Thank you, Universe

Life teaches me to be quiet so I can listen more
I show courtesy to life by being myself and living my life in only a manner is befitting to me and my bigger plan(s)
I have lived. I live.
Progressive growth I adhere to
Living my life and knowing what I seek in life keeps me wanting and exploring the beautiful countours of life that keep me centered and keeps me complete.

Thank you, Universe

Tumi speaks into the mic (and reaches a certain somebody)

Tumi Molekane: one of the names that makes me sit up and pay attention.

Tumi first grabbed my attention with his autonomous album that he recorded live at Newtown Bassline back in the day. This soul capturing and mind provoking man has lyrics that will keep you focused on his smooth flows as you receive a massive and pleasing ear-gasim. He speaks about social issues that you might think are a bit too "real" to talk about. He is not afraid to give his opinion just because he has mastered this music thing to the point where he speaks what he wants to speak, knowing that it will definitely reach the soul searching for emancipation, company and mind conversation. His lyrics get people talking for sure, but that is because he delivers something so real that you learn how to understand him and the messages he speaks about profoundly.

He was first with his eclectic yet organized band which was called: "The Volume". They used to be called "Tumi and The Volume". This band played everywhere where we could reach them. They made us dance, made us go deep and they made us crave them anytime that we didn't see them performing. Tumi later went to pursue a solo career. His solo career has been dope and game changing. He's got an opinion, he's got questions but most of all...he's got the right energy. He goes by the name Stogie these days. And as you know, artists dig re-inventing their game, their sound and their vision... Tumi does this smoothly as he carries you from point A to Z while you stay happy! His smooth lyrics, body moving and dope beats make you want to hear more, makes you want to understand more... it makes you want more.

When you listen to Tumi, you'll know!

Music to my ears

I remember the one of the first cd's that I bought. It was Mary J Bliges' "My Life" disc. There are more other cd's that I bought that I loved from start to finish because they represented a lot of what life was like for us in the 90's. I remember buying the TLC's "CrazySexyCool" album and I loved jamming to songs such as "Diggin' on you", "Waterfalls", "Red Light Special" and many more dope joints on this album.

Years later, we are now at a generation where we just download anything that we want and what we want to own. Downloading IS easy and it is convenient for many reasons. The best part about downloading music (and other videos and movies) is the fact that it is easy to view and enjoy almost anywhere, at any time. Don't forget the fact that also by downloading, you are making things easier for you to file and to use it at a later stage. Buying physical cd's has become un-popular to many people because many say the cd's scratch and they get lost easily. With that said, I'm not taking away the authenticity of buying cd's and owning the actual cd with the sleeve with dope art and the artists' lyrics and whom they want to thank for getting as far as they did. In fact...I am one of those people that actually still love the excitement of buying physical cd's. It may seem out-dated and it may seem as though buying cd's is a waste of money, but I'm still a guy that still likes the simple things in life. Enjoying music like we did back in the day. I enjoy owning the cd and the true art. Owning cd's is owning a time piece. Music is like bookmarks in our lives...well in my life anyway. It may seem like a process that that will die out, I'd like to think that even with true art being sold through records/LP'S, cd's will also stand the test of time. The best thing about a cd is that you can collect them and be a "collector". For instance, I collect all of Erykah Badu's albums, Common's albums and Bongo Maffin's albums.

There's something real about buying cd's, and I think I will still be buying cd's for a long time to come. Things in the world change, but sometimes remaining simple is still so cool. It's great being able to just do something that you want to do, receive all the benefits, but just doing it your way.

So next time you see me in a music store...don't be surprised if you see me buying a cd and not a memory stick.  

Common - Come Close ft. Mary J. Blige

This is one of my favourite songs (take a listen and understand why)

The sip from the cup of life

There are times that you come across thoughts that just open your eyes, and the difference is when you grab the opportunity with both hands and make it work; you run with it beyond the finish line. Somebody will have to stop you when you have that passion in your belly and you can see, smell, taste and grab success. Such is the cup of life.

Melusi is my name and changing perceptions is my game

One #selfie a day, keeps the blues away

Colour shot

Painting with colour gives the canvas life.

Good dreadlocks

This is how I want my dreadlocks to grow #me

Clothes maketh the man

It was Tom Ford that said: "Dressing well is a sign of good manners". This is true. Because when you care about yourself you will make sure that you are clean and well groomed.

