Jazzulu Kollective Performing Live

1). Who makes up the Jazzulu Kollective and who does what in the team?

• Mncedisi “DJ BigSky” Khumalo (the DJ) and Busi Sibisi (the Pianist).

2). When did the Jazzulu Kollective initially team up and how did the idea to fuse the two performance arts come about?

• To be exact; on the 2nd of May 2009.
• It all happened when BigSky saw Busi playing at a gig and later tracked her down and invited her to play with him.

3). How do you guys make it “work”? Do you guys put in practice or is it just natural on the day of the performance?

• We put in practice but most of it is natural because at times we end up playing what we hadn’t practiced.

4). Which genre of music do you specialise in? Is it just house or do you guys mix it up?

• We specialise in House music, but the keys bring a feel of jazz, blues and mbaqanga… hence the name JAZZULU.

5). The “DJ Live” performance can requires a lot of understanding between two of you. How do you manage your working relationship? Do you often have difference of opinion when working?

• We do have differences, e.g. song selection and performance on the day, however we overcome all of that because of the passion we have for what we do.

6). What is the biggest event you’ve ever performed at? What would be your ultimate performance and where?

• The biggest were the Boddhi Satva S.A Tour and the Annual All White Party in Kempton Park.
• The Ultimate performance would be The Winter Music Conference held in Miami and the Opening Ceremony for the Soccer World Cup 2010.

7). Give us a breakdown a day or night in the life of Jazzulu Kollective? What’s the preparation like, leading up to an event, and what happens afterwards?

• You make it sound like we live together LOL!!! We normally have a practice session twice a week (whether we have a gig on that weekend or not), check which tracks will work and which won’t work and discuss on how we can better our set.

8). What about time with family and friends – How do you manage that?

• We hardly have time for family, but we try as much as possible to manage our time effectively. We’re often with our friends on weekends.

9). Given your insight into what’s fresh on the music scene, what do you think the trend for the rest of year will be?

• Deep vocal house seems to be gaining popularity again, a lot of DJs are already on that tip.

10). How many groupies do you get? This goes to the both of you.

• LMAO!!!! Busi gets the most attention from both sexes because they are amazed by a girl “murdering” keys the way she does.
• BigSky’s groupies prefer to be… (ahem) discreet.

11). Have you had any awkward moments with fans? Have you performed at an event that made you go ”WTF???”

• Ooh plenty; when people start pressing the keyboard or requesting songs while we are on set.

12). What’s in store from Jazzulu Kollective? What aspirations do you have?

• Broadening our brand country wide and even internationally. Late this year people need to look out for a single or two from Jazzulu and hopefully an album soon.

13). As the Jazzulu Kollective, what would be your ultimate collaboration?

• In no particular order; BlackCoffee, Louie Vega, Legendary pianist Abdullah Ibrahim and Zano (Phenomenal Vocalist).

14). Who do you regard (aside from yourself) as a performer that’s making strides in the industry?

• BlackCoffee is on top of his game and people need to look out for Sai & Ribatone.

15). How may people get in touch with you should they be interested in working with you or maybe for a signed autograph?

• djbigsky@gmail.com