Music can be like a badly blended cup of coffee. It's either too bitter or too bland, missing a balance of flavours and textures. But Steve Umculo has mastered the art of blending a brew with his debut album, Elements.
Like a solid roast of coffee, his fusion of Afro-based rhythms with folk melodies strikes just the right note, creating an album that's both fresh and familiar, alive with flavour and a great aftertaste.
Umculo's Elements took five years to make, shaped by the physical world, human emotions and the sounds that have influenced his life.
"The album celebrates the physical elements of the earth, the emotional elements that make us human and the musical elements that have influenced my journey," Umculo said.
From uplifting anthems to introspective ballads, each track takes listeners on a sonic adventure that mirrors life itself, he said. Raw, rhythmic and connected.
Blending Afro-based rhythms and folk was not happenstance. It was a deliberate labour of love that saw its genesis in 2016 when Umculo moved to Spain. It was there, missing home, that his sound began to take shape.
This story is from the October 28, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 28, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Scotland may be too brave
Scotland's 57-17 hiding handed to Fiji on Saturday has got all the fans up north excited about their team's prospects against the Springboks in Edinburgh this Sunday.
RECORD CHASERS
BUCS: HISTORY BECKONS IF THEY BEAT RICHARDS BAY
Jordan happier in No 10 jersey
Springbok utility back Jordan Hendrikse (below) is happy to fit in with the national team wherever he is needed, although he would prefer to feature in his main position at flyhalf.
Black Caps are 'taking on the world'
Mumbai - New Zealand batsman Daryl Mitchell hailed his side as \"a bunch of Kiwis taking on the world\" after their historic 3-0 Test series triumph in India.
Chawane hails early progress
Team captain Khanyisa Chawane (above) is pleased with the early progress shown by the Proteas netball squad under new leadership.
'Insane' Max is nudging closer
BRAZIL: ONE OF THE GREATEST WET WEATHER DRIVES
Amorim is turning to red-hot striker Gyokeres
Lisbon - Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim is relying on red-hot striker Viktor Gyokeres (right) to land a blow on future rivals Manchester City, in his final Champions League match at the helm today.
Barca keep on soaring higher
Barcelona - Dani Olmo (above) scored twice on his first start back from injury as Barcelona beat local rivals Espanyol 3-1 on Sunday to move nine points clear at the top of La Liga.
A 'beautiful challenge'
ALONSO: FORMER LIVERPOOL STAR RETURNS TO ANFIELD WITH LEVERKUSEN
Mngqithi shrugs off 'favourites' tag
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi (right) has dismissed his side's \"favourites\" tag after knocking Kaizer Chiefs out of the Carling Knockout on Saturday.