Volume 52 Issue 1 - January 2014 : Entertainment
DVD REVIEW
Author : Lesego Bogatsu
Last year (2013), saw the release of so many incredible albums – CDs as well as DVDs that trying to list the top 20 really doesn`t do the other past years any justice. However, after some strong analysis of what the year had to offer, Kutlwano unveil some listenable and viewer friendly collections – from the super-hyped major label releases to the lesser-known but just as sensational offerings.
VEE MAMPEEZY
2013 seemed to be a transitional period for a lot of musicians. From Kwaito-kwasa king to a beloved corporate gospel singer who always gives 100% of dedication, working alongside his ardent fanbase. It changed with the release of his most personal and distinct album – Super Natural Volume one, a DVD that reveals and directly speaks of the good that Vee Mampeezy has received from the good God above. It is a mature listen and essential to watch, with clear and serious ideas behind the songs. Sometimes these ideas are more playful, and especially sultrier when it comes to the dances, putting this muso on top of the rest, thus award winning. When Mampeezy gets very serious, he forces you to forget about all the acrobatic dance moves and take notice of what he is preaching. Those who love and follow him can attest that this man of God does the same to everyone – love and follow. Vee has come with an agenda, one that doest involve throwaway, gospel house / kwaito-kwasa anthems.
FRANCO
Maybe I`m just too much of a cynic but I believe Franco should be leading the pack from very far infront. it is a shame that Franco`s work doesn`t have a more prominent role in the music industry by now. This one frustration doesn`t take much away from this DVD though, a merry plod where Franco`s ‘fires` meander affably throughout this offering. The production is comprised of nice kwasa-kwasa beats.
ELOI KINGS
Voices do most of the work on this DVD, but at times - like with the quieted turns and twirls - the work of Eloi Kings production team shines through resiliently. Much like Basamarea, this group`s dance moves are hysterical although not quite as convincingly as when the Eloi church do their healing rituals whereby one can seem to be flying like a bird. Some musicians don`t think about making art, they just get it done and let everyone else decide if it`s good or bad. Whether they love it or hate it.
BASAMAREA
The songs and just the overall DVD are not without their faults, but the hiccups are refreshingly far between each other and do little to deter from the quality of the production. The interviews do not convince otherwise that the DVD can be of international standard. Slate Productions should keep to the business of music and dance instead of making another stale addition to elongate the time slot.
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