Q&A
Pop star Ringo Madlingozi will perform at the Union Buildings on New Year’s Eve. He tells us about his new single, his attitude to life and love, and his hopes for the new millennium.
What can you say about your new single Into Yam?
The song brings that kind of vibe that has always been associated with my music. It is a song for the young and the old. We are now living in a very dangerous world and I am encouraging them to have one lover. I am telling my lover to close me inside, telling her that she is the only one I want and no one else. I am telling her to protect me from the outside world.
You are very articulate about love in your music. Is there anything in your past that gives you this ability to articulate?
No, there is actually nothing like that. I just believe that if you actually love a woman then you should just say it as it is. I know African men fear expressing themselves because they think they will be considered weak. But the best way is to be who you are and say what you feel, and the woman will accept you as you are.
How do you manage to capture the inner feeling that is found in Sondela, Isi Phiti Phiti and Into Yam?
It is just being true to yourself and to your craft and true to everything.
What makes your music?
It is how I interpret life, like every day is a song. I listen to conversations, TV and read newspapers. Conversation, TV and everything I see trigger songs, all the information I get.
I found your remix of Isi Phiti Phiti something between kwaito and house, and I am not sure if I like it. Why did you decide on a remix?
I want my music to be accessible to everyone. I know young guys just want to dance, and some people just love kwaito and will do anything for kwaito. This is an attempt to share my music with everyone. People will listen to the same song with the words they love and also dance to them.
What type of music do you listen to?
All kinds of music, I listen to any good song.
Which musician do you respect?
I love Angelique Kidjo, I like the way she presents herself. I love Lauren Hill. She is positive, she sounds real and loves humanity.
What are your plans for the New Year?
I will be working towards acquiring a lot of information and knowledge to pass to young people who want to do what I am doing. My organiser is also organising a national tour.
When is your new album coming out?
Somewhere around Easter.
What do you think about the millennium?
It is going to be the same, but it will rejuvenate the people. The fact that it will not be “19”, but 2000 will mean a lot to people.
What is your message for the next millennium?
People are dying, they should abstain from drinking and driving and having many partners. I am not gonna talk about condoms or all that, but people must take care. I would also like to say that South African music will grow, kwaito is going to change shape and the minute South African music is accepted in the world it will find its place.
Ringo Madlingozi spoke to Scotch Tagwireyi