Artslink.co.za News
Filewile to rock SA with local artistsChristine Skinner11/19/2009 16:42:05 
Swiss club sensation Filewile are set to rock Africa in a tour presented by Pro Helvetia Cape Town, the Swiss Arts Council. The dub-driven Filewile duo, Dustbowl (Andreas Ryser) and Dejot (Daniel Jakob), will perform with guest vocalist Joy Frempong and Mago Flück on bass, and will collaborate with top local artists for a series of concerts in Dar Es Salaam, Johannesburg, Maputo and Cape Town. The Johannesburg shows will feature Pedro Da Silva, lead singer of the award-winning band 340ml, while the Cape Town shows will feature Rattex, the multi-lingual, edgy Cape Flats rapper. "This is an awesome opportunity for SA club goers to experience the sound of one of Europe's leading club acts, in a unique fusion of music with our talented local performers," says Colin Miller, Deputy Head of Pro Helvetia. "The blending of different styles is going to make for electric performances." Filewile began in 2003 as two mobile laptop street musicians, blasting the streets with their battery-driven mobile sound-system. They have recorded and performed with artists from all over the world, own a record label, and produce music for commercials, theatre and documentaries. Their sound is constantly evolving, from dub-influenced electronica and twisted hip hop, to jangling percussion from mistreated echo devices with cheesy synthesizers. Their debut album, Nassau Massage, was a tight pop-electronica sound with a strong reggae foundation while the recently-released second album, Blueskywell, features more pop, more refrain, more of the raw power of their live performances, and sees the vocal moved centre stage, being used as a musical instrument across the album. Pedro Da Silva, lead singer of 340ml - the award-winning band of four musicians from Mozambique who have produced a string of hit albums since they started in 2001 - will add his distinct vocal and rhythm to the Filewile performances in Johannesburg. Rapper Rattex has developed a cult following and is known as a true Cape Flats soldier, representing Khaltsha (Khayelitsha) wherever he performs. His powerful lyrics in isiXhosa, English and Cape Flats slang address important social issues in his edgy, urban style. In 2008, he released his debut solo album, Bread and Butter, on Pioneer Unit Records. The album is an eclectic mix of the freshest beats by some of the most sought-after producers in South African hip hop. "The gigs will take place at a great selection of venues. The Woods in Newtown, formerly known as Fuel, is famous for its funky parties and happening vibe," says Miller. The show on Saturday 28 November will be part of Pretty Drastik at Arts on Main. This event, with the theme Alice in Zululand, is an interactive artistic experience with fantastical dress up and performance elements. A range of South African and international artists will present live musical sets, multi-discipline collaborations, dancing and a variety of contemporary arts exhibitions and live paintings. In Cape Town on 4 December, Filewile will play at Mix n Blend's CD launch at The Assembly. Mix n Blend are three individuals who play with sound in all its forms - from designing sonics for TV and radio to composing new material to play out live at various festivals. They are signed to African Dope records. "A real combination of like-minded artists!" says Miller. On Saturday 5 December, the band has the honour of featuring in Fong Kong Bantu Sound System's monthly event, to be held at All Nations. This collective had its beginnings when a number of Cape Town's oldest underground DJs - Liberation Juju, Dubmasta China, Boeta-G, RealRozzano and Ntone Edjabe - came together to breathe change into the city's club scene. In addition to the club performances, Filewile will return to their guerilla-performance-style roots with free, outdoor jam sessions in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The SA leg of the Filewile African Tour line-up is: Johannesburg: Friday 27 November: The Woods, Newtown Johannesburg: Saturday 28 November: Pretty Drastik at Arts on Main Cape Town: Friday 4 December: The Assembly Cape Town: Saturday 5 December: Fong Kong Bantu Sound System at All Nations Doors open at 9pm. For bookings and further information contact: communications@prohelvetia.org.za or phone 082 976 7010. The outdoor jam sessions will take place on: Johannesburg: Sunday 29 November, 4-6pm at Munk Stores, Melville Cape Town: Sunday 6 December, 4-6pm at Nyanga Arts Centre, promoted by Ghetto Sound Visit www.prohelvetia.org.za, www.filewile.com, www.myspace.com/340ml and www.pioneerunit.com. Some quotes on Filewile's album Blueskywell: "Filewile tap into the madcap genius tradition started by fellow Swiss agent provocateurs Yello...." - Musicweek, UK "So instead of breaking the adjectives out, have a listen for yourself and think Groove Armada meets Erykah Badu........ " - Mahoganyblog USA On Sorry for the Delay by 340ml: "(A) polymorphous mix of reggae, dub, funk, world music, rock and jazz" - The Guide On Bread and Butter by Rattex: "There's a level of depth and sophistication in the lyrical content that sets Rattex apart from most other MCs." Dylan Culhane, One Small Seed "The Bread And Butter album features tough-arse street level hip-hop beats with world class production by D-Planet of Pioneer Unit." - Ninja, Speakerbox On Fong Kong Bantu Sound System: "Of course a musical city like Cape Town has its headline name-in-lights artists; the ones that you hear of often. There are as many beside-the-line heroes, too: certainly not below the radar, but choosing to operate in different spheres or coming from less frequently presented genres." - Evan Milton Cape Argus Tonight "This legendary crew of underground DJs have been peddling "black market identities" by tracing a wild musical legacy that runs from Fela Kuti to Dollar Brand to J Dilla" - Miles Keylock for The Guide Issued by: Pro Helvetia Cape Town, the Swiss Arts Council Contact: 021 465 9033 Website: www.prohelvetia.org.za Artslink.co.za Account: christinems@telkomsa.net 082 855 7277 Pro Helvetia Cape Town, the Swiss Arts Council. www.prohelvetia.org.za Web site: http://www.prohelvetia.org.za
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