Sunday 8 December 2013

BUBBLING UNDER - MARIKO


It is extremely difficult in today's competitive & dynamic industry to create your own identity, stand out as an artist and remain true to yourself and your craft. Fortunately, establishing an identity hasn't been a challenge for Mariko. His upcoming E.P, "Ba tla nkitse ka ditiro", is a strive for balance between leap-taking and staying grounded; It basically portrays him as a risk taking but also a focused individual; one whose songs are filled with wisdom which is presented in an attention-getting way.

"Born and raised in Itsoseng, I never took rapping seriously. All I ever did was write. Be it poems, short stories or even just angry outbursts onto a piece of paper; my passion has always been in writing. It was soon after picking up a basketball, at age 14, that I started writing lyrics to instrumentals I found in my elder brother's computer running an old operating system that my interest in music grew. Of course this dissipated soon after I started listening to Talib Kweli rap. My exact thoughts were: how do I compete! I didn't stop writing though. I never have. In fact I started writing a book in December of 2005 that I never got to finish."

It is in his first year out of high school that he got back into rapping (a story to be deliberately omitted).

Fast-forward [>>] I.T. professional, certified trainer, poet, self-taught graphic designer, web-designer, entrepreneur, creative writer, performer, father and uncle to many; Mariko came together with a few artists who formed and then signed to the independent label Square Root Studios where he is now also serving as an integral part of the management team.

Whilst still working on his craft Mariko has worked with Square Root Studios on the mixtape. "The Anchor", has featured a number of projects and released a single called "Mic Cheques" from his E.P. released in August 2013. "80% of the proceeds from this E.P will go directly to the CSI department within Square Root Studios; Rooting… and this is non-negotiable." says the bold Mariko.

"My purpose in life is to create a little bit of hope" is a motto that Mariko (better known as Tsholofelo Sehume) lives by. "... and that is all I want to achieve in my authorship, my musicianship and my poetry. All I hope for is that the work I produce can connect with you at various levels."

So look out for more from Mariko!

Some of his work:

Mic Cheques
This track is from my upcoming E.P. titled BA TLA NKITSE KA DITIRO (this is a tentative title and might change). It is a dedication to musicians, rappers, writers, and the likes out there in the world that listen and pay attention to content. It's presented in Motswako and is universal.
DOWNLOAD 

The Anchor Mix
In November of 2012 Square Root Studios released a completely free mix tape with all its then artists taking part. I featured on a number of songs in the mix tape.
It is available for DOWNLOAD.

Mzansi Poetry Evolution
I have had the honor and pleasure of being invited to perform/recite some of my poetry at the above mentioned venue. Needless to say; it is always a heartwarming experience.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MZANSI.POETRY.EVOLUTION/

Holla @MarikoTheAnchor on twitter.
mariko@srsstudios.co.za

Thursday 5 December 2013

PRETORIA MUSIC AWARDS 2013 THEME SONG

Few, out of the numerous talented artists we have in Pretoria were called together to make a "Theme Song" for this year's Pretoria Music Awards titled "I Believe".

This track has on it artists believed to be doing great in the various genres they do; and they all fall in one or two categories for this year's award.

"I believe" has on it Medosky, California, 012 South, Beejay Tee, Freddy XL, ShoKens, Mazzingar and Sean Digga.

All the artists featured on this wonderful track did their best to make the "Theme Song" a master piece.
Produced by T-Fresh.

JUMP ON IT!!!

DOWNLOAD

Sunday 1 December 2013

PRETORIA MUSIC AWARDS 2013


Pretoria Music Awards 2013 is an annual awards that is here to stay and with the level of Success achieved last year, it is however imperative that the second edition is much better and bigger and that is exactly why our team of PR and Social Media personnel(s) have put all effort into giving the awards proper and thorough publicity this year.

Pretoria Music Awards 2013 is awards packaged to add value to the lives of the average youth who has put his or her talent to use through Music. The Awards is an avenue for them to get rewarded and be right there at the spotlight while we also strive to give them a face and of course recognition. The Awards began with a nomination process which lasted 3 weeks (from 1st of November – 22nd November, 2013) and the Voting process followed almost immediately on the 25th of November, 2013 and will run till the 10th of December 2013.

Over 200 songs from 125 Artists were entered for nominations and the categorizations were done by our team of expert judges; which brought 5 artists together in all categories in other to give all artist or DJs an equal chance to compete for the ultimate prize. However, artists who got nominated have already began to canvass for votes from their friends and fans.

A nominee’s party at Cubana Havana Lounge, Sunnyside on the 11th of December will precede the main event on the 14th of December, 2013 at the prestigious Pretoria Hotel, Hamilton Street, Arcadia, Pretoria at 5pm. Tickets are on sale from R50.

Our Media Partners and social Media Teams Include:
Africa Magic
Cashintransit (PR Company)
The Nigerian Voice Newspaper
Good Morning Africa
Tshwane Television
Chitchat Mzanzi

Thanks
Stephen Jay

For: Pretoria Music Awards 2013