Kwaito heavyweight Skazo returns
Chippa Legodimo | Wednesday March 12, 2014 14:46
They were in the background when the husky voiced musician broke into the scene 10 years ago.
As is tradition with many artists, the two later chose to pursue solo careers. It was time to emerge from Mapetla’s shadows and Skazo used the little experience he gained as a backup singer to launch his own career in a big way.
The reaction from the fans and the media was considerable seeing his beginnings. Coming from such a background meant expectations were high and the short musician did not disappoint. At the time he churned out hit after hit.
Soon his debut album Abaswe (Ke tlo le shapa ka ditshipi tsaka) was celebrated along the lengths and breaths of the country.
Soon Skazo, Mapetla and P-Mag formed a ‘dangerous combination’ when sharing the stage at major events.
Abaswe was followed up by other hits such as Intja Ya Khona (Hoof-Hoof).
In 2008 the Molapowabojang-born Skazo dished to his fans a third album called Mr Wizo with the popular Folo Folo track.
It has been a six dry years for those who passionately followed the artist’s music career. However, his followers can breath a sigh of relief that his fourth and latest album called Heavyweight is complete. It is expected for release in the winter season.
“I have taken my time to ensure that I bring the fans a mellow album which will show my growth and good understanding of kwaito music. I am releasing a single called Shikisha next week, which should give my followers an idea of what to expect when the album finally comes,” he told Showbiz.
Although they clicked the first time they met, Mapetla and Skazo’s meeting was fateful according to the latter.
“I used to know Mapetla as a traditional dancer and later as a backup dancer for Mr Tagg. One day we met at the same studio and I liked his stuff. Funny enough he was also hooked onto mine and that is how we started,” he said.
Although over the years his mentor Mapetla has added different elements to his music as he tried to move with the times, Skazo insists on remaining with the ‘original’ sound.
“I like being original. I know a lot of musicians were swept by the house music storm and either tried to adjust their sound, but I do not see the need to do that. I am not even tempted to, but I have nothing against people who do what they think is best for their own music,” he said.
Skazo said that every time he composes a new album his aim would be to do better than last time. This is what has kept him in the game for so long, but only time will tell if the new offering will tickle the fancy of his fans.