As a person you will not groom yourself well for other people that will make an opinion about you. Instead you will groom yourself in order for you to be clean and to be in touch with the clean and good you. You know very well that when you look good, you feel good. And ultimately when you feel good you literally will live a bit more positively as opposed to being negative and unfriendly. Fashion is a very broad subject. Fashion does not depend on how much is in your pocket. It does not depend on how expensive your cloth is. It certainly does not depend on the label and price tag that you rock... we are all from different cloths in this wonderful journey that we call life. We are cut from different cloths that come from different opinions, different ideologies, different teachings and most definitely different backgrounds. Some people's background is colourful some is plain white and some is dark and drenched in heavy emotions. What I am trying to say is that, you have a different outlook on life. You have a different reasoning than me and the next person...however...there are universal truths that we know to be truth, for example, that looking good is definitely an attractive concept and state of being that will teach you to respect yourself as well as those around you.

Fashion is in the eye of the beholder. Most importantly, knowing your own style and knowing your own fashion means that you will not fall into the trap of changing every single time that something "new" and/or something "different" hits you in the face. Fashion is the sense that you have that you want to express when you feel it. It is the amount of thought that you put into an outfit that will fit into the situation that you find yourself in. Fashion is unique, it's personal and most importantly...it's real. It can not be forced and it can not be faked.

Keep your colour of taste fresh and you just might feel attractive 24/7.

 

 

 

Me

My veins carry bloodlines from Zulu and Xhosa ancestors. They flow with immaculate history that comes together from the Mpondos ancestors and Xhosa beauties and warriors. The solid and deep history of my Zulu bloodlines bless me from the origins of the 1800s where during the reign of King Shaka, Nguni people were influenced by Zulu people. As isiXhosa was introduced in schools and people thought that the Mpondo people were a Xhosa subgroup, learning isiXhosa as a language and Xhosa heritage from true and pure Xhosa souls makes you realize that life is the best teacher.

I was chosen by God to walk on this earth and I inherit from and represent [for] my ancestors and my parents who blessed me with the name Melusi. I am a leader, I am the shepherd, I am a strong representation of true Zulu and Xhosa heritage. I walk on this earth with my head held high because I have learnt from my past and even though I do not know what tomorrow brings, I know what I want from tomorrow. So if I look past you and I don't agree with what you say; just remember that I am not asking for permission to do what I want...what I have to and what I am destined to do: to be myself holistically and to be the best that I can be!

I use my voice to right the wrongs that you throw at me. I use my voice and mind to change what I do not agree with, and don't be surprised if I do not always succumb to your rules. Change makes me walk a little bit taller and it makes me see my future, not yours.

The dancers of "mfene" make the ground shake and lift the dust to breath its own air in the manner that is only understood by those who believe. "UMdali", "UNkulunkulu", "UVelinqange" allows me to look within myself and not have to explsin myself to anybody.  Ask Winnie Madikizela-Mandela what 1960 was like. Imagine why Oliver Tambo choose who he speaks to...and you will understand that being a rebel is as dangerous as you soldier it. Zabalaza...kodwa unga moshi (rebel...but don't be destructive).

I am Melusi: the son of great ancestors. The chosen one from God to be me and to be proud. It may seem arrogant that I do not want to follow your path, but the pride I have learnt from the greatest bloodlines that is my mom and my dad, lets me be selfish with my freedom and my being! It will not allow me to be ashamed of who I a, but rather to be so proud that I do not have to ask for permission to be me.

So next time you look at me, don't ask me who I am, rather ask what you can say to me.

Dreadlock roots (pardon the pun)

Back in the day, there was a lot of slavery. Africans were slaved and used to conduct heavy and back breaking work. They were even separated from their families to live harsh lives and pretty much, not to have freedom.

 

A lot of these slaves escaped from their harsh conditions and moved to places like Egypt and Jamaica. They were mostly religious people that practiced Christianity and had to fight against the machine of society telling them that what they do or their lifestyle was wrong and that they would never "survive". They wouldn't comb their hair and left it to grow. As it grew it locked, and those with nappy hair/locks were to be dreaded or feared.

 

Living life was difficult and it was a struggle as a slave. There were emotions that were high and a lot of un-easiness and un-rest. When slavery was banned these "were slaves" stayed rebellious because they would not easily forgot what happened to them and how they were treated. They remained rebellious by growing their dreadlocks and made a bold statement that they will never be enslaved again. They celebrated their freedom through this statement that they will do what they want at any time, without having to ask for permission.

