Speaking of Free state musical genius Itumeleng Makale, born and bred in Rammulotsi near a small town called Viljoenskroon in the free state. A student of life whose learning is based on his life journey’s different pathways and experiences. “My living principles are extracted for application on day to day encounters to fine-tune my focus and anchor my sanity – contact with life through sense”.
“My application-to-life principles are based on this curriculum with no impressive academic arsenal and formalities backing it. African-Centredness is the paradigmatic lens to my world sense”. Said Makale .
“I do not see myself as standing out from anyone. I’m simply gravitated to what most may not be gravitated to; i.e authenticity and being present with myself first before I seek presence with others. Artists are creators par excellence and their works are not just aesthetics and recreational – to me music is not entertainment”.
” It’s what it’s supposed to be, and it is to me, first and foremost, a portal for spiritual clarity, as in the words of Philadelphia International Records’ Kenneth Gamble, saying “Music means Man Understanding Spiritual Information Clearly”. This is me, incomparatively speaking” . He added.
Taking us through his musical career he said ” My highlight in my musical journey (wouldn’t call it a career, I don’t earn a living out of it) was really when I found my voice and the rhythm and sound it flows with. There hasn’t been any challenge to that except my perfectionist longing to have my ideal sound produced for the music I am vibrationally postured to share to the world”.
“I’m influenced by any sound, rhythm and voice that attunes my vibrations to their cosmic peak. There voices I am gravitated to, though; you talk about Nana Coyote Motitjoane (Stimela), Masike Funky Mohapi (Harari), Al Green, Al Jarreaux, Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway, Sam Cooke, O’jays, Spinners, Stylistics and the likes…I’m a Soul Child, you see!
” I want the band and the artist in me to remain married to my basest yearnings for a new world that is organized by principles of truth, justice, harmony, balance, reciprocity, equality and propriety – Our Black African ancestors in Kemet (ancient Egypt, that is) called it Ma’at – the balancing Mother principle of life”.
“For my debut album, produced and released by Anuska T Productions, entitled ‘Chambers of a Vintage Soul’ go to the following links for download phurchases, Amazon, Tidal, Apple, Pandora and YouTube Music. Check also My collabo with Cool Affair on Band Camp, Cool Affair’s EP, ‘Scamto’, I’m featured singing on the title track and the rest are my spoken word contributions on Cool Affair’s following EPs:- ‘Afro Futuristic: A Conversation with the Black Future’, ‘Detox G.T.E.B.H.B’ Vol. 1 & 2 and ‘Yurugu Menticide Camps’, also on Band Camp.
Catch him on social media platforms: Facebook@ ‘Itu Neter’
Artist page@ ‘Soul Inferno – Itu Neter – Itumeleng Makale’.