Melodies Unveiled with L-PEACE caterpillar

Melodies Unveiled  

Welcome to East Side Insider, where we uncover the untold stories and vibrant talent within the Eastern Cape music scene. Today, we're excited to introduce you to Luxolo Ntshinga, better known by his stage name, L-Peace. With his unique blend of hip hop influences and cultural insights, L-Peace has been making waves in the local music community. And that's not all—get ready to mark your calendars, because L-Peace is gearing up to release his highly anticipated EP, "Bazobona," soon. Join us as we dive into the journey of this talented artist and explore the rich tapestry of sound and culture that defines the East Side music scene.

WHO IS L PEACE AND WHERE DO YOU STAY

"My name is L-peace, but my government name is Luxolo Ntshinga. Currently, I represent Iziphunzane. However, when I arrived in East London, I represented Mdantsane for a while before moving to Iziphunzane. I was born in eGcuwa but grew up in Mthatha. I arrived in Mdantsane in 2013 and now I stay in Iziphunzane."

HOW HAS HIP HOP INFLUENCED YOUR TYPE OF MUSIC AND ARTISTIC EXPRECIAN ?

Hip hop has had a profound influence on me. When I write, I don't think about creating a gospel-style song; instead, my mind is adapted to hip hop and its unique style of writing or expressing. Since a young age, I have consumed a lot of hip hop and have listened to underground artists more than mainstream ones. I'm particularly drawn to spaza artists, especially those who started the spaza music genre as they inspired me to pursue music. They motivated me to wake up and write music, as I still do today.

HOW IS YOUR JOURNEY AS AN ARTIST IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

In this interview, I mentioned that I started setting up a bar in 2013. However, prior to that year, I used to do it just for fun, without being very serious about it. Upon arriving in Mdantsane in 2013, I realized that there were studios around where I could record and produce high-quality music. I started searching and asking people for studios, and eventually found a few affordable ones where I could produce a song for just R50. Since then, I have been spending all the money I make on my craft. I have always had song ideas from way back, which is why I spend a lot of time in the studio. Now that I have my own equipment, I can produce music the way I want it to sound and feel. Sometimes, producers don't understand my vision the way I want it, and I can't point out what I really want because I don't have the knowledge about production. However, when I do it myself, I can figure out the music process to align with my vision. This has been my journey so far. I am a hard worker and a dedicated artist, and my journey is still continuing. I have a lot of connections in the industry because I have been to many local shows, and this has made me visible in the entertainment industry in Eastern Cape.

ARE THE ANY PARTITULAR ALBUMS OR ARTIST THAT HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 

I have a few favorite musicians, but the one I want to mention first is Ma-air. When I first arrived here, I was introduced to his music and found out that he stays in Scenery Park, East London. This gave me hope because I used to think that in order to be a successful rapper, I had to be from Johannesburg. Ma-air made me believe that it's possible to make it anywhere. He inspired me to grow my listenership and fans, just like he did. To sum up, he had a significant impact on my life. While I listened to other artists, they were mostly from Cape Town because iSpaza was booming there. The most influential album for me was "Inqumele Emlonyeni" by Gxarha. I'm still a fan of his music. I first heard about this album from my friend Vivo, and I bought it with the last money I had because I believe in his vision.

HOW DOES YOUR MUSIC ADRESS POLITICAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES IN SOUTH AFRICA?

As a social being, I express my personal and social issues through music because I believe that music is a powerful tool. I am conscious of the message I convey through my music and try to use it wisely. I share my stories and educate while still entertaining my audience. I prefer to write about social issues rather than political issues, although I do touch on political issues from time to time. My creativity lies in conveying meaningful messages through my music.

HOW DOES CULTURE AND HERITAGE SHAPE YOUR MUSIC ESPECIAL CONSIDERING YOU E.C ORIGIN?

Culture is very important to me because we never know where life will take us, so it is essential to understand ourselves, our roots, and our identity. Understanding our cultural background helps us to know ourselves better. Culture has a significant impact on me, particularly on the music I create, which is influenced by my surroundings and place of origin. I use my music to express my cultural heritage and reveal more about myself. Through my music, you can get a glimpse of my personality and connect with me on a deeper level because I am true to myself.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY OF YOUR STORIES OR EXPREINCE THAT HAVE SHAPED YOUR MUSIC 

"I would say that performing for the first time is an incredible experience. Seeing the joy on people's faces when they see you on stage and feeling the excitement when you hit the stage is an amazing feeling. When you realize that all those long nights in the studio were worth it and you get to see which songs can move the crowd and how they react to it, it's an even better feeling. Being on stage helps me to bring the fire in the studio because I know I have to give it my all. I don't do this for myself, I do this for people, so every time I am in the studio, I always consider how people will receive my craft. The experience I get from being on stage gives me more information on how to craft my music and give people what they want. DJ SBU's MOFAYA has helped me to bring my best to every performance."

