Rootspring Music

16/04/2023

08/11/2022

The Karoo project is a response to the immediate implications of the severe lockdown in 2020. Like many other art sectors, the music industry has been significantly affected by COVID-19, with notable impacts on live performance revenue. This project aimed to create a unique experience because it offered a space for musicians to perform again and an opportunity to reconnect to our natural environment. This series does not only include extraordinary musicians but also boasts the beautiful and magical Karoo, specifically the Klein Karoo as a host.

In partnership with the KKNK and supported by ABSA, The Karoo Project is featured in the ever-popular Absa Kuierkamer and was presented in virtual form as part of the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) online festival in 2021. The 24th BASA Awards - a virtual ceremony filmed at multiple locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg - partnered by Hollard and directed by Alby Michael also featured The Karoo Project for KKNK.

Graveyard by Native Young (Yannick Meyer & Mohau Moahloli) is a deeply personal song about the essence of life and mankind’s inevitable return to the source – to nature.

LEAD MUSICIAN:
Native Young

BACKING MUSICIANS:
Lynn Daphne Rudolph (Viola)
Mark Fransman (Clarinet)
Terrence Scarr (Violin)
Browen Clacherty (Vibraphone)
Hans Huyssen (Cello)

CREW:
Jonny Blundell (Music Director)
Pippa Ehrlich (Film Co-Director)
Bruce Meissner (Film Co-Director)
Faine Pearl (Camera)
Dave Langemann (Sound Engineer)
Purity Zinhle Mkhize (Styling)
Ebony Blundell (Logistics)

For more info on Rootspring and what we do: https://www.rootspring.co.za

Follow Native Young: https://www.instagram.com/nativeyoung/

22/10/2022

ONE DAY LEFT FOR QADASI AND MAQHINGA CONCERT AT THE HOMESTEAD IN HOUT BAY.

Don't miss this very special event coming up. Beautiful outdoor child-friendly venue. Bring your picnic blanket, wine, and snacks.

Buy your tickets on the link below:

Rootspring concert series back again in Houtbay with SAMA award-winning duo, Qadasi & Maqhinga at a beautiful outdoor venue.

08/10/2022

Don't miss this very special event coming up. Beautiful outdoor child friendly venue. Bring yourepicnic blanket, wine and snacks.

Rootspring concert series back again in Houtbay with SAMA award-winning duo, Qadasi & Maqhinga at a beautiful outdoor venue.

05/10/2022

Rootspring is excited to introduce The Karoo Project series. The Karoo project is a response to the immediate implications of the severe lockdown in 2020. Like many other art sectors, the music industry has been significantly affected by COVID-19, with notable impacts on live performance revenue. This project aimed to create a unique experience because it offered a space for musicians to perform again and an opportunity to reconnect to our natural environment. This series does not only include extraordinary musicians but also boasts the beautiful and magical Karoo, specifically the Klein Karoo as a host.

In partnership with the KKNK and supported by ABSA, The Karoo Project is featured in the ever-popular Absa Kuierkamer and was presented in virtual form as part of the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) online festival in 2021. The 24th BASA Awards - a virtual ceremony filmed at multiple locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg - partnered by Hollard and directed by Alby Michael also featured The Karoo Project for KKNK.

The One Who Sings' Thetha Mama which means speak mother is a personal song and calls to hear the story of your mother (or father) so that you can connect and feel them more.

LEAD MUSICIAN:
The One Who Sings (Zolani Mahola)

BACKING MUSICIANS:
Lynn Daphne Rudolph (Viola)
Mark Fransman (Clarinet)
Terrence Scarr (Violin)
Browen Clacherty (Vibraphone)
Hans Huyssen (Cello)

CREW:
Jonny Blundell (Music Director)
Pippa Ehrlich (Film Co-Director)
Bruce Meissner (Film Co-Director)
Faine Pearl (Camera)
Dave Langemann (Sound Engineer)
Purity Zinhle Mkhize (Styling)
Ebony Blundell (Logistics)

For more info on Rootspring and what we do: https://www.rootspring.co.za

Follow The One Who Sings: https://www.instagram.com/zolanimahola/

Download her album Thetha Mama: https://platoon.lnk.to/thetha-mama

15/09/2022

Cape Town Arts festival and Rootspring Music hosted Nur Felix's "We Are All We Need" album launch at Nassau Auditorium on the 7th of May 2022.

