South African musician Shoba, also known as Shota, has released a new four-track EP, Africa to the World, on November 1. The EP marks a significant reinvention in his music career, as he shifts from being a vocalist to a DJ. Shoba's new project features a blend of Afro-house, Afro-tech, and Zulu sounds, with two songs in English to cater to a broader audience. This release is part of his efforts to take his sound to a global audience and build momentum ahead of the international summer festival season.
Shoba's evolution as an artist is influenced by his close friendship with Black Coffee, a renowned musician and a fellow member of the trailblazing Afro-house trio Shana. The two have known each other since 1992, and their relationship extends beyond music, with Shoba having been under the care of Black Coffee's grandmother for three years. Shoba has learned from Black Coffee's work ethic, business approach, and relationship-building skills, which he believes are essential for South African artists to compete globally.
Shoba's transition to DJing happened unexpectedly when he was asked to fill a slot at a Formula 1 event in Abu Dhabi. His performance was well-received, and he started receiving calls from different countries to open for Black Coffee. This experience changed his life and led him to experiment with music production software, such as Ableton. Shoba's newfound skills as a DJ have enabled him to reintroduce himself to the music scene with a fresh sound.
The possibility of a Shana reunion is greater than ever, according to Shoba. Although the group members are extremely busy, they are in touch and communicate regularly. They have been working on music together, including a song called Khanya. However, they want to ensure that a reunion makes sense musically and commercially, considering the group's legacy and the music it represents.
Shoba's relationship with Black Coffee extends beyond music, with the two being in close contact and supporting each other's work. Shoba is involved in certain aspects of Black Coffee's international work, including communicating with promoters and people on the ground when they travel. This close friendship has been instrumental in Shoba's growth as an artist and his understanding of the music industry.
Shoba's EP, Africa to the World, is a reflection of his experiences traveling and being exposed to different sounds, festivals, and technology. The title represents his desire to bring African sounds to a global audience. Shoba sees this release as the beginning of a bigger journey, with more music and collaborations to come, including an album.
Shoba is taking a measured approach to his music career, with no rush or pressure to do everything at once. He considers himself a new artist in this space and wants people to discover something new about him. With his EP and potential Shana reunion, Shoba is poised to make a significant impact in the music industry, both locally and globally.
Key points
- Shoba's EP, Africa to the World, features a blend of Afro-house, Afro-tech, and Zulu sounds.
- A Shana reunion is possible, with the group members working on music together and considering their legacy and commercial viability.
- Shoba's close friendship with Black Coffee has been instrumental in his growth as an artist and his understanding of the music industry.
