Liquideep

Liquideep was a soul and House duo formed in Johannesburg in 2007. The group was formed by Ziyon (vocalist/songwriter/producer) and Ryzor (DJ/producer). They had eight number-one singles and four number-one albums, and won Channel O Music Award four MTV Africa Music Awards. As of 2009, the band have sold an estimated 5 million records worldwide.[1]

Liquideep
Liquideep Performing in Blankets and Wine 40, Nairobi
Background information
OriginJohannesburg, South Africa
Genres
Years active2007-2010
LabelsMentalwave
Associated actsSuges, Raw Artistic Soul, Lars Behrenroth, Jonny Montana and Aqua Basinno, MiCasa
Websiteliquideep.com
MembersJonathan ‘Ziyon’ Hamilton
Thabo ‘Ryzor’ Shokgolo

Its members were signed to independent record label Mentalwave Records and afterwards released their record-setting debut album Oscillation in 2010. Their 2010 album Fabrics of the Heart has been certified as platinum.

History

Formation and first years: 2007–2009

Liquideep is composed of Thabo ‘Ryzor’ Shokgolo (DJ/producer) and Jonathan ‘Ziyon’ Hamilton (vocalist/songwriter/producer). American-born Ziyon, who is a musician and producer, moved to South Africa in 2000 and found himself really turned on by the house music culture. Around this time, he met Alexandra boy Ryzor through a mutual friend. The meeting was a timely one, as Ryzor was a DJ and Ziyon was interested in learning how to DJ. Since Ryzor wanted to learn how to produce music, the two decided to exchange skills, with Ziyon teaching Ryzor music production and Ryzor teaching Ziyon to DJ.[2]

The duo became close friends and started making music as a team. With all the connections Ryzor had in the DJing cycle, they hooked up with 2lani The Warrior, who, at the time, was establishing independent label BassBreaks & Beats Records with Sakhile Mzizi. "We decided to play 2lani some of the tracks we were doing. When he heard them, he was blown away and we ended up signing a deal," says Ziyon. BassBreaks & Beats Records started punting some of their songs to radio and it was not long before one of their early compositions, ‘Be Free' started getting airplay.[3] In spite of the numerous songs the duo had in different albums, most people weren't familiar with who they were.

2010-Present

Even though they never expected the song ‘Fairytale' to be so big, when the song was sealed, they were very happy with it. The song, according to the duo, was inspired by a split experienced by one of them. The song has captured many music lovers' attention across the country and hasn't lost the momentum since it was released.

As for the duo's future plans, Ziyon reveals that Liquideep is composed of two proper musicians and are in the process of putting together a full live band for their stage performances.[2]

Since the success of their smash single "Fairytale" they have shared stages with huge American superstars Akon and Angie Stone and their marketable slick looks have gotten them endorsements from major corporations Chevrolet (General Motors), clothing line Ben Sherman, Sunglass Hut and Rodamat Shuttle.[4]

In January 2013, Liquideep released their latest album, Welcome Aboard, and is currently touring to promote their newest album [5]

Musical Style

Liquideep claims influence from Africa's beats with global appeal due to being well traveled, respect for different cultures, and love for the arts. The duo prefer playing their music to a crowd, where they claim to get an honest opinion.[3]

Discography
  • Deep Part I (2008)
  • Deep Part II (2008)
  • Oscillations (2009)
  • Fabrics of the Heart (2010)
  • Ministry Of Sound - The Annual 2012 (2012)
  • Alone (2012)
  • Welcome Aboard (2013)

Awards
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References
  1. "Interview With Liquideep!!". Just Curious. 9 December 2010. Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2012.
  2. Kenya: Liquideep - Interview, AllAfrica 24 December 2011
  3. Liquideep Is Your Fairytale, Music Industry Online (MIO)
  4. Alone : Liquideep, iZambia Archived 5 May 2013 at Archive.today 01 August 2011
  5. : Welcome Aboard: Liquideep are back, City Press Archived 7 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine 31 March 2013
  6. MTV Base 11 December 2010
  7. TVSA
  8. Channel O - DStv 11 November 2011

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