Gifted Soul-Child has recently dropped his latest project titled ‘Vulindlela’ and we were fortunate enough to meet up with him and we gained crucial insight, about the journey and who he invited into his ‘house’, which is this project.
“This project is a body of work that required an excessive amount of everything and my all too. Some might think of that as a gruesome exaggeration, seeing that it’s only five songs. However, every single body involved in the conception of the this project worked hard: from marketing and advertising, production and recording. Everyone. And I am grateful that the tape has finally come to life.”
“I am genuinely a fan of everyone on the project and the contributors, I am dead certain that all of us are destined to be phenomenal artists and figures years from now through sheer persistence and the much needed patience everyone has displayed throughout this journey.”
Who are the artists you worked with on the project and what roles did they play?
Lebogang Kaziwa and Thuto Mkhize were responsible for instrumentation and played the instruments on the records. Those guys are beastly and very talented in their respective fields. They managed to bring a brand new flavour to the overall experience. Lesego Louw is someone who I deeply admire. Her artistry and purpose behind the art - coupled with her fierce , her involvement on the tape was a no brainer. “Long Way” sounds like a song about 'forever' to me and I have faith that her and I will collaborate and create something again in the near future. Kwanele Monyobo, a beautiful soul who i am also a huge fan of, is an amazing writer. “You Wanna Taste” is a preview on which she really was able to let go and create this sense of flamboyance, and this was her first time on a House Music instrumental. She's smooth sounding and warm in her presentation and we actually happen to have more music in the pipeline.
Metsi (Retlametswe Chuaka) is absolutely amazing, he deserves all the love he gets and I’m grateful for our chemistry. These songs are half done, if not absolutely incomplete without all these amazing musicians, I appreciate their artistry and their existence too.
(Photo by Tokgamo Tilotsane)
Who are the artists who assisted you with the project behind the scenes?
The most unglamorous part of this whole project but a very pertinent aspect is the work that took places behind the scenes. The technical aspects of the journey that demanded a lot from all of us. I closely worked with Gugs (Gugulethu Mngoma) for most of the project and he was the recording engineer on most tracks too. One of the reasons he was so hands on was because I don’t enjoy recording really. A special shoutout to Mali-B from KTN who recorded Long Way back in ‘018 and also added his Midas touch to the mixing process. Over this period of time, I managed to achieve a sonic tone as I wanted it to be cohesive, everything should sound together no matter the genre. Lebogang Letselebe shot that amazing picture, he is a God. The image was captured a while ago in Cape Town and this was the perfect opportunity to repurpose this work. Special shoutout to Teezus (Tino Sithole) too, he added spice to Ngwaneso. Tukz (Tokgamo Tilotsane) and Chubbz (Phenyo Leephile), wow, sometimes I wonder why those two are even my friends, they are absolutely remarkable guys who I keep stressing at every turn. They are definitely my brothers, I’m glad we have this nature of friendship that allows for us to flourish professionally as well.
Where was the project produced?
We were camped up at The Manopole Manor for more than a month and it’s become our sacred space. Tukz’s beautiful mother shared her home with us and by virtue has become my mom too and I have nothing but love for her. We also camped at Tino’s crib early this year and came up with other dope music, those sessions were more free flowing and not necessarily “project based”. His mother is special to me too, he just didn’t know it until now. You read it here first Tino.
(Photo by Tokgamo Tilotsane)
What are your highlights from staying at ‘The Manor’
So much happened in that period of time at especially while at 'The Manor', it was also when we started shooting “Tangawizi Boyz” and working on the “Gifted Soul-Child For Stoney 2020” Campaign. The poetry series, “Distorted Thoughts” which Tukz and Gugs came up with was also birthed in our time together too. Those two bring the best out of each other, it was really dope to be a wallflower in their moments and many processes.
We heard you had a duo show with Johnny Wxlf called Tangawizi Nights
We did a show which also doubled as our listening session for our individual projects ‘Dressed To Chill’ now renamed ‘Vulindlela’ and “Holy Water Blues” by Johnny Wxlf at The Dungeon (Kwenaneng Bottle Store) in Phajane and it was a success. Attendance was great and we had the greatest time after working tirelessly while gigging in between. That night was really a dope moment for The Culture we've proudly championed throughout these years, and the rest of the Culture was there too. It was a “star studded” affair hahaha.
(Poster by Tokgamo Tilotsane)
Is this project dedicated to anyone?
To my mom, I dedicate this work. This craft, that is the embodiment of my inner most being is symbolism for my appreciation for her undying love and support. I truly am who i am because of you.
Is there one more thing you want to say?
We're playing the game now, and we are playing with all that we have. Bring all our Dragon Balls to fuse some magic for our City and our Culture. Collaborative efforts such as this one are really an eye-opener to what more can really be achieved. The experiences and skills coming together is an awe-inspiring sight to witness. I promised everybody that this would align us with our path upward and it was achieved. I’d be lying if I said I don’t know what I was thinking.
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