Morayks talks to ShowMe

– By Letlhogonolo Ndhlovu

It’s a given that music tells stories, Morayks’ music tells of the indigenous kind, praising kings and queens of Limpopo.

The first track talks about my roots and my entire family tree…

Proud Polokwane raised Morore Mphahlele currently living in Pretoria as a celebrated Afro Jazz musician who sings in that thick Sepedi dialect; Morayks had this to say:

When did you know that you wanted to be a musician and at that time did you know it was jazz you wanted to play?

When I was younger, singing in the church choir was the only chance for me to sing, I was moved from the junior to the senior choir that gave me the idea that hey, I can sing. I went to school and studied civil engineering, I was not happy, I remember there was a day when I was on duty and I had to alert workers of a oncoming train, I was in the busy, singing and composing songs, I realized just in time and gave warning to the workers. That was my wake up call, that I wanted, actually needed to be a musician. After working with jazz legends and I come from a family that is rich in both listening and singing African-jazz, I knew that is the genre of music that I want to do.

What genre of jazz is your music?

Afro-ethnic Jazz

Where did you study music and for how long?

I studied MC Art at The South African State Theatre for 2 years.

What are the stories you tell in your music?

My music is inspired by the journey that I had from the day I wanted to start doing music professionally, including everything around me as well as the places I have been to and the people I have worked with. The first track talks about my roots and my entire family tree as well as a praise poem of almost all the kings and queens of the Limpopo province. The second song, For Mom and Dad, is a tribute to my parents and all mothers around the world, Song for Africa is a song of peace in the world just to name a few.

Tell us about your album titled Lesotho?

It was in 2007 when I went to Lesotho for the first time in my life at a convention centre as a backing vocalist for Palesa who is produced by Don Laka, he was there as well.

I was so excited to be in Lesotho! The way they speak with humbleness and their greetings as Kgotso Ntate, Kgotso Mme, it made things even more fascinating for me and deep down in my heart I wanted to compose a song about Lesotho. Then in 2010 I went again with my friend Thabo Segonyane and it was incredible, we had a performance at Roma if I’m right. While at the hotel I came up with this song, about a beautiful lady I saw, as a young man hailing from Limpop Ga¬-Mphahlele, why not reciprocate the same kindness I was given as reception in Lesotho and compose a song about it.

The rest of the album equally tells different stories and has messages that everyone can relate to, love one another, care for each other, follow your heart, and say goodbye only if you have too and so much more.

How important is language and culture to you?

I’m a firm believer that, you can’t know where you going until you know where you are from. Its time as Africans, as Bapedi we took pride in our culture and language and show the world that there is a language called Sepedi and we are proud of it.

How long have you been living in Pretoria?

About 7 years now

Was it the art that brought you to the city?

Well Pretoria is the home of jazz, so yes it was art that brought me to the city. Legends of the industry like guest artist of my upcoming launch, Vusi Mahlasela set high standards, so as youngsters we continuing the journey but with a younger, vibrant feel to the music, and of course there’s a need of support and integration of arts in the city’s economy and activities.

Where is your favourite place to perform in Pretoria?

For the past 5 years I was attending music classes at MC Art and performing at the State Theatre, so South African State Theatre is home for me.

Who are some of your favourite artists from Pretoria?

Well that’s an obvious one, Vusi Mahlasela, Sol, Paseka,Mandla Ntlatlane just to name a few….cause there are many.

How was performing a duet with Bebe Winans?

He is a musician I have high respect for and who has influenced my music, if you listen to track 4 of my album, you’ll hear his influence. It was an amazing, breath-taking moment that I’ll always treasure; it was also a learning curve.

 What projects are you currently busy with?

My biggest project at the moment is the upcoming launch on the 27^th of July 2014 at Unisa followed by a tour of Morayks launch.

What valuable lessons have you learnt in the music industry?

Always be humble, respect others, be willing to learn on how to conduct yourself both on and off stage. Hard work, faith, doing it yourself, belief and preservation go a long way in making any project and yourself a success.

Is it easier promoting your work as artists in the age of social networks?

Well, yes and no. Yes, the younger generation prefers social media and it’s a platform to interact with fans one on one. However, the older generation still prefer traditional methods, calling and sometimes e-mails. So have to accommodate both.

 Any advice for young musicians?

Believe in your music and yourself, if not no-one supports you. Still persist, no matter how long it takes believe it will come true. Perseverance, determination and faith will take you a long way.

Lastly, how can fans get a hold of your music?

Well they can find me on Facebook as Morayks; Twitter: @morayks; Email: morayksbookings@gmail.com or call 074 108 9471/084 424 5595. Depending on vicinity we either deliver or post but the CD does arrive at the desired destination.

Go to our Events and Entertainment page for details of Morayks next performance in the city and other events.

Our Lifestyle section has a lot more interesting stories and Pretoria personalities