(Originally published in Weekend Special 21 March 2024:
https://weekendspecial.co.za/amaeshi-ikechi-interview/)
Bassist Amaeshi Ikechi is touring with his new album this Easter 2024. He will be performing the tracks on three Cape Town stages. KEANETSE MOKHOTHU connected with the bassman virtually in Johannesburg to discover more details of the making of Travail, his fresh body of work.
Congratulations on your debut album, Travail! It is a little under a year old now. What has the reception been like?
The reception of the new album has been great, considering the amount of marketing that has gone into promoting it. Some of the reviews have been about how fresh the sound is, specifically in the SA scene.
More on your current offering – what are its origins – concept, sound and musicianship?
I am not big on tailoring my sound to any style. I basically write what I hear and feel. Hence, in a body of work, I have a bit of different sounds and styles. The Travail album captures the sounds of Mzansi and Africa in general. This is characterised by strong melodies, bass lines and grooves.
What were the criteria for selecting musicians for the album?
The criteria of selection was simple. I selected people I gel with. That, in general, makes me comfortable as it creates an enabling musical environment.
How has your new body of work impacted you?
I actually shape the music because the music is me. I never try to reach beyond me and that which God has placed within me. Secondly, my music is an outlet for the expression of my life and journey through it.
Any words of encouragement to bassists or musicians busy recording their debut album?
Recording music is the same as documenting your life’s journey, only that this is through music. It is always great to aim at excellence, but we must not be stuck because of it.
Anything Cape Town concert-revellers can look forward to?
Everyone should expect their spirit and soul to be fed musically. I believe that music is spiritual and I make it with intention. Intention to share life, love and hope.
Amaeshi Ikechi gigs in Cape Town
Alliance Française du Cap
Thursday, 28 March, 8pm
R150, R100: Students, Alliance Francaise students, pensioners
155 Loop Street, Cape Town
Tickets Quicket
Athletic Club & Social
Saturday, 30 March, 9pm
R200
135 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
Tickets Quicket
Guga S’thebe Community Center
Sunday, 31 March, 4pm
R120, R100: Students and pensioners
King Langalibalele Avenue, Langa
Tickets Quicket, Yoco
Who: Bassist Amaeshi Ikechi interview
Discography: Travail
Social media: Instagram – @amaeshiikechi, Facebook – Amaeshi Ikechi, YouTube – Amaeshi Ikechi
WS
