Johannesburg- Godfather of kwaito music, The General, has promisedto drive the nation craze with his new 18-track album to be launched next week.
The General (33), whose real name is Sphiwe Sibisi, told media thatthe new album entitled Ufunimali Yami mixes all types of music rangingfrom kwaito, hip-hop, jazz, house, rhythm and blues (R&B), saying he didthis to suit the taste of all age groups.Ufunimali Yami carries songs that promise fireworks such as Siphilangazo,Masiyeni, Sesivuthiwe, Uyagoloza, Mnathufela, Life Is Beautiful, NgconoBasiyeke and Imali Seyiphelile.
The General is not new to entertainment as he joined forces way back inthe early 2000 with the likes of kwaito guru- Mandoza, Abashanti and twoother late friends - Sizwe Motau and Sibusiso Thanjekwayo - who thrilledthe nation under the group name- Chiskop.“I have taken my time to come up with this project, and I am convinced itwill drive the nation craze. I call this album cocktail music because it sfor different people in different moods or situations.“It’s value for money! I am calling upon the entire nation to support thisgem of an album.
I am sure every South African will get something fromthis album because it covers hip-hop, kwaito, jazz, house and R’n’ B,”said The General.Judging from the producers who participated in this project, it appearsthe sky will be the limit, otherwise the album will force itself onto thetop charts in South Africa and beyond its borders.
Renowned local music producers such as Galile Roux, Terry Pinama, Cypho -who acts on local soapie Generations as Ajax, Goggi Pinama, Mxo andLungelo, combined their efforts on this project.The general warned those involved in music piracy that he would not foldhis arms when “unscrupulous” people are making huge profits frommusicians’ “sweat”.“Stop piracy out there, otherwise the law will catch up with you.
It isalways good to support us because you will be giving the local musicians achance to improve on their works.“My appeal to the nation is to support whatever brand is South African, beit music, football, food or clothes. That way we will go forward as anation,” said The General.
Turning to HIV/AIDS, The General said the youths were dying in largenumbers mainly because they were not condomising.“My message to you young South Africans is condomise and escape from thewrath of HIV/AIDS. More importantly, I would like to urge you to go toschool so that you enjoy a bright future,” he said.
When asked to share his views on the perceptions that kwaito music was formusicians or singers associated with violence, The General dismissed theclaim as untrue, saying such notions lacked substance.“Kwaito is our original music from the ghetto, and was started by our ownpeople trying to change their lives.
The ghetto boys and ghetto girlsalways express their feelings through such type of music.“Kwaito was invented by South Africans and the music will live forever,”he said.The General is married with two girls - Nombuso (10) and Lwandi (six).“I am from a big family with lots of aunties, uncles, brothers andsister,” said The General.
He said he enjoyed going out for gigs during weekends, and occasionallytook time to visit friends and relatives.
