As a preteen, singer, rapper and producer, SiBi (real name Sibongile Tshabalala) would teach herself to play her favourite songs by her biggest musical influences – Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliot – by ear on piano before learning to write songs and drop beats.
Now, the Vaal-based artist has channeled her sonic gift into an eight-track project titled Riverside: a nod to the third largest river in South Africa and her hometown.
Riverside is replete in guest appearances from up-and-coming talent, including recent and frequent Da L.E.S. and AKA collaborator, Parlemo in the punchy “Drive Thru” , TBO in “Gang” which has a melody you could float on, and Grace isis and Benzo in underground trap track, “Chill Out Remix”. All collaborations help to carry Riverside’s compelling themes – which consist of past experiences and future to-do-lists.
Based on deeply relatable topics, real issues and raw emotion, Riverside is a work of melodic luxury forged from bending and manipulating trap and alt-R&B soulfully tied with tones of house music. An exhibition of SiBi’s dedication to her craft and her fearless commitment to moving to her own silky beat.
