Wax: NEWS/INFOS

Maftown has done it again! This time it’s a fresh Motswako kid who’s taking one step at a time in order to take over. So who’s Motso? His first and recent mixtape has set three songs blazing simultaneously on Y, 2 on hi-rote! This fired-up dude’s setting all parts of the country on fire, and if DJs earned their spot on air, then they’re spot on that he’s THE ONE to watch out for in 2010! And that’s just testing the waters before the first single sets sail from Lolhiphop Records’ candy cruiser! Enough said! Click here to listen to Motso and read for yourself what MIO and the public have to say about Motso’s first steps…and watch this space!

 

Meanwhile, you can join Wax on SHIFT, SABC1 at 1pm on Monday 8 March, for an exclusive live performance of the song everyone’s curious about: African Dream. Plus: Wax (Mr Nde Ndifonka) discusses why African is Lekker; mental slavery; and how IOM’s ONE Movement is working to promote human rights and a deeper understanding of Africa in the streets!

 

Coming soon: AFRICAN DREAM RELOADED! (SA only)

 

C ya! And we love y’all! Really!

Cameroonian-born soul singer, Wax, and South African songstress, Peggy will set the stage alight at Djembe in Meropa Casino, Polokwane, in celebration of South Africa’s Heritage weekend on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th September. The Lolhiphop Records duo are set to deliver two riveting and eclectic shows that will showcase the richness of African heritage through song and dance. Wax performs regularly overseas with a trademark blend of pop and afro-soul, and he will take to the stage for the first time in Polokwane. The “Miss Real, Mr Regular” singer, aka Nde Ndifonka, will be backed by musicians from different parts of the continent, promising the audience an exciting experience of different African rhythms. Meanwhile, Daveyton-born Peggy Matseke will after a hiatus, reconnect with fans in Polokwane, delivering among others, hit songs such as “Uzonkhumbula” and “Masechaba”. The albums “African Soul’ by Wax and “Peggy” by Peggy are co-released by Lolhiphop records and Sheer Sound. Wax has since followed up with another offering ‘African Dream’, recently released in South Africa and Cameroon, and enticing a more diverse listernship with a more urban sound.

The growing success of the hit love song, Miss Real, Mr Regular, leaves no delusion with soul singer/producer, Wax, about diluting the crucial messages behind his electric and thought-provoking new album: African Dream. It is an album that audiences will come to discover as reflecting the life and aspirations of his alter ego, Nde Ndifonka - a mirror of Africa on the verge of a new era.

The Cameroonian star will launch this African Dream on Wednesday 29 July, 8pm at the Bluesroom in Village Walk, Sandton; Nde will shed his suit and talk in favour of a guitar and mic, marking his first full-band performance of the album on South African soil. The show will feature other prominent African performers, including Kunle Ayo from Nigeria and MXO from South Africa.

“African Dream is not just music. It represents a lifestyle,” says Wax. “I want the success of this album to be judged not by charts, but by the impact it has on anyone who listens to the message.” So what is this message?

The title track encapsulates this in a bridge that croons: ‘On CNN I see this little street kid; he’s got nothing to eat, and that’s all that they see; but somewhere in his eyes I see ambition scream: who will set me free from these gates of dreaming?’

Because, as Wax explains, his dream is to see every African reach their full potential, an objective that goes beyond a child on TV’s basic need for food.

“It is not my dream – I am only part of a growing body of African youths who are ready to seize the reins of the continent’s future and claim their place as global players in every field of endeavour. I am only motivating my listeners to become part of, and support that body.”

28-year-old Wax is a Southern Africa’s Spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration (IOM). He is a brand ambassador for the City of Joburg and the ONE Movement (an anti-racism/xenophobia initiative championed by the United Nations, under the patronage of Archbishop Desmond Tutu). He has toured Europe and the US, working and performing for charities, and appears regularly on local and international media on humanitarian issues. He staged a show for UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon on his recent visit to South Africa. Owner of record label, Lolhiphop records, he also writes and produces songs for other African artists. His first publication, a play entitled ‘The Chosen One’ has been used in the South African public school curriculum and in tertiary institutions across the continent. Currently producing his own TV talk show, Wax also makes time to give talks and lectures on various pertinent issues affecting Africa at universities and communities.


Join WAX on METRO FM Talk on Wednesday 22 July evening, as he uncovers this story and the inspiration behind African Dream, with Criselda Kananda.

