Ntuthu Ndlovu – Poet and Vocals - Founder and muse of UjU!
Lerato Ntsamai – Lead Vocals - Smoothing out the eclectic sounds of Uju!
Wandile Molebatsi – Djembe, Percussion, Harmonica and Vocals
Mosebetsi Nzimande – Bass Guitar - Style, poise and ability!
Influences
**“Mellifluous honey! It is hard to categorize or describe the music played by Jozi band Uju. Their style merges many soulful genres, African and international, to create a distinctly South African sound. Uju are part of the movement of ardent believers in the liberation of my generation. There could not have been a better choice for the name of the band. Uju, Zulu for "honey", encapsulates all that their sound is: sweet, rich, natural, fresh, rejuvenating, and the product of hard work and unwavering dedication.” - Riaaz Palmer, The Star Tonight---------------------
**Like it's music Uju's references and influences are diverse and many and include amongst others, Zap Mama, Busi Mhlongo, Coldplay, Richard Bourne, Rachelle Ferrel, Violent Femmes, Fairground Attraction, Gorillaz, Gnarls Berkley, Allison Goldfrapp, Eryka Badu, Brenda Fassie, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Bessie Smith, Cassandra Wilson, Lou Reed, The Roots, Moab Deep, Carl Hancock Rux, LKJ, Beau Sia, Ska. Funk, Folk, Wedding Present, Beautiful South, Social, Cultural & Political context, identity, gender, post-apartheid South Africa, post-colonial experiences, human rights, globalization---------------------------
Gwen Ansell, Business Day:"The compositions are memorable and the playing rather better than it needs to be. Whatever this new kind of popular music ends up being called, Uju do it exceedingly well.”
Today’s incarnation of the band was crystallised at a twelve-hour jam session some time in early March 2004, although the concept of UjU began a few years earlier as Embryo, an apt label for this aspirant brood of musical renegades led by the spiritual leader of the band, Ntuthu Ndlovu (poet and vocals).
The music was serious and intense with a tinge of accessibility, mixing strong Mbaqanga rhythms with modern Jazz and Hip Hop. Embryo could not exist in the desert that was SA music of the early millennium, dominated by mainstream club anthems and bad imitations of American rock.
Not two years later, when the stranglehold of electronic pop and Kwaito began to wane, Ntuthu and Wandile Molebatsi now a little older and wiser, came together under a new banner, UjU - Zulu for Honey one fateful day at Carfax and a new band was born.
With a heightened consciousness, informed by critical social, economic and political issues. Nothing cheesy here but always self-referential and ironic.
Check out Chris Chameleon and BAND this Thursday (20 Sept) as they rock Roxy's in Melville at 9pm.
Featuring the fabulous Chris on vocals, Warren "Waz" Leicher on bass, Duncan Shelwell on drums, and special guest Arno van Vliet on guitar ... Arno and Chris played in Blue Chameleon together back in the day!
It's a rare and not to be missed gig!
011.726.6019 www.chrischameleon.com
Too bad I missed out on your radio interview this afternoon. Hopefully I'll get to check out the next one. Have a fabulous day! Much love and respect... Boo
Just droppin by to show ya some love. I think ya beatz is off da hook, and I'm sooo into the whole vibe you got going on! Much love to Fifi for me *mwah mwah*
holla daar! thanx 4 da add.I havent heard of u guys b4.Just got 2yo page by chance & browsed thru yo tracks.Damn there's deep SA talent in hiding daar mos.I have 2 get yo CD soon.yo talent need 2b exposed globaly mos.Lets keep in touch.Stay Blessed!
Heita. I have been in contact with Annene, were working on some nice shows with UJU & Tidal Waves as well as UJU & Gordon's. Looking forward to seeing you guys at "More than Somwehat"! Peace, Jez
Hey UJU. Would love to hook up a gig with you guys and Gordon's Suitcase - maybe we can do a Pta / Jozi swap over. Please let me know if you are interested. Check them out at www.myspace.com/gordonssuitcase
what's happening guys? the offer still stands on helping you sell a CD or 10000, doing a nice job with the Obita and African Dope Great Hit CDs. The site has some more updates.
