SA: Deezer launches Heritage in Music playlists

Each musician has curated a playlist, which features songs and artists that shaped their musical heritage. Elaine’s playlist comprises 19 songs, which blend old and new with music from big international artists, including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Phil Collins as well as local musicians like Zonke, Brenda Fassie and Boom Shaka.

“To me, music heritage means timelessness, and appreciating music icons that have paved the way before us," Elaine said. "I believe music is one of the most powerful tools that society has. And with that, it has the power to influence and change the future of many. This power also comes with a lot of responsibility, and I think musicians should use this power in spreading goodness.”

Master KG’s playlist features 26 tracks and gives listeners a glimpse into his influences and artists who have had the biggest impact in his life, including Zahara, Skwatta Kamp and Hugh Masekela.

“Music heritage means a lot to me because I’m able to express my culture through music,” he said. “The music I create is inspired by my upbringing and the Limpopo culture. Music is able to unite people and it encourages us to take interest in other people’s cultures as well. For example, I’m always saying ‘wanitwa mos’ and a lot of people are now interested in learning what it means. It is Tsonga for 'do you hear me?’”

Listeners can stream Elaine's playlist here and Master KG's playlist here.

Additionally, Deezer interviewed the two musicians:

DEEZER: What is your first/or a significant music memory?

ELAINE: Listening to Phil Collins in the car with my dad on the way back home from school.

Who is your all-time favourite music idol/icon?

Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill and Beyoncé.

How does a typical family gathering look like to you?

Intimate settings, lots of food and lots of music!

What impact/change do you hope to bring with/through your music?

I want to spread love and inspire the youth with my music. I want them to know that their dreams are valid, and everything and anything is possible.

What has been the highlight of your career?

Everything has been a blessing. I’m grateful for all the moments.

Your favourite song off your album and why?

'Changes'. It’s a love letter to myself.

What foods are close to home, and what music is on repeat?

Lots of pasta. I’m listening to a whole lot of R&B, trap, Afrobeats and amapiano.

Who, locally and internationally, would you love to collaborate with?

My list is endless. Drake, Beyoncé and Zonke are on the top of my list though.

Three songs that remind you of home?

Phil Collins – 'In the Air Tonight', HHP – 'Music and Lights' and Kool & the Gang – 'God's Country'.

DEEZER: What does music heritage mean to you and what role has music played in your heritage?

MASTER KG: It means a lot because I’m able to express my culture in music. That sound that I came up with was inspired by my culture in Limpopo.

What is your first or a significant music memory?

Being in studio for the first time, not a big studio but a small studio in my village. And I remember making this skeleton move for my beat.

Are there any specific people in your family that you can attribute your love of music to?

My late uncle. He bought me my first computer that I first started producing music on. He lost his life in a car accident when we were supposed to meet. He played a big role in my career.

If you can go and watch any concert, who would you go and see?

I would go and watch Post Malone. I’m a big fan. I love what he does on stage, especially with the live instruments and the live experiences. I love those.

How does a typical family gathering look like for you?

Just me and my family having fun and dancing to my music.

What food would you be eating and what tracks would you be arguing about?

I’m not a big fan of food but there’d be pap and chicken. I love it so much. We would be arguing about who is bigger in music.

When did you realise that music is what you wanted to pursue?

Around 2012. I just loved music so much. It was the time of cassettes. I remember I used to stay up at night recording songs on the radio. I remember there was a house music show on SABC radio a while back, and because our radio frequency was bad, I would need to stand up with the radio in my hand just to listen to the show and record for three full hours.

What is your favourite song of all time?

'Via Orlando' by Monwa and Sun. It has that '80s vibe and it was a classic song. That song also motivated me to make music and it was the inspiration behind 'Skeleton Move', one of my biggest songs as Master KG.