Nur Felix is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Athlone, Cape Town. Over the last ten years, Nur has been sharing his message of peace promotion in theatres, at music festivals, and at community upliftment events across South Africa. Singing and composing from the heart, Nur‘s upbeat acoustic sound encourages the audience that ‘We Are All We Need'. Happiness is not found in material things, but in the pursuit of dreams, the search for deeper meaning, love, and breaking down the barriers against authentic life expression. There is a tad of activism in his songs, room for emotional processing through love and heartache, all carried by unique guitar riffs and melodies that are bound to uplift your soul. Nur‘s music and music videos have been featured on TV, in documentaries, and on the radio. His song ‘Peace Date’ (co-written with Nancy Beaudette) was nominated for the International Peace Song awards in Los Angeles in 2018.

Nur Felix is an inspiration for a new wave of singer-songwriters in Cape Town. The concert included performances by highly accomplished local musicians such as Violinist Rayelle Goodman (CT Philharmonic Orchestra), Backing vocalist Mpumi Sizani (backing vocalist for Judith Sephuma), Bass player Josh Hawks (ex Freshly Ground), Backing Vocalist Ruby Paton (Featured on the album), Saxophonist Gareth Harvey, Keyboardist Desmond Blake, and Drummer Byron Asher.

The evening was a wondrous collection of eclectic music that expresses a sense of hope for a better world.

To download Nur Felix's We Are All We Need album, go to www.rootspring.co.za/all-albums/

🎥 by Nur Felix Film productions

07/09/2022

Cape Town Arts Festival and Rootspring Music bring you another Field Recording by Nceba Gongxeka and Duane Star called Mpempe - captured at HoutBay river on a winter's morning in June.

With the talented Nceba Gongxeka on the Harp and the main vocals and Duane Star on the Cello, Mpempe is the name of Nceba's late uncle who mentored him throughout his childhood. The song is made out of two songs merged as one - the first part of the lyrics is him thanking his clan ooMfene, Lisa, Msuthu, and Jambase ooMalukazi for their gifts, talents, and guidance. The final part of the lyrics is about being at a gathering with lots of girls and wanting to see who will be chosen first through the traditional dance umtyityimbo mixed with umnqokolo.

The sound of the stream is a perfect background to this gentle spiritual song.

Music Director: Jonny Blundell (Rootspring)
Film Director: Bruce Meissner (Ode to Road)
Executive Producer: Yusuf Ganief (Cape Town Festival)
Supported by WC Dept of Cultural Affairs and Sports

Special thanks to Penny and Graham from Homestead for the use of their property.

02/09/2022

Isitiso is a Rootspring and Cape Town Arts Festival Field Recording featuring Nceba Gongxeka, Fancy Galada, and Duane Star ().

On a winter's morning in June, Rootspring went to a river in HoutBay to capture this field recording. The sound of the stream is a perfect background to a gentle song called Isitiso - led by the very talented Nceba Gongxeka on the Harp and the main vocals. The song lyrics are made up of children's language that Nceba used to sing as a child - the lyrics do not have meaning and are more like a fun game! Nceba’s ability to sing over the complex and unusual harp part he created is exceptional.

Fancy Galada's great vocals add a melody to Nceba’s lead vocal. She gives the song a fresh West African flavor and adds a grounding bass drum to hold down the flighty harp rhythm. We love the moment in this video when you first hear the Cello but have not seen it yet! Duane Star plays the sweetest tasteful Cello improvised solo and adds the right crossover element to this artwork!

Like the bubbles in the stream, this field recording bubbles with the joy and enthusiasm emitted by this unusual trio.

Music Director: Jonny Blundell (Rootspring)
Film Director: Bruce Meissner (Ode to Road)
Executive Producer: Yusuf Ganief (Cape Town Festival) Supported by WC Dept of Cultural Affairs and Sports

Special thanks to Penny and Graham from Homestead for using their property.

Watch the whole video on YouTube on the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwDMDHuhIZw

19/08/2022

As we continue to celebrate powerful women in music, we spotlight the talented guitarist Jennifer Eaves. Jennifer Eaves is an established folk artist from Cape Town, South Africa. With a degree in classical music and a passion for the truth, this modern troubadour has enthralled audiences all across the country. She has shared the stage with some of the largest and most important voices in the South African music scene, including Vusi Mahlasela, David Kramer, Albert Frost, and Ard Matthews. Regularly compared to powerful international artists, such as Glen Hansard and Joan Baez, Jennifer's powerful voice and thought-provoking lyrics, powered by her dynamic guitar playing, make her an act to savour.

Jennifer has performed at the 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 versions of the Cape Town Folk & Acoustic Festival, held at the Baxter and Kirstenbosch respectively, and other local and national festivals. Jennifer sells out listening venues both as a solo artist and as a part of the stunning Jenny & The Jameses trio which incorporates traditional folk and bluegrass, together with her solo material.

