Native Rhythms/Sony Music’s debut artists’ Vuyo and Pu2ma
set to dominate this year’s major music festivals

Native Rhythms Productions, the pioneer of South Africa’s Afro and ethno Soul music genre, is set to dominate at some of this year’s major music festivals. A total of five Native Rhythms artists are billed to perform at three major festivals in and around
Johannesburg, starting with the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival, followed by the Tribute Concert at Moretele Park in Mamelodi and finishing with the Johannesburg Arts Alive festival.

Out of these five artists, two deserve special mention because their appearance at these festivals coincide with the release of their debut albums, to be released by Native Rhythms Records and Sony Music Entertainment, as part of their Christmas season offering.

Vuyo Tyolo releases his debut album ‘Genesis:1’ and will appear for his debut solo performance at the Tribute Concert in Moretele Park (August 29), followed by another performance at Johannesburg Arts Alive at the Africa Unite Festival (September 3rd).Gifted with a timeless voice, Vuyo brings a fresh aspect into South African music with his mixture of Afro-soul fussed with ragga, ethno-trad and a touch of jazz. His comfort behind the mic and a dynamic command of his voice allows him to traverse with ease into his world of music.

Pu2ma, whose vocal prowess can be described as earthy, ethno and afro-soulful will appear alongside stars such as Lallah Hathaway, Chris Botti and Fourplay on 27 August at the Joy of Jazz Festival, followed by another performance at the Tribute Concert at Moretele Park on 29 August. Her debut solo performance is set to coincide with the release of her classy debut album ‘Putuma’ - on the same day of the Joy of Jazz.

Sipho Sithole of Native Rhythms Records, together with Sean Watson of Sony Music Entertainment, are thrilled about these artists’ debut appearances at such prestigious festivals at a crucial time of the release of their debut albums. For Sean Watson, “It could not have come at a better moment for these artists to perform alongside some of the leading musicians from here and abroad”, whilst Sipho Sithole said that “These artists will stand the test of time - believe me when I say this. We thank the festival organizers for believing in our brand and our artists at this juncture of their music careers”.

For enquiries please call 011 325 2632 or e-mail info@nativerhythms.co.za
Louise Pillay at Sony Music on 011 274 500 or e-mail louise.pillay@sonymusic.com

Native Rhythms Records in ‘Major Deal’ with Sony Music Entertainment

Native Rhythms Productions, an integrated entertainment company, whose strategic thrust encompasses music publishing, production, marketing and distribution, as well as artists and events management, has concluded what could be considered one of 2010’s most significant local music industry deals with Sony Music Entertainment.

The deal, which, according to Sean Watson, Director of Music at Sony Music Entertainment, will see Native Rhythms join a family of successful and established label brands such as Arista, Epic, Columbia, Jive, RCA, LaFace and J Records, is an indication of Sony Music Africa’s commitment to the development of local music and the introduction of independent music labels to Sony Music’s global network and expertise. According to Watson, “Native Rhythms is ideally suited to our future expansion into progressive South African and African music.Native Rhythms’ integrated and comprehensive approach to music and its artists is complementary to our positioning as a music company and through this deal we will ensure that the company benefits from our full range of business support services locally and our global physical and digital distribution network and that it receives the necessary support whilst retaining its independence and brand positioning.’

The founder of Native Rhythms, Sipho Sithole, who was compelled to leave Native Rhythms in 2007 when he joined the SABC as Head of Group Strategy, is elated to be back in the industry of his passion and says that “this deal comes
at a perfect time for our company. “We plan to expand globally (already with a satellite office in Holland) and Sony Music, which is much more of a music company than an old style record label, is an ideal partner for us as this is exactly how Native Rhythms is positioned”.

