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Johannesburg, October 2007 – Local band Gang of Instrumentals, or GI as they have been dubbed by their fans, is shaking up the pop urban beat. The band’s unique blend of soul, hip hop and reggae infused with contagious lyrics is dictating a new trend in afro-funk music. GI’s distinctive, effervescent groove today echoes in clubs and cars across the land.
Tumi ‘Lady Naturelle’ Masemola and Mandla N ‘Pimville Spokesman’ founded GI in 2002, and released their debut album Kassi Flava in 2004. The album propelled the band into the limelight, and its hit single Cry4me quickly reached number one on local music charts. In Salute, the band’s second album, GI has produced a more mature and playful album. Salute is a tribute to GI’s ability and courage to go beyond the orthodox and define its own sound. The added extraordinary vocal skills of Bongo Riot give the music its original unmistakable edge. “GI’s style of music is not pure hip-hop or pure soul, but rather a fusion of these two forms of musical expression,” enthuses Mandla N. “Our music is bold and fiery - a series of narratives weaved together with an African flair.” Two singles from Salute already dominate the airwaves. My Number One reached number one on music charts across South Africa, and the album’s second single, the energetic Shake It, is receiving considerable airtime on a broad range of radio stations.
The GI band members are dynamic, multi-skilled entertainers with serious street credibility and massive popularity. Both ‘Lady Naturelle’ and Mandla N star in the hit TV comedy series City Ses’la (as Leticia and Themba respectively), for which GI also composed the SAFTA Golden Horn award-winning soundtrack. ‘Lady Naturelle’s’ mellifluous voice and extraordinary talent was recognised by Richard Loring who cast her as the lead singer in African Footprint in 2003, and she also worked with well-known playwright and director Deon Opperman in ‘Le Shebeen’ and ‘Pata Pata’. Bongo Riot’s incredible singing and rapping talents were recognised nationally when he was crowned Mzansi’s finest in the 2006 Castle Lager talent search.
‘Lady Naturelle’ and Mandla N are also extremely business savvy. Together they set up the very successful TV and film production company Black Brain Pictures which produces the popular SABC1 sitcom City Ses’la. Black Brain Pictures also produced the MNet short film Sibahle and produces the Salute album music videos.Mandla N is executive producer of GI; he is the wheeler and dealer with a silver tongue that is sure to take GI to a bright future.
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It is also the diverse sound of GI which is behind such corporate jingles as Vodacom hi5@5 and Hip 2b2. Cry4Me was used to rescore the Renault Espace advertisement, and the experience led to GI and Renault deciding to partner. “While re-composing the Espace ad in studio, GI and Renault just clicked,” explains Mandla N. “Our personalities, our target market, our vision – our brands overall were an exceptional fit, affording an opportunity to create dynamic marketing opportunities too good to pass up.”
GI is not only fast becoming one of the top music brands in South Africa, but the band intends to release its infectious music worldwide. “We are passionate about our music, and always aim to give our very best to our fans,” says Mandla N. Driven by passion and inspired by their supporters, Mandla N says the band’s aim is to grow the SA entertainment industry, “because we believe South Africa has the talent to make a huge impact on the international stage.”
Judging from the achievements of their music offerings, Kassi Flava and Salute, GI undeniably has the commitment and the ingenuity to continue producing chart-topping original music, paving the way for a sustainable and successful future in the world of entertainment, both locally and internationally.
Issued on behalf of:Gang of Instrumentals:
Contact: Kagiso Tema
Tel: +27 (0) 11 327 3271
Issued by:
Jenni Newman Public Relations
Cassidy Diamond
Account Executive
Tel: +27 (0) 11 772 1033
Cell : +27 (0) 82 780 9096
Email : cassidyd@jnpr.co.za
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