Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse

Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse was born in Johannesburg on 2 November 1951. He took to music by playing drums at the age of eight and went on to form a band with school mates in high school. The band was first as "The Beaters", which went on to achieve fame under the name of "Harare". He started performing as a professional musician at the age of fifteen.
During his musical career spanning over 28 years, Hotstix has performed in virtually every country in Southern Africa, has toured and performed in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, German and Italy.

He has also recorded and produced for, amongst others, Mirriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Ray Phiri and Sibongile Khumalo, in addition, he has also written and performed on the institute of Human Rights Education Oratorio.
After close to ten years of silence, leading South African musician Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse has released a new album entitled "Township Child". This album will be launched to a select group of journalists, celebrities and music retailers during a private listening later this month.

Explaining why it took so long to come up with a follow-up to "Burnout", which sold over 500-00 copies in the early 80's Sipho says:" After 28 years in the music industry, one is always mindful of trends, one had to outgrow certain types of music industry, and I needed this break to ponder on my musical direction".

"This I was able to achieve because I enabled myself to learn from other people, not being judgmental about what other people were doing in music and playing different roles in other things like the organisation of the musicians association and other developmental work".
"I still regard myself as a pop musician, but of different kind. You must bear in mind that South Africa has no defined mainstream pop because of our history as as a nation. This album attempts also to assert a particular style of South African pop music.

"I am very excited about this album. In a way it is an articulation of my aspiration in music", says Sipho. "The fact that I have a profile in both the music industry and in the community meant that I had to make music that would sustain my credibility beyond the domain of the artist. Hence the strong social and political statements apparent in the music".

Township Child contains 14 tracks in all and took more than a year to produce. It showcase a variety of musical style like dance, reggae, jazz, mbaqanga, kwela and gospel amongst others. Among the artists featuring on this album are Ray Phiri, Victor Masondo, Stompie Manana, Khaya Mahlangu, Umfaz' Omnyama, Ringo Madlingozi and a new and exciting group called blood.
"I wrote all the tracks on this album, and precluded it myself because I knew what I wanted. It was and added bonus for me to rope in seasoned musicians like Khaya Mahlangu and Victor Masondo because these guys can play anything and still bring their magic touch to the finished product", he enthuses.

On the broad range of musical styles he says: "it is always easy to play bubblegum music, but could I really call myself a serious musician, especially after so many years in the industry?" "I've tried to give as much of my talent as possible. I do not want to pigeon-hole myself. I want to be a total musician in the mould of Phil Collins, Sting and Al Jarreau etc.

"Another case in point is the reggae piece Suite June 16. This song reflects on a particular period in our history books. I looked for musical style that would best encapsulate that reflections. Reggae was the appropriate style in this regard because it also reflects on the tribulations of the Jamaican people and seeks to emancipate them through lyrics like: "Get up, Stand up", "Equal Rights, and so on. This is also found in our music". Another reason is that the South African market can influence an artist's musical direction. One must remember that the music industry is a business, sales keep it going. It is also a reflection of what society is about. My favourite track on this album is Enchanted Garden. It is romanticized rendition of my love for nature and the environment. It is a very special to me". "Another special track is Rainbow Nation, which reflects on what we're trying to achieve in this country, where we're from etc. It is a very positive song".