Growing interest in the song, ‘Miss real, Mr Regular’ has raised speculation about the object of Wax’ attention in the song.

Says Wax: “It is just a love song. It’s not about anybody. But it is significant to me because it is more that a love song.

I wanted to say something about the woman in a successful man’s life, say something about the things that matter most in a relationship, so I wrote the song. I could have looked to my past experiences for inspiration, but above all, I looked to universal truths about everyday living, not to any particular person.

I guess what I am really saying is that people need to be careful to identify what really matters in life, in spite of their success. In the music industry for example, there is a lot of hype and underneath that, we’re all just regular dudes, in search of something real to cling to.

It is my own sensual, lyrical way of saying: ‘All that glitters is not gold’. It’s not just about love, but about everything in life. Ideologically, I still believe life is the pursuit of happiness.”

Let’s talk abut the music of the song. Laid-back, yet very urban and very soul…a drastic deviation from the previous album, African Soul. The African element is very subtle, yet not lost! “Miss Real, Mr Regular’ is a statement from Wax! A musical, lyrical, and vocal response to critics of his regular choice of ethnic African rhythms to address urban issues. One acoustic rhythm guitar sits on the licks of two electric guitars, live drums crown subtle Cuban percussions, a majestic bass rhythm topped by interspersed ‘bushman’ melodious cries; ‘Miss Real, Mr Regular’ is a masterpiece that transcends genres and defines musical bliss. Pick any listener.

Anecdote. “A lady told me recently after a show in New York – you know when I first listened to ‘Miss Real, Mr Regular’, I called my husband and said - Babe, I want to **** **** right now!”

Quite an original way of appreciating quite an original song, wouldn’t you say?

‘Miss real, Mr Regular’ by Wax is now available on iTunes.

Wax aka Nde Ndifonka talks more about the song and the album ‘African Dream’ on SA’s Highveld Stereo 94.7 on Sunday 5 July, 6:00pm, Pretoria time. Realtime online streaming available.

Wax is set to perform at a special fundraising event for the ONE Movement (www.1movement.co.za) on Friday 26th hosted by international Soccer star and fellow Cameroonian Samuel Eto’o at the Inc. Club in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.


Samuel Eto’o will visit South Africa on Friday to launch the collaboration between his Samuel Eto’o Foundation and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) - www.iom.org.za - to combat xenophobia and racism in South Africa.


The FC Barcelona player is expected to sign an agreement appointing him Youth Ambassador for the ONE Movement throughout the continent. South Africa-based Wax aka Nde Ndifonka is a brand ambassador for the same campaign, as well as Spokesperson for IOM. They will also hold a press conference and visit sites affected by xenophobia.


The public will be able to interact with the soccer icon, and win autographed jerseys and round tickets to watch him play live in Europe by smsing the word “ONE” to ‘39708’. Smses cost R15. To increase the chance of winning, the public can buy tickets to a special fundraising gala party at Club Inc, 41 Juta Street, Braamfontein on Friday 26th. The gala will feature performers Wax, DJs Fistaz and TBo Touch, and Gang of Instrumentals. Tickets are available at Computicket.


The ONE movement is a social change campaign under the patronage of Archbishop Desmond Tutu aimed at promoting unity and human rights throughout South Africa and Africa. It was initiated by IOM as a response to the xenophobic violence that resulted in the death of 62 persons and the displacement of thousands in May last year. The public can find information about the campaign or make donations by visiting the ONE Movement website - www.1movemenet.co.za .


Over the next few years, the Samuel Eto’o Foundation will partner with the ONE movement and stakeholders including IOM and other UN agencies, as well as media platforms such as SABC’s METRO FM to address xenophobia and racism through sport and dialogue in South Africa and Africa.

Local producer and soul singer, Wax jets off to the US to perform for US charity GEMS, a campaign against youth commercial sexual exploitation, in New York on June 3, among other shows.

This will be part of a US tour to promote his sophomore album, African Dream, due for release in South Africa in July 2009. Recently released, ‘Miss real, Mr Regular’, the first single from the album is already making the rounds on several playlists including on major stations such as METRO FM, and is definitely one of the songs to watch out for in 2009.

The Cameroonian-born artist has a long record working for charity – he is popularly known by real name, Nde Ndifonka, as humanitarian activist and spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration, working against ills such as human trafficking and xenophobia.

Wax is the face of a new international tourism campaign launched by the City of Joburg to showcase the opportunities that lie in Johannesbug.

