ROOTS2000

MXO & SLIQANGEL, the acclaimed South Afrikan musical duo who make up ROOTS2000, are pioneers of the AfroSoul sound. MXO’s irresistible passionate energy and raspy baritone voice, together with SLIQANGEL’s adoring crooning soulfulness, melts into a seductive and tantalizing sound. Every show reflects a passion for life that invites dance and movement.
Their debut EP entitled Nomasundu has received critical acclaim. They are currently in production of their first full length album entitled Monday Blues. An homage to when they first rocked the Monday Blues open mic in Time Square, Yeoville, Johannesburg. This new full length album is being recorded by California based record label Olu8 Records. Olu8 Records is headed by award winning film and music producer ShakaJamal, who has now been dubbed the “third member of ROOTS2000”.
In 2014 Sliq Angel was the highlight at the official opening of South Africa Year in China, which is a very important project born from the bilateral cultural cooperation agreement between China and South Africa. SliqAngel has performed for former US president Bill Clinton and our current president Mr Jacob Zuma.

Sliq Angel’s debut solo album released the hit song ‘Amantongome’ which would later become his signature song. He went on to share the stage with some well respected and renowned names like Blk Sonshine, Brenda Fassie, Moses Molelekwa, Hugh Masekela, Oliver Mtukudzi, Ringo and Kabelo Mabalane (TKZee family), Mafikizolo and Lira. He has also performed alongside international artists Da Bratt, Montell Jordan and Busta Rhymes.
MXO’s debut single “Sista Kunjani” intricately showcased his distinct way of moulding afro soul, jazz, funk, traditional and pop, carving a post-modern eclectic genre which was emulated by many young musicians but never matched.
In 2004 he released “Peace of Mind”, which marked the arrival of a super-star, spawning multiple hits, like Zand’iyibone, Delilah, Nomalizo and Tonight. Rich with enchanting Xhosa lyrics and immaculately marrying Funk, Jazz, Soul, Pop, Traditional and Rock - he made being an alternative musician popular in a time when it was still misunderstood.
Since then he has shared stages with heavyweights like Hugh Masekela, John Legend, Saul Williams, Incognito, Leandro Lehart, Maxwell and Mandoza. The star has also rocked stages in Switzerland, Germany, Brazil, Tanzania, France, Japan and China.
MXO has been nominated for numerous awards. He has been nominated for Channel O awards, Afrima, SAMAs, MAMAs and won a Metro in 2008 for his collaboration with Kwela Tebza for the song “Better Days”.
The singer loves collaborating with other musicians as a way to explore other musical avenues. He has made music with Hugh Masekela, Mandoza, Joe Nina, Blk Sunshine, Tokollo (Magesh), Simphiwe Dana, Trompies, Sliq Angel, 340ml, Glen Lewis, The Floacist (Floetry), Keith Murray, Tumi, AKA, Morafe, Stoan Seate & Apple Seed (Bongo Maffin), Riky Rick, Black Motion, Heavy K, Okmalumkoolkat and Black Coffee.