 

So next time you see someone with dreadlocks, remember that they're  making a fashion statement but don't forget that there is lot of history and meaning that goes behind dreadlocks.

Cape Town

Cape Town is beautiful. Every time I go to Cape Town, I feel that I have achieved and reached a higher level of being. It is tranquil, it is beautiful it is holistic. It brings me closer to my center. It draws me in and never lets go. 

Be

Be

Mel says

It's the pigment that carries our souls that we love so much

Mel says

The media shouldn't control you, it should inform you

DJ

 

Learning how to DJ was pretty cool

Eagle

The eagle flies high in the sky looking down at all his opportunities
He flies high enough to soar and feel free, but he is grounded enough to know that he needs to be aware of his threats and that he answers to the most high
His vision is strong and accurate
His passion is wild and untamed
His ambition is strong and unmasked
He knows his past will give him hope for the unpredictable future
His courage is strong and unmoved
but he is humble enough to let you know that he is grateful to be alive by keeping his soul pure and praising to the most high

Keep your soul free and fly high like the eagle

Creativity is the absence of fear

Creativity is the absence of fear

Thandiswa Mazwai

 

It was a Wednesday evening. The night was warm, the feelings were excitement and bottom line... I just wanted to see Thandiswa Mazwai perform.

 

I got to Bassline at 7pm and the show was scheduled to start between 7:30pm and 8pm. Of course I was going to be early. Any body that knows me well enough knows that I am a Bongo Maffin fan and naturally this means that I am a Thandiswa fan. I am a huge Thandiswa Mazwai fan. Probably the biggest Thandiswa fan in the whole country or in the world.

 

She performed all the hits... "Ndi linde", "That' is'ghubu", "Ndim' khonzile" and many more. She started the show with her all female band on a rock and roll tip and that just set the whole show on fire from the get go. She even invited ubuti Ringo to perform with her. This was on Thandiswa's birthday celebration. Thandiswa performs with spirit, she performs with soul, she performs with brilliance and simply put...she has the brains and the talent to put on a damn great show! After the show we had a chance to take pictures with her...and of course I wouldn't miss this opportunity in a million years (check on the Bassline website and Facebook page).

 

So I guess what I'm trying to say is that we had a great time...and then some. Next time Thandiswa performs, make sure that you catch her!

 

 

Aaliyah - Got To Give It Up [1080p HD Widescreen Music Video]

I love this video/song!

When will I see you...again

When I sleep
the sad thoughts of you die
and as I travel in the realm of the night,
like a thief in the night I awaken the beautiful memory of hearing you say that you will
see me again.
This I carry in the chambers of my heart as it glows and ignites a passion that once again
you could
you want to
you will
tell me again that you want to see me again.
When I wake up,
after fighting the inconsiderate voice and thought that tells me to: "dream on"
 I walk looking for signs of you and me
and I survive the day knowing that in the night as I close my eyes and sleep
I will hear you tell me that you want to see me again...

When will I see you again?

Common ft. Erykah Badu "The Light (J Dilla Remix)"

Listen

Water your spiritual garden...mind, body and soul!

 

As people we can never be the same. The future "no one can see'', so step aside and let it be; but this very moment belongs to you and what you believe, what you want, and what makes you happy and what tickles your fancy. Yes, there are people that tell you that they can read into the future... I guess your own beliefs will determine how far you believe "them" or yourself. Tomorrow might wash away...it might dissipate... so don't procrastinate. Don't leave or put off what you can do today for tomorrow. Face your fears...go forth in the face of adversity. Make a stand. Take a stand. Life is real...live it...let it be.

 

You have to learn to water your spiritual garden. What you think only you can translate into words and into actions in order to make sure that people understand you...know about you...know what you want and what you think of. Your mind carries a great responsibility because you live to learn...you learn to progress...you live to make a change, and the one way that you can do that, is by letting people know what you think and communicating properly what your views are. You need to let your creative juices flow...take them to greater heights and show the world what you are made of!

