South African R&B singer Loyiso at BBC 1Xtra's studios

South African R&B singer Loyiso at BBC 1Xtra's studios

South African R&B Singer eyes UK success

If, like Loyiso Bala, my brother had masterminded one of the most successful Kwaito groups in South Africa, and I had the chance to be part of it, then that would have been my career path made.  Much easier than carving an R&B niche out of the local music landscape, which is what he did instead. Just because it’s one of those genres which local listeners love but prefer imported. And from America. Or at least this was the case in 2001, the year he became known for more than singing the hooks on TKZee’s tunes, via his recorded rendition of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night.”

 

Since then Loyiso has remained the country’s most prolific R&B singer. And one could argue that to say as much about the scene as it does about the singer. Either way the road less travelled hasn’t been all that bad for him: marked with numerous accolades (his current album Blow Your Mind is up for yet another South African Music Award), a world tour, several high profile performances such as his duet with British pop singer Jamelia at the Nelson Mandela 46664 concert in London in the summer of 2008.

AfriPop! caught up with Bala at his performance in West London during yet another of his UK trips. 

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AJi4XrcWzw]

AfriPop: You keep coming to London. Is it safe to assume you’d like to break into the UK market?

Loyiso: I’ve done really well at home in establishing myself as an artist. I’ve been the recipient of 6 South African Music Awards including multi-platinum sales with gold being the least on my four albums that were released throughout Africa. A break in the UK is definitely the next step from here.

AP: Do you know much about the British music scene?

L: Having spent time in the UK I’ve experienced a taste of what the music industry is like and I’ve even had the opportunity to listen to quite a few bands performing live in different venues across London. There’s immense talent from signed to unsigned artists and it seems to me that only the top 5 percent of artists get label deals no matter how great or small their amount of talent is. It’s taught me that success can come to anyone. You just need to be at the right place at the right time and anything can happen.   

 

AP: We’re told you’ll be working with some producers from here and elsewhere. Who are they?

L: I can’t say right now but you’ll be the first one to know as soon as we’ve finalized everything.

 

AP: Is the world really ready for R&B in another language besides English?

L: I believe it is. Love, which is the thread that flows through all R&B songs, is understood in all languages hence we are able to fall in love with people of all cultures, races and so on.

 

AP: Do you think Jamelia’s fit?

L: Oh yes! I was so excited when I heard I’d be singing a duet with her that I had to constantly remind myself that it was about nothing else but the music. 

 

AP: Whose idea was it for you and her to do ‘As’?

L: It was the musical director’s idea. He couldn’t have chosen a better song for Jamelia and I to collaborate on.

 

AP: One of your first recordings was “Give Me The Night.” Are cover versions easy for you or do you get nervous about them?

L: It all depends on what song it is that I’m covering and I usually choose songs that suit my range and my style. Give Me The Night is a classic and it’s a song that everybody likes to sing along to. 

 

AP: What’s the worst one you’ve ever heard?

L: A South African “Idols” contestant who sang “Killing Me Softly.” You should check it out on YouTube. It’s hilarious.

 

AP: Are there many R&B singers on the SA scene?

L: Quite a handful. In the South African Music Awards there’s even a best R&B album category. 

 

AP: How come you never ended up being a Kwaito artist?

L: I never looked good in Dickies and All Stars (clothing label of choice for original Kwaito musicians) so I decided to give Kwaito a miss. Seriously though, I love the genre but not for me.  

AP: What was the first song you could confidently play on the piano?

L: Mary had a little lamb…lol.  

AP: Who are your top 3 recording artists right now?

L: James Morrison, Beyonce, Kings of Leon.

 

AP: Is Idols South Africa any good?

L: It depends if you included the judges or not… The level of talent seemed better than previous years in the very beginning but now I’m not so sure. 

 AP: Will you be voting this year?

L: I have been voting for my favourite, Sasha- Lee. She’s fit… and she sings well.

 AP: How about in the national elections?

L: Yes, yes, yes! It’s very important that all South Africans vote. Many before us died so that we could have this opportunity.

 AP: What are your feelings on the possible election outcomes?

L: As long as democracy wins, I’ll accept the outcome.

 AP: What does it mean personally to be a 46664 ambassador?

L: Nelson Mandela has been such a great inspiration to me and to have been chosen as an ambassador for one of his charities is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will cherish both professionally and personally.