On May 25 Wax will also perform live on SABC 1 programme SHIFT to commemorate Africa day with the nation. He will talk about his experience as an African immigrant, singer, writer, music producer for local artists, and humanitarian activist. He is also due to perform on June 20 at Alliance Française in Pretoria as part for the French Music Week.

Wax has donned the ribbon on his best work yet, the semi-biographical album ‘African dream’, to be released in July 2009. In the album, Mr Nde Ndifonka tells stories of love and war, draws blood from afropessimists, and strengthens Wax’ humanitarian appeal. Wax delivers a universal urban world sound that will entrance listeners for ages to come. “Miss Real, Mr Regular’, from the album, defines Wax’ unique vocal charm and is sure to mark the rise of one of the world’s finest soul singers. Think Joan Amatrading meets John Legend meets The Cure. With a youthful, contemporary touch of Africa. Click on the MUSIC menu to listen to the new song and experience the brand new Wax.

Hot prices of your fav albums from the Lolhiphop Recrods now on CD Baby! “Peggy” by Peggy and ‘African Soul’ by Wax now only $9.97. Get ‘Ali gets his arms’ by Wax for only $7.97. CLICK HERE to get these deals NOW!!! Also available on iTunes, Yahoo music, Kalahari.net and all other good online stores. Also get your hard copies from your nearest music store in SA, or from Achile Production Stores in Cameroon.

You’ve seen them, you’ve heard them, and it’s only the beginning for SA’s hottest new House Music Duo! House Nation, Element One, mixed by Dj Chicken and Skhulu is on its way to the stores!!!!! Hot summer tracks like you’ve never heard before. It's big! And in their own words: 'Get big or get out!' Don’t watch this space – listen and jive to it! June 2009 - Hatched by Lolhiphop Records!

Lolhiphop Records and SHEER SOUND, in collaboration with KAYA FM, will
host a free live concert by the talented musos Peggy and Wax, to
launch their new CD projects, at Sophiatown in Newtown, Johannesburg,
next Thursday 31 July 2008, at 7:30pm.

Featuring guest maestros McCoy Mrubata and Kunle Ayo, and hosted by
connoisseur Nicky B (KAYA FM), the show will be televised for
broadcast on Mnet.

The audience will jive to the township-inspired world rhythms of
Peggy (aka Peggy Matseke), who first hit the airwaves with the hit
'Uzhonkumbula', included on this CD. The song made it to KAYA FM's
Volume 5 compilation, being one of the station's most requested songs.
The beauty from Daveyton has returned with a second single,
"Masechaba" which rocked seven weeks at the top spot of the African
Top Ten charts. She will now be launching a self-tiled album,
co-produced by Kunle Ayo and Wax aka Nde Ndifonka.

Wax' acoustic folkloric sound has earned him the respect often
reserved for African griots, and his self-produced new album entitled
'African Soul' is receiving rave reviews internationally. Only a few
years after setting foot in South Africa as a penniless youngster, the
Cameroonian-born singer and guitarist has been recognised as a
well-spoken humanitarian activist and sought-after producer. Wax is
set to model as himself for a new international tourism campaign to be
launched this August by the Joburg Tourism Authority.

Wax founded Lolhiphop Records in 2006 after splitting from Olimit
Records. A new deal between Lolhiphop Records and SHEER Sound/IRIS
Distribution will now see the two albums marketed and distributed
nationwide in South Africa.

For more information, contact Unathi Memela on email
pr@waxexperience.com or tel +27 76 174 8730

Lolhiphop Records stablemates Peggy Matseke (South Africa) and Wax aka Nde Ndifonka (Cameroon/SA) have in quick succession made it into the African Top Ten count down on South Africa’s premier jazz and African music radio station, Kaya FM.
Peggy’s Masechaba, from her new self-titled album entered at No. 8 last week, before moving up to number 6 this week. Masechaba is a melodious song that fuses South African soul with West African folk guitar and percussions. Peggy is no stranger to Kaya FM listeners, as her first single, Uzhonkumbula, also featured on this album, was compiled on the Kaya FM Volume 5 album.
African Soul, title track and first single from Wax’s sophomore album entered at No 9 this week. The album has already scored international acclaim as an African jazz collectors’ item, and comes ahead of Wax’s first series of international live appearances.
Every Sunday at 9pm, based on on airplay and listeners’ response, DJ Nicky B counts down the Top 10 newest African hits.
To vote, go to www.kayafm.co.za/votes.php?id=279 NOW, or tune into Kaya FM at 9pm Sundays, or listen online at the website.
Peggy and Wax are guests via telephone on Saturday 12 and Saturday 19 April on US radio station, The Lion 90.7FM, at 4pm (RSA) or 6pm, GMT.
The albums PEGYY: Peggy and WAX: African Soul can also be purchased online at the Lolhiphop Records website: www.waxmusic.co.za and are available in stores.

