I first encountered Mavuso's talent as his melodious voice filled the room ahead of Boity's entrance at the launch of her pharmaceutical company. Decked out in a printed suit, which he topped off with a fez, there just something about the artist that not only grabs your attention, but keeps you mesmerized.
Liminal Sketches is an EP that was written nearly five years ago by Langa himself and because of his knowledge and experience in music and art, he is well on his way to becoming a household name. From his personal style to his soulful voice, the 23-year-old is one of the most talented rising stars on our radar and we had a chance to chat to him.
1. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
"I draw a lot of inspiration from life and love. The people I spend a great deal of time with, the places I frequent as well as experience.
Out of respect for them, they'll usually remain nameless as my version of events may be different to that of their own experience."
2. You have a really great voice and sing very well live too, how do you prepare for a live performance?
"Thank you, I've gone through an extensive amount of musical education and practical experience. I studied music at the national school of the arts and jazz at UCT. While in Cape Town, I did a lot of corporate gigs with a band called Soul Sessionz, this allowed me to grow my musical vocabulary and showed me real time experiences of what live performance meant. I rehearse a lot with my band before a gig and we play around with the music to find special nuances and fun live elements that allow us to breathe life into the music. We try our best to always give a great show and gain more support through that as I am still unknown to most."
3. What would you say sets you apart from other up coming artists?
"I think I have a unique sound and managed to find a way to introduce urban soul to South Africa in a way that many vocalists have not.
They are many young artists that I love and respect but I think we each have different stories to tell, and even if we told the same story it would never come out in the same way. Perspective and a unique sound help us in this instance."
4. You'll be performing at your first Opikoppie this weekend, how does performing for such a big audience at such a big festival feel?
"I'm very nervous about performing at a festival that is predominantly perceived as a rock inclined platform that is for an audience I normally don't interact with, however, these fears also have me feeling an excitement for the opportunity to share the music on a larger scale with a new audience. It's my first big festival and I'm excited for it, I'm looking forward to learning and witnessing how people there will receive my music. It should be a fun one. Definitely one for the books."
5. What goes into the thought process of writing your music?
"The melody comes from god knows where, but once it comes, I try to open myself up to the message that is in the music. I usually write my best songs in the bath or while I am driving. Phone on record and after listening back the process of arrangement begins, record a demo then head to the studio. Sometimes I get songs from friends as well like Home by Zoe Modiga and another song that my pianist recently wrote for me. I'm always willing to learn from others through collaboration. This allows for growth and evolution."
6. What projects are you working on & can we expect an album anytime soon?
I'm writing and recording a lot of new music and creating some visual content. If folks follow the journey they'll see it come out in due time.
It's gonna be an exciting come up to watch, I'm working with a lot of amazing musicians and creatives to give the best product possible."
For those of you who don't already follow this talented guy, follow Langa's musical journey on social media and be enchanted by his soulful music. Here's a sneak peak of what he sounds like.
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Image credit: Instagram.com/@langamav
