Texx Talks S5: The Lookback

In this episode, we hear more from four-time Grammy Award winner PJ Morton and his humble beginnings.

Alastair Thomas from Shortstraw chats the glory days of MK and Boosh & The Boh, while they figure out their comeback ahead of their new album drop.

Zoë Modiga chats her illustrious career, her trailblazing mindset and her diverse two albums.

Duncan Bentley from metal band Vulvodynia chats his constant hustle, creepy stalkers, and the band's meteoric rise.

Over at Texx Talks, we realised that we had been going for one hot minute. Almost two years, just under 100 episodes and, with some deft sidestepping of the pandemic at large, we have our first episode recorded live, in front of an audience! Armand Joubert and the “Legend of Leggeh”, Peach van Pletzen join host Tecla Ciolfi as they look back on the episodes that were, and how everyone has been making sense of life in the latter part of 2021. There are bad FX, mandatory tequilas and just one hell of a good time in this one, so sit back and put yourself in the room for Texx Talks’ very first live recording, from the notorious Romeo’s in Melville, Johannesburg. A special thanks to Ray-Ban, TOMS and Victoria Falls Gin for making this the best possible time one could have during a pandemic....

Das Kapital is a Cape Town-born artist, producer and remixer who has made a name for himself with his bold DJ sets that stay with you long after the “jol” is over. As a champion of South African dance and electronic music, he introduces us to a new generation of artists and genres every week on his radio show and his dedication to the uplifting of our scene is palpable, and who knows what the hell what we’d do without him. The self proclaimed “hydra of hustle” reflects on a decade in the top flight and what it means to build a culture in an increasingly formulaic world, whilst enabling the next generation of talent, if it has to be at a vaccine site or at a festival....

Lucasraps is an artist who exudes a raw sound inspired by his hometown and Durban’s bustling underground hip hop scene. As Def Jam Africa’s latest signee and one of OkayAfrica’s 13 South African Artists To Watch in 2021, this man is a force to be reckoned both on stage and on the charts. From shooting his shot first with Nasty C and then with DJ Maphorisa, his tenacity paid off and now his talent leads the way, blazing a path that is cool, calm, collected and entirely his own....

A SAMA-winning blues rock guitarist and singer who has captivated us for almost three decades with his extraordinary skills on electric - but also: acoustic guitars. Affectionately called the “South African Hendrix”, this man has packed venues and dominated festival stages, that anyone would have the absolute honour of watching him perform on numerous occasions and we cannot wait to catch one of his rip-roaring shows in the future. Sit back, turn up the volume and take a trip with Albert Frost as he chats getting compliments from Mick Jagger, how meeting your heroes can sometimes be a let down and some just downright great advice from this evergreen career professional....

Armand Joubert is a five-octave-range singer who we just can’t get enough of lately. After featuring him in Texx and the City’s pride campaign called #SpheresOfQueer, and working with him on introducing a new 1More product into the market, we’ve gravitated towards his creative energy and larger-than-life persona and it’s been a real treat to watch his career unfold in front of our eyes as he flexes a work ethic that would put even the most diligent to shame. Having to overcome relentless bullying because of his unique talents, Armand has gone on to embrace his natural gift, and thrive, whilst possessing a relentless drive for creative growth. Don’t get too close, this fire burns! For our growing back catalogue of awesome, head on over to...

Lelowhatsgood is a multi-talented member of South Africa’s entertainment scene who is an innovative creative force and revels in being a disruptor across the board. As an unapologetic queer voice for communities who need it the most, he is redefining this country’s queer culture and if you’re not following him on socials what are you doing with your life because they are lit on any given day. Early creative endeavours have led to Lelo carving out a niche and safe space for queer culture, and has now gone on to be a mentor for those who feel that there might not be “a way”. Lelo continues to be the kingmaker of taste and we are here for it. For our growing back catalogue of awesome, head on over to...

Langa Mavuso is an R&B-soul singer-songwriter whose voice conveys a depth of emotion that will take you on a welcome and willing rollercoaster of feels. His debut album was one of the best albums of 2020, chronicling the beginning, middle and end of a relationship, and expertly tapped into the rawness of pain, healing and the human condition. From speaking his own truth to translating that and his vision in unique brand collaborations, Langa is at the forefront of making sure his endeavours work for the queer community at large, all the while wracking up the streams in the millions....

Felix Jaehn is a DJ, producer and songwriter who has a complex musical prowess that reflects his versatility and wide-ranging musical aptitude. While music is always his focal point, he simultaneously champions matters close to his heart, matters that are always worth talking about like mental health, and the empowerment of the LGBTQIA+ community. A master of self-introspection with a natural tendency towards making the best of things, both personally and professionally, Felix is a new breed of musician that knows who he is and where he's going....

Yukimi Nagano, lead singer of pioneering Swedish quartet Little Dragon, unpacks why the band holds a strong affection and affinity for South Africa, despite having toured the world.

On this episode of Texx Talks Texx looks back on some of her favourite moments from Season 6.

English singer-songwriter, James Blake chats lockdown survival tips, producing for modern music’s best and his love for his SA fans.