We love to break new artists la ekhaya and if the artist is fresh and talented then it’s even better! Thus introducing Vanco! He is a South African Producer, DJ and Artist based in Johannesburg. This guy has been at it and has since cultivated a music career that spans over decades. Ironically, he didn’t start out as a DJ. His music career started as a bass marimba player and percussionist in his mid teens. And since then, he has invested in his career and is fast becoming one of the busiest men in the industry having to produce and perform regularly.
Listening to his music, I can pick up a heavy presence of African and tribal influences and this makes sense since he is well traveled. He has played in countries such as Namibia and has collaborated with Sally and Adora among other artists. The Sounds Different EP was such a pleasure to listen to and one can tell that Black Coffee has had a major impact on Vanco. Every song, in my opinion, is a hit. I can see him playing at major festivals in the country and across the world, representing the true sound of South African house music.
The track Musukungsukela, featuring Nomsa Mazwai, better known as Nomisupasta is a standout for me. It’s fun and feisty and sees Nomisupasta reciting a peom in isiXhosa about not overstepping your boundaries. When she starts singing, I swear I could hear nuances of award winning singer and her older sister, Thandiswa Mazwai. To top it all off, the electric guitar in this song is magic!
I also enjoyed the Izulu track where there is a praise singer. On Jaiva, vocalist Lundi does the most. It’s soulful and soothing. Naba Labantu featuring Ckenz Voucal is a fun track and brings plenty of energy. Wemama featuring Sasa is just blissfull. Nuff said. Ingane is a song praising the beauty of a woman. The vocalist has a deep and controlled voice and is incredibly soulful. All these vocalists just enhance Vanco’s beat and production qualities.
His style and signature sound has not only attracted some of the continent’s most influential DJ’s and producers but also drawing the attention of Italy based Antonello Coghe and Steve Paradise and UK’s D-Malice. Among others locally like Dj Qness, Cuebur and Dj Clock to name a few. That is impressive!
He’s Currently putting the finishing touches to his album INNOVATION which has international collaborations and previous releases through international labels uncover music, Unomas and Tribe Records. Locally, Sounds Different label features to look forward to with Letoya Makhene, Shota, Cuebur, Nomisupasta , Tee-Jay and many more.
If you would love to hear the EP, send an email to Vanco’s manager Riccardo Mathebula, riccardomathebula@yahoo.com and request it.
Listen below to Vanco’s Hitlist mix on my house with DJ Euphonik of 5 Fm