As a storyteller, Jennifer is constantly seeking to push the boundaries of her creativity. This search has led her on a journey across South Africa, collecting stories of the people she has met and interacted with, and has resulted in her project, ‘Half of You’. The full-length studio album ‘Half of You' is a culmination of adventure, reality, sometimes uncomfortable truth, and art inspired by the beauty of humanity and can be downloaded on the link our bio.

Artist: Jennifer Eaves
Song: Lady of Hamlet
Album: Half Of You

15/07/2022

We love this track titled “Ostrich Love dance” by legendary Cape Town jazz pianist Hilton Schilder ‘s latest offering,  Alter Native.  The  album features the exceptional Mark Fransman on Sax and flute, the wonderful Eldred Schilder on double bass and the very talented Carlo Fabe on the skins. And of course Hilton on Piano, guitar, bows, melodica and vocals.  The album represents Hilton’s musical and cultural roots combined with
Modern jazz influences.  But the sounds of the Cape are ever present in this cutting edge and very relevant  new Cape Town Album.

Album: Alter Native
Track: Ostrich Love Dance
Artist: Hilton Schilder

07/07/2022

In this month of celebrating Mandela we willl highlight the music of those artists that use their craft to unite and uplift our country. Nur Felix is a singer, songwriter & guitarist from Athlone, Cape Town. Over the last 10 years, Nur has been sharing his message of peace promotion and activism in theatres, music festivals, and at community upliftment and peace-building events across South Africa.
Singing and composing from the heart, Nur’s upbeat acoustic sound encourages the audience that ‘We Are All We Need’. Happiness is not found in material things, but in the pursuit of dreams, the search for deeper meaning, love, and breaking down the barriers against authentic life expression. There is a tad of activism in his songs, room for emotional processing through love and heartache also, all carried by unique guitar riffs and melodies that are bound to uplift your soul and get you moving and grooving.
Nur’s music and music videos have been featured on TV, in documentaries, and on the radio. His song ‘Peace Date’ (co-written with Nancy Beaudette) was nominated for the International Peace Song awards in Los Angeles.
‘We Are We All We Need’ is an exciting and uniquely South African compilation of songs featuring a string quartet, vocalists from the Cape Town Youth Choir, and is co-produced with music producer, Nic Paton.

Album: We are all we need
Track: Africa I love you
Artist: Nur Felix

30/06/2022

Its not often that someone records their debut album when they are in their 60’s. But Nino Rivera is not just anybody…Organic farmer, Sound engineer, Grand Father, Founder of Rootspring music and wonderful, original and very creative singer- song writer. Our Eternal Connection is a beautifully orchestrated instrumental guitar piece.
The album features some wonderful Cape Town musicians, including Mark Fransman, James van Minnen, Rayelle Goodman, The Blundells , Raven Sklair and String & Brass arrangements by Terrence Scarr. Acoustic, Original, Beautiful, Real and Creative.  This is an intimate album where Nino shares his life experiences painted in poetry, melody and rhythm. Released April 22, 2017

Album: inveRNario
Track: Our eternal connection
Artist: Nino Rivero

To download: Invernario - Rootspring

28/06/2022

Raised listening to Neil Young and Joan Beaz, trained classically at UCT, and with nearly 20 years spent performing around South Africa and Europe, Jennifer Eaves is a musical enigma. Morphing between classical musician, celtic, and Folk story teller, Jennifer has immersed herself in the world of emotive songwriting. With her 2 previous albums “Braiding the Silence”(2006) and “Land of Lonely”(2011) in her pocket, Jennifer release her next album “Half of You” which tells stories from the road, the heart, and the home. It will take you on a journey of what it means to be human, to be present in our own lives, and the world around us

Artist: Jennifer Eaves
Track: Half of you
Album: Half of you

Jennifer Eaves

23/06/2022

As we approach July, Mandela month, we highlight the track Brother, from the album “Memories of rain” by Reini Adelbert. Born in Europe and raised in Africa, Reini has worked as a lawyer and corporate soldier in various international locations in each of which he also played out his passion of singer/song-writing. From earliest years he has loved the Cape of Storms and now fittingly lives in Simonstown. Founder of False Bay Folk and regular performer, he has recorded two albums, ‘Leave Your Light On’ and ‘Memories of Rain’. His anthology of lyrics and biographic anecdotes, ‘History Washes Away’, was self-published in 2016. Recurring subjects in his writing are – water, space (as in the Karoo), travel, equity and human fragility.

