Soulfamilya debut album coming soon

Standard People
BY KHULANI NKABINDE Neo-soul musician, Brian “Soulfamilya” Bangura (pictured right) is set to release his debut album Purple at the end of this month.Soulfamilya told StandardLife&-Style that he has been working on the eight-track album since June and was now “ready for its release”.He said by the end of November, a video to the album would also be out.

Soulfamilya’s music is easy, laid- back, soulful and yet laced with heavy rock guitar work. He sounds close to Jamiroquai of the Virtual Insanity fame.His style is also way different from that of most upcoming musicians who sound almost the same, in terms of beat and singing style.

Songs to look out for on the album are the title track, Purple, People Make the World Go Round and Women. His songs address social issues, he said. “I believe I should use my gift to educate and empower people.

 

The next generation after us should be able to say that they learnt something from me,” said the musician who normally holds live performances in the city. He plays the acoustic guitar and is self-taught.

Although still young, Soulfamilya has travelled a long journey in the music industry. He started off as a rapper in 2004 with a group called True Identity. “I later got tired of rap music,” said the talented artist. “I then started reciting poetry, mainly at the Bulawayo art gallery during shows dubbed Umlomo Wakho”.

The musician said he then developed his singing from poetry lines and later added the acoustic guitar for purposes of rhythm.

By 2005, he had already started doing live performances and says what has further enhanced his voice is the fact that he is a member of the Harvest House International Church choir, Hosanna.

“I was taught most of the skills that I am now using in my music career by Emmanuel Sithole who used to lead the choir then. He is now based in Botswana,” he said.

In 2009, he teamed up with two other musicians, Enqore and Aura — leading to a single, My Life released last year and has received rave reviews on You Tube. He also did a song titled Black Suit with Aura.

He said he draws inspiration from his mother, American musician Larryn Hill, South African songstress Thandiswa Mazwai, as well as gospel musician, Hezekiah Walker.

He has lined up a number of shows early next month and has invited people to come and witness his stage acts.