There was a certain clairvoyance about the 2006 declaration of Mozambican world music specialist, Richard Nwamba that at last, Cameroon had found a youngster capable of walking into the shoes of Richard Bona or Sally Nyolo.

At the time, many music lovers in Africa and around the world knew Wax as the dreadlocked youngster on Channel O who sang from the soul about the plight of Ali Abbas of Iraq, in his debut hit, Ali Gets His Arms. TV and radio stations flared with Anglophone Cameroon's long-awaited musical gem and South Africa was introduced to a new face on the musical scene. However, nothing could have prepared anyone, anywhere for Wax' second album: African soul, which has propelled Wax overnight to the status of an international jazz icon.

Self-styled posterchild of world jazz music, Wax is without doubt Cameroon's musical revelation, and at 26, he has been described by the press a young musician with spirit of a griot.

Why African Soul?
The CD cover tells the story: Wax is baring his musical soul by celebrating his African heritage while paying tribute to the different global genres that have shaped his unique musical form.

In a fast globalizing world that demands dynamic ranges of artistic performance to stay on top, African soul is a timeless light jazz album that celebrates that perennial spirit which keeps Africa laughing and dancing in the tempest of its maledictions and the oases
of its joys. It is African song at its best, delightfully crafted for
global consumption.

Now available at the official Wax website: www.waxexperience.com
or buy directly from:
http://www.waxexperience.com/products.html
In the coming series, we look at each song from of the album and get free video downloads.

TAKE NOTE: Please be sure to enter your correct names and addresses while buying CDs from any links on the official website -- one lucky buyer will win an all expenses paid international or national trip to watch Wax live in Cape Town, while ten others will win CD hampers from Lolhiphop Records. Watch this series for details.

Artist: WAX
CD: African Soul, © 2008 Lolhiphop Records (6009800101027)
Song: African soul

How do you make a song mooove without losing its soul?

- The Lyrics -
Sometimes Africa cries, sometimes Africa laughs, but Africa should
never lose its perennial spirit, often expressed through song. This is
the message that African Soul sends to the people of Africa. Partly a
cry of desperation, partly a celebration, but above all, a call to
everyone to rise to the occasion and do their bit to make Africa the
lovely place that it ought to be.

"I am a craftsman of song, and while I confess my love for Africa and
its valour, I must also point out that things are not going right.
It's up to us all to take the responsibility in our own ways to change
things...painters, businessmen, politicians, cooks, gardeners...what
are you doing in your own sphere to change things?"

- The music -
"When I wrote this song, I was wanted to create something that
epitomises my outlook in this new CD. So I decided I wanted a title
track that could tell the story of my musical life and imprint a stamp
of my true musical identity. I composed the classical-like guitar
lines first, recollecting that the guitar pulled me to music. The song
is a bit of a journey...not only in its musical transitions but also
in the moods that saw me through its completion...The challenge for me
then, was to find accompanying music that would complement it without
compromising the spirit of the song. By no measure an easy task!

Sylvain Valouveta provided that when he plucked the bass. The grove
was right, just like I wanted it, but still I thought the song ought
to mooove. And that is why I went for a Cuban percussionist. Joseph
Averjel. We had a chat, a fight (actually a couple, he's a really
opinionated musician, and I a much more opinionated producer), and
settled for the horserace-like percs that make the song move without
losing its soul. It was perfect! Nelson Malela was cool-headed on the
keys, and I really think that we have the same genes; he delivered my
thought in a realer manner than I think I expressed them. Simon
Annett, the drummer is white South African, it was so much fun working
with him. He will perch his head from side to side, obviously having
fun with the reggae groove; later when it moves into the funk jazz, he
was having a ball...and then havoc befell him when the song progresses
into the Makossa feeling...Wow, I've never seen a man so on-point, yet
so bewildered. But that is the beauty of it... I did not want to box
my music into predictable genres. I wanted it to feel different, and I
think using musicians from different backgrounds while dictating the
mood from my traditional musical standpoint gives the music a rare
exotic feel. You can feel the different genres without actually
putting a finger on them, and that haunting feeling is what defines a
unique song for me."