 

Who people see is what you allow them to see. We aren't in your brain...we aren't in your mind. Your clothes tell us a story about how you feel, how you view the world around you. Your image takes us into a trip of what your mind can produce and what your mind is essentially about. Keep cool under crazy pressure. Show us showmanship, show us flames if you dare...but most importantly...never copy anyone else's style and be crazy creative...this will ensure that no one else copies you. Originality is so exciting that I don't believe that no one craves creativity...craves nuances in the pincushion of this beautiful thing that we call LIFE. I share my views on this blog... many people see the name and they automatically think that it's a gossip column...not in the least. It's just me inviting into the journey of my life and to share with you what I may be thinking at the time...what I want to say at the time. 

 

 

Pick your afro!

They say clothes maketh the man. This is one of my favourite sayings because it loosely translates to that a man that takes care of himself and his image is a man that loves himself.

I'm at that point where I'm growing my afro. I've noticed that afro's were very popular back in the day. This is how most people had their hair. Afro's were fashionable back in the day and today they are still cool. It's kind of -like- mixing the past with the present future. It's bringing the past to you in a manner that can't be forced nor contrived. It's making a statement that the past can influence you, that you wanna look cool...that you have a mind of your own.

Although some people would use fashion as a bar code to what is acceptable in society...one can do what they like to express themselves and their views. I love afro's... it's practically my hair saying: "hey...how are you? I've got an opinion". Growing an afro also tests your patience... let's see how long I can hang in there!

Robert Glasper Experiment featuring Erykah Badu - Afro Blue

This will relax you out (it's for grown folk). So put on your grown up pants for this one.

Take a listen...pretty nice!

MELjuicy: You can't be me!

MELjuicy: You can't be me!:   As human beings...we are the same, yet we are different. We have needs and wants. We have thoughts and decisions.   Our f...

You can't be me!

 

As human beings...we are the same, yet we are different.

We have needs and wants.

We have thoughts

and

decisions.

 

Our finger prints make us unique. Our personalities set us apart from each other.

So ultimately,

you cannot be me...nor can I be you.

 

Let's live.

Let us "be".

But let us be

different!

 

#funfact

Did you know that a dog's nose is like the human finger print. It's unique and cannot be copied.

COMMON

 

Back in primary school, I listened to various types of music. I am a major music lover... I love arts, I love creating... I love being who I am and making changes in my life. These changes vary. They may be drastic, they may be simple... they may be straight forward...they may be naughty...but one thing I know for sure, is that I make responsible changes in my life.

 

I got to high school and got exposed to more things and different paths that lead me in different directions. Some were difficult, some were exciting...some were totally necessary and some were just to give me a wake up call.

One of the most life changing decisions I had ever made was discovering/learning about this here (refer to picture above) MC. One of the first albums I bought was called "Like Water For Chocolate" (google it). This album had dope tunes: the lyrics were/are mind throbbing. The beats are hypnotic and damn funky. And his flow as an MC is something that even if tried to be copied would not even match up to his standard.

 

A lot of people would say rap/hip-hop is something that "uneducated" people listen to because the artist swears a lot.

 

Wait till you listen to COMMON. This dude is hardcore...he's nothing to be played with. He's hardcore in the sense that he spits real truth without trying to impress anyone specific... He speaks truths that some people are afraid to challenge and/or speak of. For instance in the track "Testify" (from the album BE) where he explains how women can mistreat men. I actually dig this MC because his music is life changing... It will make you think twice as to how to lead your life. To lead your life in a manner that actually matters. He's mastered the skill of combining mind, body and soul to have a positive outlook in life; he helped me realize that self-confidence is the best outfit I could ever own.

Because of Common I learnt that life is for appreciation and not for stressing. He made me understand that women are nurturers and not objects. He opened my eyes to the fact that to find God, you have to look inside yourself...that you can find God anywhere... in a Ghetto Heaven where you want to get to Heaven; in suburban bliss where you search for spiritual advantage and or saving. He made me realize that love has no colour, has no shape but was given to us by the Higher Being (that is God) and how to find the God within you by separating yourself from noise such as your ego.

 

There are many albums that this man has released...and with every album I feel soul fed, but always anticipate the next album as I keep wanting to learn more and more from this man...yes...it sounds like I'm making him my teacher...he is someone that deserves the title of "important", because he will teach you a thing or two. Just don't be too sweet...cos you'll get you stuff messed up instead of gaining knowledge. Maybe being creative is a Pisces thing. His bday is also in March...like me. So next time you meet another Pisces, don't be surprised why we "click" so well.

 

Do yourself a favour and get at least one COMMON album. You'll thank me later.