20-Something Diaries: Sketchy Bongo

Creative rebels. They come, they create a little havoc and slowly become the game-changers in society.

Say hello to Sketchy Bongo - a 20-something Durban-based music producer & DJ, who's changing things up in the local scene with his cutting-edge sounds and trademark ski-mask.

Sketchy has produced tracks for the likes of AKA, Cassper Nyovest, Okmalumkoolkat, Tamara Dey, Aewon Wolf, Kyle Deutschmann, Lakota Silva and Sheen Skaiz amongst others. I recently got the chance to chat to this up-and-coming musician about his take on fashion, creativity & the man behind the mask.


May: Can you sum up Sketchy in a single sentence?

Sketchy: I am an artist.

May: Do you have a style icon?

Sketchy: I love the work of Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy, and Alexander Wang. They've changed the way street wear looks today. I also appreciate the style of Kanye West. 

May: Personal style?

Sketchy: Trill, dopeboy fresh, a ski-mask wearing rockstar.  

May: What's the one thing you can't live without?

Sketchy: Passion. 

May: What do love the most about being a 20-something creative in SA?

Sketchy: Right now, we're in a changing phase in the way art, music and any media created is distributed to the public. The internet has changed the way people make money off their creativity, and how an audience interacts with what the media creates. 

What I love about being a young creative, and what's so exciting, is that right now young creatives are going to decide how future generations express and distribute their art. We're at a turning point right now.

May: What's the one fashion trend you can't stand?

Sketchy: I dislike baggy denim jeans from the 90's and 2000's that some people still wear, and is apparently going to be making a comeback on the runway.

May: What 5 items should all men own?

Sketchy: A pair of exclusive designer sneakers, a well designed sweatshirt, a pair of fresh shades, a chain, and a good timepiece.  

May: What inspires you?

Sketchy: I'm an observer. Everything I experience inspires me. A great movie, an amazing dish, an interesting photograph, a conversation with someone outside a nightclub, all these things and more can inspire the music and work I create.

May: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Sketchy: I want to be in a place where I know without a doubt that people appreciate the work, my team and I have put in to building the music and art scene in Durban and South Africa. I want to be building new businesses and starting new ventures outside of music production.

May: What quote do you live by?

Sketchy: Take the mask off when you speak to me.

www.twitter.com/sketchybongo

www.facebook.com/sketchybongomusic

www.soundcloud.com/sketchybongo

Plugged In:My Playlist Right Now

I see all my playlists as infectious openers to my inner musings, my mind and the only surefire to get me in a mood. Right now, I've been listening to a fair amount of local hip-hop, which has basically turned my office cubicle into its own little vibe. Pair this with a few of my favourite deep house tracks, and you have an inkling of what's been a pretty cool start to 2015. Take a listen kids.

1. Boss Zonke - Riky Rick 

I still can't get enough of Riky Rick & this infectious track, which is built on minimalist percussion and bouncing synthesizers. This self-produced number has created somewhat of a cult following in SA, with a video which perfectly encapsulates how local Hip-Hop is the perfect tool for capturing the energy of South Africa’s kids.

2. Do It Again - ZES

I cam across this one while adventuring my way through SoundCloud, and it quickly became one of my favourite night-time lullabies. This track has been beautifully crafted to take you on a ride through blissful twists and experimental arrangements. ZES has blended beautiful melodies with energetic bass lines, to create a highly unique sound that has me hooked.

3. Pad & Pen - Chad Da Don ft Cassper Nyovest

This track dropped last week and cements all thoughts about the local music industry - SA hip-hop is certainly in its prime right now. The production on this song is pretty damn slick, with smooth beats and both artists spitting their finest lines. 

4. On The Low - Card On Spokes ft. Okmalumkoolkat & Nonku Phiri 

This track has undoubtedly been one of my favourite summer anthem's, with its soulful hook and smooth mampara rhythms. On The Low is a perfect example of collaborative perfection, telling the tale of an underground summer romance in the process.

5. The Blacker The Berry - Kendrick Lamar

The topic of self-love is not a new one and not a revolutionary one either, but Kendrick Lamar has managed to inject his own special brand of high-energy, rapid-fire cuts in a racially charged track. Over steady, punching drums, Kendrick raps emotionally on the topic, illustrating his point with the catchphrase "the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice".

6.  Georgia On My Mind - Mariami

Georgia On My Mind is an old one, but one that is pretty darn hard to get out of your head once you've heard it. Mariami basically regurgitates her emotions into a soulful mix of contemporary R&B & jazz, which will have this track on your mind all day, every day. 

                                       

7. Holdin On (Kaytranada Remix) - Flume

In my opinion, whatever Kaytranada touches tends to get me into a hypnotic daze. This R&B driven edit had me wanting to hit a 90's inspired dance floor, with its bouncing bassline synth and just enough percussion. Kaytranada. The guy will make you want to do bad things to the beat. Trust me.

                                            

8. Hawema - DJ Sandiso ft Okmalumkoolkat & Stilo Magolide

If you haven't heard this one already, then where have you been? This track is the epitome of old-school South African house, with catchy lines and the perfect element of nostalgic references. Obsessed.