- The result -
I remember going into a club where DJ Nicky B was playing an awesome
mix of Afro-Caribbean soul. When she saw me she raised two thumbs up.
She asked: "Which song should I play now?" I couldn't decide. "Name
any, they're all very special!" Couldn't decide. "African Soul?"...


African Soul, the title track of Wax' new CD is now available as a
single download or on the complete CD on Wax' official website: www .
waxexperience . com

.......................
South African-based Cameroonian, Wax aka Nde Ndifonka offers a
timeless light jazz album that is delightfully crafted for global
consumption. The complete African Soul Series is available on the
official website.

Info and bookings:
bookings @ waxexperience . com

Mark your calendars for Friday December 21.

I will be launching the new album African Soul in Dallas.

Release/Premiere of the movie Dream Kween. See the movie trailer www.youtube. com/dreamkweens or www.shrineofafrica. com

FORMAL DRESS CODE WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

Venue: DFW - BIJOU DE LA DIASPORA (3320 S. Watson Rd., Arlington, TX 76014; we are located at the corner of Hwy 360 and Mayfield in Arlington, next to Whattaburger) ..

More Info visit www.bijoudeladiaspo ra.com or call 817.323.9451

In Dallas tonight? Check out:
www.bijoudeladiaspo ra.com

Hey again, I'll be joining other African artists on DSTV's Channel 53 on Wednesday 27 June to discuss challenges facing African artists, specifically in terms of breaking into their own African markets. It'll be a great panel discussion, and one you certainly want to see..it's at 8pm, RSA time.

And then - (I'm getting old) - I rebegin my stage performance in South Africa on Friday 29, with a dance, vibey afrojazz session at the world renown Moyo in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, on Friday 29th...If you're in Cape Town, or a short flight's distance from, there's an idea to kickstart your weekend!

Hey guys,
After an exciting hiatus, I'm back! And to start off, I'll be discussing my near and future plans in a LIVE interview(/performance) on Vivid, Sentech Channel (DSTV). 8pm of Friday 22 June 07. Don't miss it.

Loba la maloba... the new Zouk-gospel track from Wax.. it's new and FREE. Get it here<http://www.waxexperience.com/music.html>...

On Saturday, November 11, 2006, Wax will join other top African artists to perform at South Africa's first Human Trafficking Awareness Concert.

On stage will be multi-award winning band and current MTV award nominees, Freshly Ground (South Africa), Kora award winner for best West African artist, Kunle (Nigeria), Mozambican veteran, Richard Nwamba, and South African songbird, Peggy.

Themed, "Blow the Whistle against Human Trafficking: 0800 555 999", the concert will be the culmination of a week-long South African Human Trafficking Awareness Week, powered by Metro FM, Daily Sun Newspaper, and SABC.

Venue:Bassline
Fee: R80 (Computicket)
Time:19H00
Date:11 November 06

Now you can get your free WAX ringtones straight to your cellphone: http://www.ringtonenow.com/wax_3672.html

O-limit Records welcomes new signing, Peggy, to the stable. Her first hit Úzonkhumbula was one of the most requested songs on Kaya FM last year, making it to the stations annual compilation CD. After the debut release of “Uzonkhumbula”, with MAKHOKELA/SHEER/SONY, O-limit is taking her talent across the borders. The hit factory is busy with her new recording – PEGGY – which should be hitting the airwaves anytime now! Peggy joins O-limit this year, along with hip-hop wonders, Lolhiphop.

The first play from Wax, “The Chosen One” by Nde Ndifonka, has been approved by the Department of Education in South Africa for use in schools nationwide. Guess that’s good news!

Wax visits Cameroon for four shows in November 06, and the United States for four shows in February 07, before stopping in France in March 07 to finalise distribution negotiations with partners. Details of the shows will be put up in the coming weeks.

Last weekend, Wax was detained for three hours at the Sunnyside police station, with a valid permit in his pocket, on charges of illegal immigration! Sometimes, we just don’t get it. It took the intervention of a senior Diplomat to secure a rushed release. It apparently did not help either, that Wax has served as a consultant on several occasions for the Department of Community Safety, on matters relating to illegal detentions and xenophobia. Phew!

It just rolled down a steep hill into a building, resting under several heavy pillars! Wethinks the handbrake failed. Oh, we’re talking about Wax’ BM. Last Sunday.