of TheCITY's self-titled debut EP in Supernova vol. 4.6. In the interim, we caught up with the band's bassist, Ryan McArthur.

Why ‘TheCITY’? What is the significance of your band’s name?

People sometimes ask how such 'different' individuals meet, and if you look at a cosmopolitan city, you'll find very different people with common interests, which is what we are, a meeting point, a focus of a concept - TheCITY of Future Afro music.

Do you think the city in which one lives has any influence on the kind of music people make or listen to? If so, has Cape Town influenced you in anyway?

Of course. Reuben and Clem are Cape Coloured so the music of Cape Town, Goema, is part of their heritage and they grew up listening to Abdullah Ibrahim, Winston Mankunku and Errol Dyers, and hearing the minstrels rehearsing on warm summer afternoons, preparing for New Year celebrations. We fuse our heritage into the music we make. We feel it's very important.

You describe your sound as ‘Future Afro’. Can you describe the genre in a bit more detail?

It's a fusion of hip hop, electronica, afrobeats and soul.

You’re a group of people from very different backgrounds and musical styles. How did you decide on the genre of music you’d like to create as TheCITY?

We all share a love for jazz, so that is a common musical thread, and probably a subconscious understanding we share.

Who is your greatest influence and why?

Wow, it’s really hard for musicians to boil it down to one influence, especially if you’re trying something different, which is more of a hybrid of styles. Top 3: Little Dragon, J Dilla, and Abdullah Ibrahim.

Your self-titled album is free on Facebook and Bozza. Why free?

That is our 1^st album done in 2010. Back then, it was only a duo with Clem and Bonj. We’ve just finished a five track self-titled EP, which is our first official release as a band and is available on iTUNES, Deezer, Google Play, Shazaam and all the other online purchase sites.

What is the secret ingredient to success in the music industry?

There is no secret ingredient for success in any career path, except to be passionate about what you do and to plug at it constantly no matter what. It can get rough juggling gig management, PR, admin, rehearsal schedules, etc., so it's important to know your priorities and to strive for balance in everything.

Interview by Andrea Vermaak

Press images by Deidre Hewitson

You’ve seen the Blue Ribbon ad, now learn the moves

Step-by-step guide to recreating the latest Blue Ribbon TV commercial, ‘My Mom is so cool’, in your living room.

If you haven’t seen the high-energy ‘My Mom is so cool’ commercial from Blue Ribbon, where have you been? In a bold break from tradition, the commercial was created as a contemporary music video, showcasing the dance talent of young South Africans. It’s already got people talking.

Blue Ribbon called on expert choreographer and actress, Lorcia Cooper, to bring the commercial to life. Cooper choreographed the dance sequence by drawing on her extensive knowledge of dance trends including Hip Hop, Pantsula and Kwaito to produce a high-energy routine. 

The selection process for the cast of school kids began with open auditions, and was based on talent and personality. 

“The cast was full of energy – there was never a dip in enthusiasm at any point during rehearsals or filming,” says Cooper. “Dance is a fun way to keep young bodies and minds fit and healthy – and with the energy from a balanced diet, kids can fully enjoy growing up.”

On seeing the finished product for the first time, Cooper says, “I was incredibly proud of the kids and couldn’t believe how well the routine worked as both a commercial and a music video.” 

“I don’t like to pick favourites, but I really love the Pantsula segments and the closing scene, when all the kids are dancing together – we had so much fun,” she adds.

Cooper hopes this snapshot of young talent will encourage support for South African dance. “I hope to be more involved in the development of the local dance scene, and projects like this one are a step in the right direction,” she concludes.

For more insights watch the behind-the-scenes video, and get moving. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering the finale group dance from the Blue Ribbon ‘My Mom is so cool’ commercial. 

Share your moves on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #MmmmYumTaste. 

Issue on behalf of Premier Foods by Gullan&Gullan Advertising.