Local music group reaching for the stars

Hip hop and house music trio, PAQ, was born from a mutual love of music.

Former Edenvale and Tembisa resident, Akhona More; Prince Manonga and Qhama Dayile have been described by their fans as “new-age pop musical geniuses” and they have a keen following in Edenvale, Joburg and even Tembisa.

The Tembisan met with PAQ’s rapper, Akhona, who shared his excitement about PAQ’s upcoming release of the new singles, Getting Mine and Rose.

Tembisan: What exposed you to music as a child?

Akhona: I originally grew up in Tembisa and later moved to Edenvale where I attended Edenglen Primary School. I matriculated from Edenglen High School. I was always surrounded by music and developed a strong interest in it. From a very early age, I knew I wanted to work in the music industry.

Tembisan: What was your motivation to become a musician?

Akhona: I have always loved music. It allows me to express myself in a lyrical manner. There are many different genres of music which appeal to different people. My motivation has always been to inspire and uplift people through music.

Tembisan: What music are you currently working on?

Akhona: I am in a music group called PAQ, which is the initials of our names. Prince Manonga, myself Akhona More and the female vocalist Qhama Dayile. We focus on Hip-Pop and House music.

Tembisan: How was the group established?

Akhona: I currently reside in Troyeville with the other two group members who share my passion for music. Although we are from different cities, we share a flat and developed the same interests to make it in the music industry. Troyeville is a central area and we feel that living here will assist us in pushing our careers. We met through music and decided to work together to succeed. Our group has been around for a year now.

Tembisan: What has the group accomplished thus far?

Akhona: Our journey in music is 100 percent independent and we are in the process of forming a recorded label called Unplug Music. We are also part of a clothing brand called Unplug and it has been available since 2010. Our clothing items are available in a local shop in Edenvale, called Pioneer DJ. PAQ has managed to perform a couple of times in clubs and at gigs. Our E.P is due for release at the end of October this year. This will include a collection of songs which are mostly singles.

Tembisan: What can you say to other aspiring musicians?

Akhona: It is not an easy industry but we have to keep trying and making sure that we succeed. If music is your calling, then people should make use of their talents.