An Update from Maboneng - Jozi

The townships of Johannesburg are an unlikely venue to meet artists but a few words in the ear of a voice can lead to a long and fruitful relationship.  This is how we met General Plago, 4 years ago at a very happenstance meeting.  He grew up in the townships of Joburg hustling on street corners, singing and playing guitar.  When the reggae scene burst onto the SA radio in the 80's and 90's and Lucky Dube was a rising start in the charts, Plago was drawn to the humble lifestyle, island rhythms and a life that embraced peace and love.   

With very little in the form of equipment and musical instruments at his disposal, he has already made magic happen being the “Lyrical Gansta” he is and been involved in creating a musical exchange across various countries across Africa.  Rooftop Records worked alongside Plago and local producer Tiyane (from Malawi) to help extend and produce better quality of music.   

Our earliest collaboration with Backayaad helped gather a band together, a small group of local and aspiring musicians. We quickly realized some of the constant barriers such as electricity, safe spaces and any access to equipment - limited the potential of their future as artists. 

This past week we made a significant step in the progression of our relationship with General Plago and a new collaboration which started with delivery of new equipment: a modern mixing desk, vocal pre-amps, electro/acoustic guitar, microphone and the like. Plago and his team will be the first to develop a new working partnership that will include cross cultural exchanges, better access to/and the delivery of high class music production, a teaching platform and courses to young and emerging talent and those who cannot afford it…and much more.