Rocking Ballito

We catch up with some of the best musicians in Ballito and learn about their incredible journeys in music.

 

ANGEL M

How did your music career start?

I have been singing for as long as I can remember but I’ve been performing as a professional solo artist, or as I like to say “One Woman Band”, from 2019.

 

What is your music style?

I perform cover songs which include old-school jams and new-age pop with an acoustic guitar and vocals giving a vibe that gets everyone, young and old, singing along.

 

What inspires you as a musician?

Telling stories that touch my audience and seeing a smile and that “aha” look when a memory resurfaces once a song is recognised.

 

Do you have any albums?

“Useyangithatha” is an original love and wedding song that was released in November. This is the first of many songs by myself.

 

Can you share a memorable moment in your career thus far?

There are many beautiful moments so far but one that stands out is the first time I performed at the longest running festival in South Africa, Splashy Fen Festival. Among the sweat after the performance, there were definitely tears as well.

Instagram: @angelm_rsa

 

HANNAB

How did your music career start?

My mom used to call me her little fairy because from when I could walk and talk, I would prefer to sing and dance. I started taking music seriously when I was about eight years old, but only officially launched as the artist HannaB in May 2022. I have my mom to thank for this, who saw my talent and has done everything she can to support my dream. I would not change it or her for the world.

 

What is your music style?

I don’t really have a ‘genre’. I love all types of music – the song just has to speak to me and the music style follows. I don’t believe in restricting myself as an artist. I’m just HannaB and I do HannaB.

 

What inspires you as a musician?

I am so inspired when my music brings a message to people, puts a smile on their faces, or brings them joy. I am also inspired to make music that will make a difference in this world. I especially have a passion for combating malnutrition in our world and I perform to support this cause.

 

Do you have any albums?

I am currently working on an album. I want it to be an expression of who I am. I have released one single called “Shine Your Light”. I am young and can fortunately take the time to make something that reflects who I am and the message I want to put out into the world.

 

Can you share a memorable moment in your career thus far?

Recently, I performed to raise funds for Nourish the Children Foundation. I sang the song “Rise Up” by Andra Day and there was a video playing behind me with photos of various children. It hit home and I got really emotional on stage. I realised how fortunate and blessed I am, and that I, as a young teenager, can make a difference, even if it’s just in one child’s life. (I hope it will be a whole lot more).

Instagram: @hanna_b_musiczaÂ

 

AFRITUDE

How did your music career start? Who are the members?

The current band members of Afritude are Sydney Appalsamy, Sylvester Dunn and myself, Derrick Jacob. I started playing as a kid at home and with friends. I really enjoyed it and it evolved into a career.

 

What is your musical style?

We don’t have a particular style of music. We have a variety of styles which we play and can only call it “happy music”

 

What inspires you as musicians?

Inspiration comes from many sources, such as other great musicians and people who attend our gigs.

 

Do you have any albums, or would you like to produce one?

We don’t have any albums yet. Hopefully, one day soon we will be able to take some time out and produce something.

 

Can you share a memorable moment in your career thus far?

Every gig is unique and special. No two gigs are exactly the same, and no matter who we play for there is always a special memory created.

 

How did you choose the name of your band?

When we were putting the band together, we were toying around with names and happened to be on Durban Beachfront at the time. Right there in front of us was the word ‘Afritude’ on the old Capital Radio building. We agreed that it was perfect for us and used it as the band’s name. We are Africans with crazy attitudes!

Instagram: @the_band_afritudeÂ

 

THE SPARE PARTS

How did your music career start? Who are the band members?

We started out in our teens, dabbling in music and learning to play instruments. Steve is on vocals, Shales is on bass, Ernie is on drums and Des is on guitar. Des replaced Regan who immigrated in 2020.

 

What is your musical style?

The band is aged from 45 to 60, so our happy place is playing classic rock covers in the 70s and 80s rock music genre. We cover songs from The Beatles to AC/DC.

 

What inspires you as musicians?

Listening to other artists to improve oneself and to find creativity. Most importantly, our mission is to make people happy. Our fans inspire us to reach new heights!

 

Do you have any albums?

The Spare Parts has released one cover song, “Sweet Caroline”, and five original songs since 2022, called “Blue Skies”, “Heavenly Rust”, “Hier Kom a Ding”, “Color Me Blue” and “Slow Motion Richochet” Our sixth original song, titled “Local Hobo”, was released on 31 October 2023.

 

Can you share a memorable moment in your career thus far?

We played two sell-out shows at The Pumpkin Theatre in Ballito in May 2022. The band stepped into a professional arena with great success. Due to public demand, we will be back at The Pumpkin Theatre on 27 and 28 December!

 

How did you choose the name of your band?

Steve and Shales met at an open mic session before the COVID lockdown. Ernie and his son, Regan, joined during lockdown. The Spare Parts name caught on as each member was a sort of spare musician before the band was formed.

Instagram: @the_spare_parts_