Loyiso has been dabbling in a number of work projects, which include touring internationally with his brothers for their international chart-topping Bala Brothers album. He is also a part of jazz group Swing City, which consists of Lonehill Estate’s Nathan Ro and the talented Graeme Watkins. He tells us why he is happy to be playing contemporary gospel and doing more work…
BY: BOITUMELO MMAKOU
1. You decided to do contemporary gospel four years ago, why leave RnB to focus on gospel?
When I made the decision to do gospel, not a lot of people were doing it. Only now, artists such as Khaya Mthethwa have jumped on it and I’m happy that more people are getting into it. However, most people still think that this genre of gospel is very ‘happy clappy’ and Western. But, in actual fact, contemporary gospel is one of the top five genres that are a success in Africa. As a musician, I write about what’s in my heart; I chose to go that route because I wanted to share the religious side of me, as well as my relationship with God.
2. There may be other artists who want to succeed in RnB and gospel, what is your advice to them?
Character is key! You need to be someone that is relatable off and on stage. Don’t try being like others; rather build your own personality. You have more power off stage than on it. Sure, your voice could be amazing; but if your character does not match that, you can’t succeed in music.
3. Apart from doing music, you also host a religious show every Thursday mornings at 9am on Cliff Central called The Open Book. Tell us about the show?
I use the platform to tell people what I know about religion; I’m open to speaking about it with others and hearing their perspective on religious matters. I may not necessarily agree with some statements made, but the point of the show is to talk openly and it’s up to the listener to make their own conclusion.
4. You are a religious man with strong religious beliefs; would you want your three-year-old daughter, Kenzie, to grow up with those qualities?
Yes, it is my responsibility! The Bible says ‘train your child in the way of the Lord, and even when she grows up, she won’t depart from it’. However, I don’t want to Bible bash her, but rather want her to grow up living the principals of God’s love, by being an example of it.
5. You and your brothers have been doing music together for many years, what is the trick to running your music career together successfully?
Respect is the main factor of it all. We respect each other enough to put aside any personal issues, and work. If we are angry at each other and need to do a performance, we respect each other enough to put aside the differences and perform.
6. What plans do you have for next year?
2016 will mark my five years in the gospel music industry; it will be five years since my last RnB album and my fifth year anniversary with my wife. I want to put together an album commemorating all of that!
