A Writer Who Teaches By Song! This is how a British music reviewer Chris Dillon dubbed Johannesburg-based (South Africa) singer-songwriter-arranger, MeZZo. Classical Soul and R&B sounds were MeZZo's daily bread in his formative years in the 70s in his hometown, Breidbach, outside King William's Town.. But in the late 70s his musical outlook was altered forever when legendary playwright Gibson Kente brought his heart-rending play, 'How Long' to MeZZo's primary school. Their deep African vocal rendition of 'Psalm 23' had a lasting impact on him and those influences are still evident in his own compositions such as 'I'm Missing Home' (Khumbul'ekhaya', Ungo Wam (You're Mine) and a tribute to three SA greats - Jabu Khanyile, Nana 'Coyote' Motijoane and Busi Mhlongo - titled 'From Us 2 U'. A 16-track album, 'No Color', and two EPs -- 'Ungo Wam' and 'Children of Hope' -- later and MeZZo's music is soaring on the radio airwaves -- especially his hipswinging track, Children of Hope. As a former student activist and award-winning journalist, humanitarian issues are also close to his heart. That's why he penned 'Let Humanity Reign' at the height of the xenophobic attacks in 2015. It has since erupted again. In MeZZo's clarion call to the Nation, 'Togetha As 1' this accomplished lyricist roped in renowned South African producer, Jonathan Shaw, Nigerian-born guitarist Akinwale 'AK' James, the horn section of the African Jazz Pioneers, and the young, dynamic a capella group Sounds of Tembisa to cook up a pot-pourri of Big Band sounds with mbaqanga guitar riffs... rounding it off with chilling strings, elegant harmonies and his smooth, trademark Soulful vocals. On his 16-track album, 'No Color' he paints a dramatic musical picture rooted in lack, pain, rejection, struggle, oppression and self-destruction to recovery, restoration; rediscovery that ultimately blossoms into a life of bliss and serenity. (see attached review by a British music fundi, Chris Dillon). MeZZo, with his mature yet incisive style of writing ... and diverse influences, coupled with an exemplary work ethic, is ready to take the world by storm. Reviewer Dillon concurs and says: 'They don't call South Africa the Rainbow Nation for nothing... and MeZZo is as colourful as it gets.'
Music stirs my Soul... Links to 2 interviews: https://youtu.be/WNNRRMkOJA4 https://youtu.be/RFJgK34sIok
To encourage people to be the best they can be ... and to create hope amongst listeners.
To convince people to depend less on human beings (especially politicians) ... and to adopt Abraham Lincoln's mantra: 'People are as happy as they make up their minds to be.'
'Of This I'm Sure' by the Main Ingredient
Main Ingredient, Luther Vandross, Peabo Bryson
The message I convey.
The happiness (joy) that I feel is in direct proportion to the love that I give - (courtesy of Oprah Winfrey)
Floating between Heaven and Earth.
Attitude
Just starting ... will let you know later
I'm doubling up as a senior journalist and songwriter. So I only derive joy from every song our Creator places in my heart and mind. It's a blessing and I'm eternally grateful.
Attending shows and plays
Openmindedness