The deal was announced at an exclusive showcase to a packed Sony Music staff plus select media, and Native Rhythms presented its new artists who are now part of the Sony/Native deal, viz. Dineo Pule, Nkulee Dube, Pu2ma, Vuyo Tyolo, Zakwe. Vuyo Tyolo and Pu2ma will release their debut albums on 23 and 30 August respectively, whilst the rest of the artists will release their albums in
2011.

Native Rhythms does South Africa proud at the Shanghai Expo

It’s been a good year for Native Rhythms and its artists. Native Rhythms was appointed to plan and executive the cultural and music programme at the Shanghai 2010 World Expo.

The Shanghai Expo, which started in May and will only finish in October this year, has seen an array of artists performing at dedicated South African concerts coinciding with its national days. South Africa’s Mandela Day, July 18, also saw Zuluboy and Pu2ma joining artists such as Gloria Bosman, Afro Tenors, Tidal Waves and Blk Jks. Zuluboy rocked the Mandela Concert whilst Pu2ma performed at the infamous JZ Club where crème de la crème of jazz musicians have set foot.

Noukoumunda El Hadj Cissoko, who travelled from Paris to join Zuluboy’s band as Kora player, also conducted master classes at the JZ School, teaching Chinese the art of Kora and djembe drum.

Native Rhythms has already taken artists such as Jimmy Dludlu and Nothembi for Africa Day, Danny K and Thembi Seete for Youth Day, Thandiswa Mazwai, Deborah Fraser, Sibongile Khumalo, Loveline Madumo and Chomee for Women’s Day to the Expo. Ringo Madlingozi and Mahotella Queens will on Heritage Day, whilst the Gauteng Jazz Orchestra featuring Jonas Gwangwa, Don Laka as well as Shaluza Max Mntambo with Malatji will conclude South Africa’s cultural expedition in October.

Native Rhythms is expanding its roster of artists

Native Rhythms is not about to give up on the music industry and has recently signed 5 new artists as part of its commitment to the development of the music industry and the preservation of this country’s music heritage.

On 27 June (right in the middle of the World Cup) Native Rhythms held a concert to a packed audience at a Bassline, Newtown (Johannesburg) to present its new roster of artists, Dineo Pule, Nkulee Dube, Pu2ma, Vuyo Tyolo and Zakwe.

Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition

Native Rhythms stand was an absolute hit at this year’s Moshito Music Conference at Bassline, Newtown. Pu2ma and Vuyo Tyolo, Native Rhythms’ newest artists spent two days at Moshito, meeting and building new audiences. A surprise visit by the Gauteng Province MEC for Arts, Sport and Recreation to the stand was the highlight, as well as that by Black Moses (Soul Brothers), iHhashi eLimhlope and Ebony, together with SAMPA members China and Morris Roda, Arnold Mabunda of Gallo Music Publishers.

Pu2ma makes her mark at this year’s Joy of Jazz Festival

As expected, Pu2ma made her footprint at the most revered jazz festival in Johannesburg, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. Her performance on the same stage as Lalah Hathaway, Chris Botti, and Four Play, proved why as a debut artist with a debut album (released on the same day), Pu2ma deserved to be on that stage. It was a great day for Native Rhythms.

Pu2ma and Vuyo Tyolo at the Tribute Concert (Moretele Park)

Native Rhythms will never stop surprising South Africa’s music revelersand fun loving audiences. In front of more than 20 000 people, Pu2ma and Vuyo Tyolo performed like seasoned musicians and not to be outdone by the more established Mzansi artists who were schedule to perform later.

Pu2ma and Vuyo Tyolo pay homage to uMhlobo Wenene

They say charity begins at home. Pu2ma and Vuyo went home to the Eastern Cape to visit uMhlobo Wenene, the radio station that has been behind the success of most artists coming from that region, such as Thandiswa Mazwai, Siphokazi, Simphiwe Dana, etc. Pu2ma and Vuyo did a special showcase and a sneak preview of their albums to the stations music compilers, radio presenters, station and regional general manager as well as invited media and special guests.