SA’s most prolific Saxophonist drops the first single of his new album, The Whisperer, feat. Kanyi Mavi and Dutch MC Pete Philly
September 26th, 2016, Cape Town, South Africa – Following his successful European/ Canadian tour, Rus Nerwich, one of SA’s most inventive recording and performing artists, returns this September, with an electrifying single, Yilibaleni, feat. Kanyi Mavi.
The single will mark Nerwich’s first release since his SAMA-nominated album Under the Poetree, and is a cool slice of Afro-electronic dance beats taken from his forthcoming album The Whisperer. Written and Produced by Nerwich and co-produced by, Tupac and Jurassic Five collaborator, Erik Rico, Yilibaleni is destined to be one of this summer’s biggest dance hits.
Yilibaleni means “forget about it” and it explores some of the contradictions people living in Ghetto’s and Townships are faced with every day, “Alchohol is the cause of so much pain, and then, its the party juice,” says Kanyi. In the end, “Forget about it, and dance! Yilibaleni.”
Flawlessly delivered, the track balances densely worded verses with an incredibly infectious chorus, that immediately hooks the ear.
In the words of Kanyi Mavi, “Music heals me, and I wanted to do the same. I would like people to enjoy the song and themselves when out there. Although we always know at the back of our minds that the world is bigger and a lot of serious things are also happening, go Yilibaleni! Forget about it.”
On The Whisperer, fans can look forward to seeing Nerwich in a prominent role as MC and vocalist this time round, completely stepping out of his comfort zone to fulfil his need to express his message personally.
“This album is the result of my willingness to forego prettiness and frills and express what I believe in. It’s all about the bigger value in delivering my message and the authenticity of that rather than being dictated to by what appears as aesthetically pleasing,” he explains.
Completely self-created and imagined, The Whisperer has been a three-year labour of love. Partly based on a book Nerwich has been writing informed by his recent journey of love and loss. For this, he flew around the world personally assembling an incredible roll of collaborators including Dutch MC Pete Philly.
As a story teller, Nerwich’s unique compilation of tracks and use of instrumental interludes is bound to take listeners on an exciting journey that fuses his jazz, funk and hip-hop influences. The result an incredibly satisfying contemporary urban-electronic street-sound that is both unique and full of musical depth.
The Whisperer will be available digitally and on vinyl next February, 2017.
More About Rus Nerwich
Rus Nerwich has established himself as one of South Africa’s most prolific and creative recording and performing artists, exploring genres including Hip Hop, Jazz and World Music.
Nerwich has represented South African music in a host of countries, including France, Argentina, Israel, Czech Republic and Canada. He has developed a unique musical approach and sound, both reflected in his recorded work and live performances.
After releasing his first album, As Above, So Below, Nerwich followed with Beyond the Walls, a monumental project which explored music originating in the Ghettos of Nazi Germany, which established Nerwich as an important figure in South African music. He has performed alongside a host of celebrated South African artists on some of South Africa’s most significant stages.
In 2006 Nerwich recorded Mantras4ModernMan, an eclectic fusion of world music and jazz, and followed with Under the Poetree, a soul inspired electronic, hip hop project which earned him a SAMA nomination in the best urban pop category.
Nerwich’s love for music education led him to open the Woodstock Academy of Music in Cape Town as well as the Sophiatown Academy of Music in Johannesburg.
Nerwich is currently working on theatre production titled The Whisperer as well as a follow up to his first children’s book, One Fine Day Love Came To Visit.
Title: Yilibaleni
Produced: Rus Nerwich
Vocals: Kanyi Mavi
Published: Tones of Note (PTY) Ltd
ISRC: ZA56E1601183
Genre: Dance/House
iTunes Pre-Order Link: http://smarturl.it/YilibaleniPreOrder
Apple ID: 1154501243