Durban based hip-hop artist Dr. Bone A.K.A Inja Yehlathi is here to make his mark and he brings along hip-hop general Zakwe on a single titled KwaZet.
We first saw Dr. Bone feature Zakwe on a song titled Hustlers on his début album, Lindelani. This time they join forces on a remake of the classical KaZet jam by Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, produced by Vusi Leeuw and Mzwandile “X-Wisebeats” Ngwenya.
Dr. Bone said, “This is music I grew up listening to. My dad used to play these songs with my mother back at home in Bergville. I got to follow them and understand what type of people they are when it comes to music.
“More than anything, it’s what the music did back in the days during apartheid. Music was the only escape during those tough times. It made them forget their adversities. And here we are in 2020 fighting different wars. Women are getting abused and killed. There is poverty, unemployment, so with this song we are bringing back old memories while creating new ones.”
Bone’s debut album Lindelani features Ghanaian singer Stonebwoy, Nigerian rapper Eva Alordiah, singer and actor Lungelo Ndlovu and his all-time favourite artist the late Maskandi legend Mtshengiseni iNdidane Gcwensa, among others. You can almost guess an artist musical influencers based on his collaborations.
“I listen to Hugh Masekela, Oliver Mtukudzi, Mtshengiseni iNdidane Gcwensa and a lot of African music because we do have our own greats. When I listen to these guys I realise that they have been talking and their music is about passing on a message. If it gets to a point that my music is known out there in the world, across the borders, I want it distinct. I have travelled and I have seen what their reaction is like when they hear our stuff. They love it,” said Bone.
Dr Bone is known for his hard punch lines and how true he is to his roots, but we experience a softer side of him on his last release – Weaker featuring musical artist Nana Atta.
Bone said, “I have always wanted to work with Nana. She is one of the best writers and singers I know. I wanted to do something different because a lot of people box me into one genre, so I feel like I can jump on anything I like and do it well.”
Bone is truly a ‘working machine’ as he raps on his single All the way featuring Gigi Lamayne, pH Raw and Tshegokoke. He is working on his EP, which we can expect to release in 2021. The EP will yet again take us through a series of storytelling and Bone’s identity, as he did with his first album.
“I am all about telling stories. I am all about painting a certain picture. The EP is traditionally rooted, the sound and content – we talk about things that we face every day. It’s a beautiful piece of work. And I feature a lot of talented, but underground artists,” said Bone.
In 2018, we saw Dr Bone host his very first event in his hometown, Durban. The event was an altruistic act, where Dr Bone pushes to raise funds to give back to the school that moulded him to the man that he is today.
Dr Bone said, “The idea behind Bone Experience started because I want to build a library at the school I went to. It needs to go on because we need the funds and it’s something I really want to do. We have started talks about the next event, but we will keep our fans updated.”
Dr Bone hopes the event kicks off soon.
KwaZet is now available on all digital platforms.
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Dr. Bone takes it to the top with ‘Kwazet’ ft hip-hop general Zakwe
January 29, 2021 at 11:05 am[…] his first radio number 1, on Ukhozi FM’s Top 20 with his latest single ‘KwaZet’ featuring hip-hop general, Zakwe. It is a remake of South African renowned maskandi […]