1. When did you first start singing?
To be honest. Since I can remember. I loved
music from a young age. Started singing my own music after wondering…
well why do I have to sing other peoples songs when I can write my own. So I
did.
2. Was becoming a musician something you always
wanted to do?
Definitely, I don’t think I'll be
able to survive without music. It's always buzzing in my heart and mind. It's
who I am.
3. Where do you get your inspiration from?
People, listening to music, chilling with
musicians, listening to beats, the need to detain and uplift as well as sharing
what rests within my heart.
4. What was the biggest gig you have ever done?
The biggest gig Nationally was definitely
the Ghoemas. Internationally it was opening for Jack Parow at Melkweg in
Amsterdam.
5. Have you travelled outside Cape Town or even the
country for your music yet?
I'm from George originally, moved to Cape
Town about two years ago to pursue music. Currently in Johannesburg for the
same reason. Last year I was in Netherlands with the A.K.A festival doing
theatre productions with Hemelbesem, Die Afrikaansvatter. Poetry set with
Hemelbesem and Sjaan, live colaborations with The Cape Malay Choir and Tribal
Echo at the Compagnie Teater, hardcore hip-hop set at Melkweg and took part in
the hip-hop cypher in Denhaag at the Haags Hip-Hop centre.
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| Photography by: Pappa Brown Visual |
6. Apart from music, any other talents you have?
If connecting with people is seen as a
talent then that definitely counts as one. People are usually inclined to open
up to me and share deep stories of their life. Which in return, I either give
advice, or simply become part of the journey.
7. What is something that people would find
surprising about you?
Different scenarios brings out different
aspects of ones personality. So where some people observed me to be quiet they
might get a shock if I'm hyped up and talkative, etc. Basically seeing
different sides to me after concluding that they have summed me up. Truth is.
It takes time to get to know people. I experienced this regularly with the wide
contrast to being an internationally qualified Somatologist and Hip-hop artist.
8. What advice would you give someone that is just
starting out in music?
Identify why it is you're doing music.
There is purpose in everything. Though if it is not identified you will never
know what it is you're working towards and end up wasting precious time. So
whether it is to pass time, become an icon or simply inspire. Stay original and
bring to the table that which sets you apart from what's out there.
Some fun filled questions:
1. If music were an alcohol beverage, which would
you be?
Whiskey. An acquired taste.
2. Vinyl or CD’s?
CD's are cool but nothing beats the sound of a vinyl record.
3. If you could do, a collaboration with any other
musician dead or alive, local or international, who would it be?
The Parlotones
4. The Bahamas or Czech Republic?
Bahamas no doubt!! I love nature. I go on mini imaginary vacations
sometimes and always seem to envision myself on an island eating tropical
fruit.
What’s next for YOMA?
YOMA is Afrikaans. So looking at inspiring even
more upcoming artist especially females to do their thing in their mother
tongue. Also to help promote Afrikaans. As I've found that people shy away from
pursuing music in Afrikaans based on the fact that their dialect differs from
what they think is expected. That I do along with ATKV Crescendo, to help
inspire as a mentor. Looking at releasing my E.P this year followed by my
album, hopefully television work, my own theatre production whether it be this
year or the next. There's a whole lot of performances lined up, as well as
theatre productions.
