AN EAST London jazz musician, who has dedicated his time to helping aspiring artists from impoverished backgrounds, was recently signed by a recording label.
Musician Thembelani Batala started off as a producer in the 1990s and in 2008 opened his own recording studio in Berea after receiving funding from the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council (ECPACC).
While recording his own music, he also started recording young artists showing potential and at times would do so for free.
He released his first jazz album in 2008, uMasinda ezam but it did not do well.
“I did everything by myself and I struggled to distribute my music,” he said.
Although his first album was not a success, Batala kept on supporting aspiring artists from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He received a big break when he was recently signed by East London-based recording label Miaay Sounds. The company has also signed Zahara’s sisters, who call themselves the Mkutukana Sisters.
Batala said that being signed by a recording company meant he would not struggle to distribute his music.
He released his second album, Ungalahli’ themba last year and said the label would help him market and distribute it nationally.
“I am glad finally something is happening for me.
“I struggled with my first album and I am happy that won’t be the case with this second album,” he said.
One of the artists Batala has helped is Mdanstane FM gospel producer and compiler Lusizo Khango.
Khango’s debut album, Thixo ova izkhungo (God who hears prayers) was released at the beginning of this year, and he said if it was not for Batala he would never have recorded an album.
Batala has shared the stage with top acts like Ringo Madlingozi, Mafikizolo, Take Note and Afro pop award-winning artist Ntando Bangani.
Batala said he would film a music video for one of the songs off his second album, while next month he is travelling to Harare, Zimbabwe, to perform in a jazz and gospel festival along with Zahara’s sisters.
The Harare-based company, Chalenam Rhythms, saw the artists last month during a music conference in Johannesburg. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
Talented jazz artist lands record deal
Musician Thembelani Batala started off as a producer in the 1990s and in 2008 opened his own recording studio in Berea after receiving funding from the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council (ECPACC).
While recording his own music, he also started recording young artists showing potential and at times would do so for free.
He released his first jazz album in 2008, uMasinda ezam but it did not do well.
“I did everything by myself and I struggled to distribute my music,” he said.
Although his first album was not a success, Batala kept on supporting aspiring artists from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He received a big break when he was recently signed by East London-based recording label Miaay Sounds. The company has also signed Zahara’s sisters, who call themselves the Mkutukana Sisters.
Batala said that being signed by a recording company meant he would not struggle to distribute his music.
He released his second album, Ungalahli’ themba last year and said the label would help him market and distribute it nationally.
“I am glad finally something is happening for me.
“I struggled with my first album and I am happy that won’t be the case with this second album,” he said.
One of the artists Batala has helped is Mdanstane FM gospel producer and compiler Lusizo Khango.
Khango’s debut album, Thixo ova izkhungo (God who hears prayers) was released at the beginning of this year, and he said if it was not for Batala he would never have recorded an album.
Batala has shared the stage with top acts like Ringo Madlingozi, Mafikizolo, Take Note and Afro pop award-winning artist Ntando Bangani.
Batala said he would film a music video for one of the songs off his second album, while next month he is travelling to Harare, Zimbabwe, to perform in a jazz and gospel festival along with Zahara’s sisters.
The Harare-based company, Chalenam Rhythms, saw the artists last month during a music conference in Johannesburg. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
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