#MusicExchange: Steve Kekana

Featuring the soulful vocal talent of legendary South African singer Steve Kekana, the song was written by internationally acclaimed South African composer Terry Dempsey shortly before Dempsey’s tragic passing earlier this year.

At heart, this recording is also about honouring the wishes and memory of Dempsey. It resonates a passionate and universal appeal to protect the beauty of our planet and the natural resources at risk, particularly water that we depend on for daily survival.

''Keep Our World Alive'' is endorsed by Water Shortage South Africa NPC, an organisation established to raise awareness of water shortages in South Africa and to facilitate the resolution of this unsatisfactory state of affairs via multiple initiatives from grassroots to national levels.

The "Keep Our World Alive” single will be channelled to Water Shortage South Africa to assist with the important and valued work that they are doing for us all.

“Keep Our World Alive’’ was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Robin Hogarth.

I spoke to Kekana Last week.

What does music mean to you?

Music is therapeutic to me.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Live performances on stage.

What drives you: ego or humility?

Humility.

Any funny moments on stage:

When I smoked weed one day.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Scotch Whisky.

Dream gig to do:

Collaboration with Zonke Dikana.

Nicknames:

Vovo, Kokoto, Impangela and Seboba.

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

Law.

Pick five words to describe yourself:

Daring, jovial, short-tempered, funny and hard-working.

Favourite fashion garment:

Chinos.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means:

Cun-can, meaning tea.

Your greatest achievement:

Receiving the Sama Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

What do you complain about most often?

Too much salt in food.

What is your fear?

Drowning.

Happiness is:

When someone feels excited about what they have achieved.

On stage, I tend to:

Close my eyes when I sing a song I love.

The best life lesson you have been taught:

Honesty is the best policy.

Do you do charity work and, if you do, what do you do?

Yes, I do. I serve as the chairperson of the Johannesburg Society For The Blind, for no remuneration or stipend.