Artist: Reini Adelbert
Track: Brother
Album: Memories of rain

21/06/2022

Vuyo Katsha is a notable Akadinda Amadinda log xylophone player who embodies the ancient South African themes of the Mbira. This song Is called Ezintabini, from his album Esho Funi. To listen further, please click on the link below:
https://rootspring.co.za/product/esho-funi/

Artist: Vuyo Katsha
Album: Esho Funi
Track: Ezintabini

07/06/2022

This track Ibele, a beautiful healing and transcendental sound, is found on the Indiwe Intone Cave Project.

This recording project is based on an intention to create music and sounds that soothe babies in utero and outside the womb, as well as pregnant women. The idea took root and grew, with the inclusion of percussive duo Intone and singer and Xhosa-bow player iNDWE, and culminated in three days of recording in a cave off the West Coast of South Africa, one with a history dating back some 60 000 years, over three different eras of ancient human habitation.

The two musical entities thus created this double album to honour where we come from biologically as well as anthropologically.
While the compositions are based on the mother-child relationship, we believe we’ve created healing music for people at all stages in the lifecycle.

The music, and all natural sounds on this recording, are a true, live representation of a moment in time, as it happened. No overdubs, no post production edits.

The work is the genius of the Rootspring team and sound engineer, Jonny Blundell. The track is available on our new music store. Link to music store below 🎧

https://rootspring.co.za/product/19358/

Album: Indiwe Intone (Cave Project)
Track : Ibele

06/06/2022

Save the date! 15 June 2022, 11am-3pm. Calling all buskers to book their slot for the auditions at the Castle of Goodhope. Selected buskers will be trained in songwriting, stage presence and production assistance. Looking forward to seeing you all there! To book, click on the link below

https://capetownfestival.org.za/events/beyond-busking-auditions/

31/05/2022

If you are a busker, be sure not to miss this opportunity! Come and busk for 15 to 30 min at the Castle on the 15th of June between 11am and 3pm. We will select 4 buskers to go through a training programme that includes a song writing course, vocal and stage presence training, as well as recording and production assistance.

Public art, street art and street performance or busking, are both welcomed and encouraged by the City of Cape Town’s Arts and Culture Branch. Art creates more attractive public spaces that helps to uplift communities and drive social change. Busking offers unique entertainment with a local flavour that generates income, showcasing the wealth of creative talent in the city to the public and visitors. While this is all true, busking is not sustainable for our local artists in comparison to international trends.
Successful performers who busk in Europe and the US can sustain themselves through their art, and they are not looked down upon for taking their performance to the streets. There is a dire need to uplift the image and perceptions of buskers in South Africa and create greater platforms beyond the streets of Cape Town.”, says Ganief about his new vision for buskers.

To apply to audition please contact Thabo on
0848946890

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27/05/2022

>>. Pops Mohamed is one of South Africa’s most sort after multi-instrumentalists. He plays the Mbira,San Mouthbow, Kalimba, The Kora (lute harp), Uhadi (Xhosa bow), Umrhube (played by Xhosa women), Didgeridoo and a number of hand percussion. He is a composer / arranger and also writes music for films and documentaries. Pops aim in life is to protect and preserve African traditional instruments. Pops has toured the world all over including France and Vietnam. He has collaborated with musicians from many parts of the world.

Pops also loves working with young kids in schools and has given many workshops in schools all over Europe, Denmark, Finland, the UK and some African countries. Pops also works with R&B Hip Hop artists as well as Dj’s. Currently he is in studio writing new material for his forthcoming release titled ‘Things with Strings. Pops Mohamed is dedicated to keeping the music of the San alive, and was instrumental in recording their songs on a MELT 200

Bio: POPS MOHAMED biography 2021 Born in Benoni east of Johannesburg in South Africa, Pops Mohamed is said by many to be South Africa’s ‘unofficial minister of music’. In the 90s he began recording the music of the San from the Kalahari in Namibia and integrating it into various projects ranging from jazz and funk to drum ‘n’ bass and trance. Pops Mohamed works as a producer / performer and lives in Johannesburg. He loves experimenting with the newest technology, always in the service of music! Pops owes his artistic openness to his childhood to the Indian in Benoni. His nickname Pops dates back to his childhood enthusiasm for the comic seaman Popeye.

mohamed

24/05/2022

We love to hear about the inspiration behind each and every one of our artists …. A short snippet from Jaques Coetzee’s interview on Fine Music Radio sharing the inspiration behind his latest album “These narrow Songs” Link to his music in the bio.