Hi Everyone

i llove the idea behind Nu Sound...and the coastal thing, I certainly see it as an irie vibration especially in a coast where there's so much talent and yet so little happening. Those who attempt to do something don't get the support they need ( From Rock, To Electro, Jazz to Reggae...) there's so much compromise...but with my idea of The Chi ( The Creators Hands Initiative/Incorporated) I mean to unite the vibes, promote and propagate the Art of songwriting which can be severely lacking in this hemisphere, but there are plenty people who can and do write well. Otherwise, just check it out...its a work in progress.

Menzi

The CHI Songs!!!

This is a collection of Music written by Menzi Maseko to be performed by himself, Phumzile Masina, Busiswa Gqulu, Zinhle Biyela ‘Ladiva’, Nompendulo ‘NewDiva’ and othe Luminaries in the vast and gift-full constellation that is KwaZulu EThekwini.

The aim is to create a band (set band), a group of young musicians, music and other students, designers, Artists and Poets who will create together, initiating and celebrating within a vibrant spontaneously creative atmosphere. The Band should be the heart or the nucleus of the Centre, hosting other musicians beside the ones mentioned above. Collaborations with inter-outer-national stars (Creatives: musicians, singers, designers and institutions such as the Vega etc).

Aside: Earlier this evening while walking from the French Film festival, I walked past a white house which had the words ‘Truth: Advertising and Design’ emblazoned on the door frame in white on red colours. I said to myself, would it not be interesting to just turn up at this office and ask them to work with me, for me to work with them, not for a salary but on a give and give basis.

It’s a world of give and take, but within this framework, I as a writer and people’s person can add to this company something they might not have, they could also fulfil some of my personal and organisational needs. Wouldn’t it just be fabulous to live in a world like that, where there are no permanent employees, just skilled and semi-skilled individuals adding value to each others lives through resource sharing, communications, brainstorming and implementation of ideas, creations, thoughts and services that benefit all?

Yes, I understand how I seem to have digressed and moved away from the subject of Music or songs. But this is just the very essence of the Idea of why the Band is formed.

It is composed of individuals who play for different groups, travelling and touring, rehearsing and gigging within their own respective organisations (bands/choirs/schools/outfits) yet at the Songspace they come as a collective consciousness embracing differences and being guided towards a shared purpose.

This shared purpose can be in the form of a set of Common Goals, like: Becoming a successful, Self reliant musician. This is not the same as having a job, playing drums for a gospel, reggae, jazz, rock, Afro-pop, maskandi or hip hop band, it is the culmination of all the Sounds, Audiences and Inner visions.

Just like in a symphony, all the sounds from the highest to the mildest, from the shrill to the chill come together via the commitment and Musical/Spiritual connection and networking of the people who form the Group.

The house-songs (Songs played frequently during rehearsal and regular events) must reflect the Positive Aspects of Life, Uplifting, Captivating, Mysterious and Adventurous.

Here are some of the songs that can be covered.

ü Thom Yorke /Radiohead = I Will/ Scatterbrain / Eraser / Black Swans

ü Louis Mhlanga = Tinganekwane

ü Stimela = Highland Drifter

ü Brenda Fassie = Boipatong/ Too Late For Mama/ Indaba Yami I-straight

ü Fela Kuti = Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense/ Beast of No Nation/ Lady

ü Hugh Masekela = Beating Around The Bush

ü Sakhile = Working Man /

ü Sipho Gumede = Social Climber/ Ishumi Leminyaka*

ü Georgia Anne Muldrow = Early*

ü Zama Jobe = Taxi Ride/ Native Rhythms*

ü Sibongile Khumalo = Mountain Shade

ü Bheki Mseleku = Sandile

ü Take 6 = The Biggest part of me

ü Stevie Wonder =Free/Master Blaster Jamming/These Three Words/ Loves In Need

ü Mahalia Jackson = Canaan Land

ü Ella Fitzgerald =

ü Janelle Monae’ = Mr President / Tightrope

ü Outkast = Aquemini / Liberation

ü Moses Taiwa Molelekwa = Tsala /Finding Ones Self

ü Thandiswa Mazwai = Zabalaza

ü Simphiwe Dana = The One Love Movement On Bantu Biko Street / Troubled Soldier

ü Lucky Dube = House Of Exiles / Slave / Ubusuku bude*

ü Busi Mhlongo = Webab;omncane / that song with Max Lasser

NB. The artists own songs are welcome of course; by they must fit the standard set by We The People! The above artists and songs are mentioned only due to their level of excellence.

Songs Written by I and I

1. Usuku : to be co-written and sung by Busiswa

2. Reality Singes : to be sung/ recited by Menzi

3. Endless Summers : a rap by Menzi

4. No Grudges ( I Can Love u better ) : recorded with Dr Mtati, sung by Ladiva*

5. Longevity ( In our lifetime ) : to be sung by Busiswa

6. She Came : to be sung with Sbonelo

7. Love ( Don’t Complicate It ): to be sung by Busiswa and Ladiva

8. Hungry For Life : to be sung by Menzi, Ladiva, Busiswa, Sindi and Sbonelo

9. Behold A Woman : to be sung by Ladiva

10. I Will Be Waiting ( But Love Won’t Wait ):

11. Songs in The Chi of Life: to the instrumental by Phaxx Manis*, sung by Phumzile, rap by Menzi or co-written with Bullet ( Sbusiso Tsewu ).

12. Works of Faith : with a sample from the Reggae group Midnite

13. Troubled Soldier : cover of Simphiwe Dana’s song

Menzi Maseko (c)