ARE THE ANY SPECIFIC MESSAGE OR THINGS YOU WISH TO CONVEY IN MUSIC ?

"I don't have a specific message in my music, to be honest. I don't want to limit myself by being labeled as a conscious rapper or any other particular type of rapper. When I'm in the studio, I let the beat inspire me and give me ideas. If it's a trap beat, I'll rap with that sound. As long as I'm being honest and truthful in my music, I'm good. I just express how I feel in the moment."

HOW DO YOU SEE TH EAST SIDE SCENE EVELVING IN FUTURE FOR ASPIRING ARTIST LIKE YOUR SELF?

"I believe change can happen in East, but only if we unite and collaborate more. We need to put our pride and ego aside and understand that this movement is bigger than any one of us. Supporting each other is key - if I have a show coming up, I should show love to others so that people who aren't involved in hip hop can see what we're about and join the movement. This will make it possible for brands to fund us because they can see the momentum we're building. 

However, right now, I don't see much change. But there is hope - I see us working together in the future. The main challenge is that you still need to go to Jozi to be recognized or get opportunities. There are no more local TV shows that pay, so we need more platforms like the one that's interviewing me right now, 'East Side Insider'. Many artists are feeling discouraged, but I believe we can do this. I'm happy to see platforms like this one that are doing things for us. We see and appreciate it. Thank you."    

                                                                WRAP-UP 

In wrapping up this insightful interview, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our readers for joining us on this journey through the vibrant music scene of the Eastern Cape. From Luxolo Ntshinga's inspiring story to his reflections on the power of hip hop and the influence of culture and heritage, we've uncovered a wealth of knowledge and passion within the East Side music community.

As East Side Insider, we're committed to shining a spotlight on local talent and sharing their stories with the world. Through interviews like these, we aim to celebrate the rich diversity and creativity that defines our region, while also providing a platform for aspiring artists to showcase their craft.

We hope that this interview has provided valuable insights and inspiration to our readers, whether you're an aspiring artist, a music enthusiast, or simply curious about the vibrant culture of the Eastern Cape. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to bringing you more captivating stories from the East Side in the future. Stay tuned for more exciting content, and until next time, keep the East Side spirit alive!

As we conclude this interview, it's clear that Luxolo Ntshinga's journey is just one of many stories waiting to be told within the East Side music community. His passion for music, dedication to his craft, and commitment to authenticity serve as an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere. Through his experiences and insights, we gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness and creative energy that thrives within the Eastern Cape. We look forward to continuing to explore and celebrate the diverse voices and talents that make the East Side music scene truly unique.

EXTRA TIPS/INFO

As we come to the end of this blog post, we hope you've been inspired by the journey of L-Peace and gained valuable insights into the vibrant music scene of Eastern Cape. Whether you're an aspiring artist or simply a lover of music, there's much to learn from the experiences shared here.
As a parting note, here are some tips for local artists looking to make their mark in the industry:
1. Stay True to Yourself: Authenticity is key in the world of music. Stay true to your unique voice, style, and experiences, and let your individuality shine through in your music.
2. Hone Your Craft: Dedicate time to honing your musical skills and refining your craft. Whether it's practicing your instrument, writing lyrics, or mastering your production techniques, continuous improvement is essential for growth as an artist.
3. Build Connections: Networking is crucial in the music industry. Attend local shows, collaborate with other artists, and engage with your community to build meaningful connections and opportunities.
4. Embrace Technology: In today's digital age, technology offers countless opportunities for artists to share their music with the world. Utilize social media, streaming platforms, and online tools to reach new audiences and grow your fanbase.
5. Be Persistent: Success in the music industry often requires patience and persistence. Stay focused on your goals, persevere through challenges, and never lose sight of your passion for music.
By following these tips and staying true to yourself, you can set yourself on the path to greatness in the music industry. Remember, the journey may be challenging, but the rewards of sharing your music with the world are immeasurable. Keep striving, keep creating, and never stop believing in yourself and your music.

THANK YOU FOR READING !