Get yourself ready because Paradise Sound System just launched their inaugural release and they’ve got a whole lot more in the works for the near future. The fresh new label, based in Germany, is looking to bridge the musical gap between Africa and the rest of the world.
Founded by Ralph Boge (founder of Paradise Distribution) and Sarah Jane Nicholson (SA artist manager) who both share a fierce appetite for the independent development of talent across Africa, the label launched with their first event in Johannesburg in January this year.
They’ve scooped artists across genres from the streets and side gigs, to push their music beyond borders with a 10-track campaign which rolls out from today – kicking off with Terrence McKay’s riveting neo-kwaito extended anthem “Church Girl”.
KZN-born, Vaal-raised McKay channels a rare classic temperament held in a young man’s hands. His sound is both rooted in his Zulu heritage and progressive house beats which hark to a more modernistic time.
“Church Girl” spans just over 6 minutes – if you opt out of the radio mix like me, indulge – and is as silkenly groovy as it gets. A solid, progressive house beat meets McKay’s warm, velvet vocals and morphs into a wholesome, soulful dance anthem. Church girls have no drama, should’ve listened to my mamma – that’s the main narrative thread here. English lyricism and its Zulu counterparts trade the stage.
Paradise Sound System are here to develop independent world-class African artists and we’re right behind them.
