Fresh goes electro
By Thabang Mokoena
The most commendable Deejay is back in town after throwing-away the stage for a while.
Thatho Sekwane aka Dj Fresh began his career as a radio reporter in Botswana in early nineties. From the minute he was shown the microphone he knew that music was the only career for him.
He recently released his twenty-second house album titled Fresh Goes Electro. This is a two disc album with total of thirty-two songs featuring some of the hottest Deejays alive like Kent, Euphonic and DLG.
He is set to release his twenty-fourth house album later this year ? a Soul Candi production called Evolution part two. His first five house albums, the ?Fresh House Flava? and others are arguably responsible for the transformation of South African house background for good and bringing the genre into the mainstream music scene.
The album Fresh Goes Electro kicks off with an instrumental build-up intro - a one and half minute song (If you knew) followed by mouth-watering hits throughout these double discs. Songs on this album include the most celebrated hit ?vicious circles? that commemorates the nation?s diverse music and ?I Go Crazy & Day n Night? which became the most played house hits in Britain and USA by an African artist due to easily comprehensible lyrics and beats, with relatable videos.
All his songs are written in the perspective of a mature young man who likes enjoyment. This album does not have many lyrics but the message is sent and satisfaction felt through the well controlled beats/drums. His songs create a strong bond between the music lovers.
Although never too eager to delve into production, his few forays into this domain have netted various hits in this album, amongst these: ?Lazy Love?, featuring his wife Thabiso; ?Hold Tight?, also featuring Thabiso; ?Dirty Cash? featuring Gugu Shezi, later picked up by Captain Morgan Spiced Gold as their 2009 festive season, theme; and the poetic "In My Mind" featuring Kutlo.
Fresh has over 20 house albums under his belt. He has shared the DJ booth with a number of international spinners, including ?Little Louie? Vega, Frankie Knuckles, and many others. Earlier in 2002, Fresh was among a team of South African DJs who performed at the Masters At Work party at the Miami Winter Music Conference. Cities like Johannesburg, Miami, London, Paris, Moscow, Brisbane, Ibiza, Leeds, Durban, Gaborone, Birmingham, Dubai, Montreal, New York and Melbourne have all gone wild because of Fresh?s beats.
When was the last time you listened to interesting, gratification and genial house music? ?Fresh goes electro? has all the requisite of what the good music is.
Running time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Tracks: 32
Price: R143
Rating: **** out of 5