#MusicExchange: Didi & Jules

The band opened Music Exchange 2019 and they had seasoned record company executives spellbound with their reverting performance. So much so that one company is in negotiation to sign the duo.

Didi & Jules performing at #MEX19.

The duo creates a contemporary sound through their performances – which range from reggae to classic rock to gipsy electronic sounds, a sound inspired by Bob Marley, Lucia Micarelli, Otis Redding, Freddie Mercury, Keane, Bruno Mars and Vanessa May.

#MusicExchange: Frank Paco

Martin Myers  11 Sep 2019

I caught up with them on Monday, post-conference.

When are you happiest?

When we are creating music, writing, performing.

What does music mean to you? 

Music is a way we express ourselves, playing from our hearts to the next person’s heart.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

That we get to touch people’s hearts – heal and inspire. Creating something you can’t put to words – it’s fresh, different.

Are you famous?

Some people say we are to them.

What do you think of influencers?

A network is a good thing. Everyone working, pushing, sharing towards their dreams will inevitably make the world a better place.

What drives you: ego or humility? 

We have the perfect balance when it comes to that.

Any funny moments on stage?

People falling, plates breaking, strings snapping and bow hair breaking.

Your heroes?

Bob Marley, Freddie Mercury and AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, Lucia Micarelli, Leon Bosch, Blaq Pearl.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Leon Bosch. For the person he is, a person of colour making it in the classical realm. Through all the struggles and apartheid years, he has been through he has managed to make his music career success – not just a being a musician but an influencer, publisher, teacher, conductor and to never stop learning and growing.

What is your most treasured possession?

The violin, I played two gigs and bought it.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Non-alcoholic beer. Put the bottle down let’s get drunk on our dreams.

Dream gig to do?

Rocking a conscious festival like Boom in Portugal.

What makes you stand out?

Our clothing style, our sound, our lyrics, our different backgrounds and what we are creating, our individuality.

Nicknames?

Diri, Diedels, Didster, Dids. Jules or Julas.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

Running a full-time NPO, running art programmes for the disadvantaged kids in our community.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Happy, different, persistent, committed, adaptable.

Five favourite albums of all time?

Lucia Micarelli – Music From a Farther Room
Adele – 21
Dianna Krall – Live in Paris
Bob Marley – Exodus
TKZEE – Shibobo

Greatest movie ever made?

The Sound of Music.

#MusicExchange: Jerome Rex

Martin Myers  3 Sep 2019

What song changed your life?

“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane. One night after an audition, Jules and I were left alone with our musical instruments and Jules serenaded me with that song, it was so beautiful I told him I would like for us to work on it and perform it someday. Months later, we both performed it at the RAW platform (Real Art on Wednesday inside on the greens in Wynberg). After our performance, we got booked for a paid gig and that is how our duo started.

 Who do you love?

Everyone.

What is your favourite word?

At the moment, #vibes.

Favourite fashion garment: 

Our orange and pink pack – it’s just so vibrant.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means: 

“Hosh” meaning what’s up. It’s an audacious greeting.

Top of your bucket list?

Create content that is different, travel and make music through Africa, Europe, all over the world.

Your greatest achievement?

Being alive on this beautiful dynamic planet.

What do you complain about most often?

We try not to complain, too busy living.

What is your fear?

Not to live a full life. Not being able to touch at least one heart/soul through playing music.

Happiness is?

Being in the present. Living your truth.

On stage, I tend to?

Dive deep into another world. Of word power and sound and to connect with our audience.

#MusicExchange: Thandeka Dladla

Martin Myers  27 Aug 2019

If you were walking on stage for a keynote speech like Barack Obama, what song would you use and why?

“Positive People” would be the jam. It’s packed with a message and a funky tune and hook. Made for a global audience and just a feel-good sing-along song.

The best life lesson you have been taught?

Everyone is different. Be patient, but keep pushing.

Do you get worked up whilst watching a sports game on TV?

We barely watch television/sport.

Where would you like to be right now?

Right where we are is where we would like to be right now. But we are itching to travel to do more shows.

Hauntingly, beautiful #TEDxCT #PauseXEffect opening by #DidiandJules pic.twitter.com/cqF3RfxEA7

— TEDxCapeTown (@tedxcapetown) November 17, 2018

Community outreach performances. Teaching drama.

Wishes and dreams?

Last year, we completed our very first EP called Sound Journey. We would like to tour abroad and share our music with the world. We are currently preparing for our compilation/rendition album.