Music and invention: The revolutionary journey that is Music97
When 4 young South Africans in the year 2015 came together to create a new genre of music, what did it mean for the future of the South African music industry? What does it mean to have 4 youths, in a time of rebellion and revolution, who decide to collaborate their individual talents to transform an idea and make it their own? With so many questions looming at such a revolutionary time – why is the music group Music97 so important? With murmurings or rather protests of a decolonised free education, the basis of this being a decolonised mindset has been the crucial, modernised endeavour of our youth’s democracy – and that is what this group represents!
So, hesitantly pushing all this transformative excitement aside, which honestly should be beyond our control, such a representation leaves us to beg the questions: how did this group come to be? Where exactly did these talented individuals hail from? What led them on this path? Why the name? And more significantly, what do they aspire to achieve?
Well, according to them, it all started out as “two guys vibing to each other’s sound at a church conference in November 2015”. And through divine intervention, it was back home that they decided to become an imminent presence, threatening to change the face of the South African music industry, leaving us less than astounded to learn that they originate from Mpumalanga, “the place where the sun rises”.
Indeed as stars they had to start somewhere. As the time flew by when just 2 friends would pass the time creating art, 2 became 4 with Marcus Mocane as the bassist, Andy Keys as the pianist/vocalist, Khanyi as the lead vocalist and Thabo Mnisi as the drummer. Sooner rather than later a name had to be chosen with them settling on Music97, as they make music 97% of the time. With their image finally established, they found themselves collaborating and sharing a stage with well-established artists, and even promoting themselves through the Vodacom NXT LVL initiative.
Now, we all know that music is a soul driven art; it emerged from magic that has yet to be released from the heart. But it is through their hearts that success has come, and their success and fame stems from those closest whom inspire and motivate them. Firstly, Marcus lists his motivation as coming from a tenacious and persevering mindset, which pushes him to collaborate and contribute to their art form. Secondly, Andile centres his inspiration on Tank and his father whom he sees as his utmost supporter and motivator. Thirdly, Khanyi finds her will and passion from the challenges of life and its lessons. And lastly, Thabo looks up to his drum instructor, Thabang Motaung, and Mr Chris Coleman whom he so readily acclaims as the best drummer there is.
With so much to discuss about such driven artists, what matters more in a time where our youth is desperate for a guiding light, baring a torch to help lead the way, is: what motivations and goals drive Music97? As mentioned before, they have set their sights on creating a new genre, but more intriguing is their aspiration to open more music schools in South Africa and generate more money within their industry through their craft.
Keeping in mind all that is Music97, it is exciting to proclaim that we (the South African audience) have the honour to witness home-grown talent soar in our midst – soar to different heights within the South African music industry! And with our outstretched welcoming arms we say, “Welcome Music97!” We are excited to venture along this musical journey with you.
