Reggae rising star from Mamelodi

Meet Vusumuzi Mabena also known as “Rise” – a talented soulful singer who recently released a new reggae album.

The 40-year-old soulful singer from Mamelodi East released Ghetto stories.

“Rise” has since grown to become a versatile singer/songwriter who rocks upon any beat.

Speaking to “Rise” he moved to Mhluzi in Middelburg at age 11 where he took part in various activities such as Sqathamiya, Zulu dance, Rap dance among others.

“My late uncle Jozi, an instrumentalist introduced and taught me how to play keyboard around 1995,” said Rise.

He said learning from his uncle Jozi has helped his music composition.

“Meeting the likes of Ras Flabba in 2000, a gifted singer was a turning point in life because he introduced me to live sound performance,” said Rise.

Today Rise is a great performer on stage and has recorded his first album in 2001 with a group called Negustos together with Michael Fakude.

Rise began his solo career in 2002 and was introduced to a Mamelodi reggae band called Wadada who became his backing band for Rise on stage.

He recorded two live tracks at Ben Bron Music in Waverley while rehearsing at Dejaz-Match Records.

He said in his music career he also shared the stage with the likes of Sizzla Kalonji, Bongo Riot, Sliq Angel, MXO, Malinga, Trevor Holt, Zion Vibration and many more.

“My new album accommodates everyone: young and old,” he said.

The album boasts 13 tracks touching on subjects like spirituality, love, romance and heartbreak.

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He said his music is sometimes described as reggae, dance hall and ragga.

Rise is comfortable with whatever his fans prefer and says his music is best described as world music.

A typical rastaman, Rise sings freely about the tree of life.

On his latest album, he worked with a gifted producer/sound engineer by the name of MC Mobb from Zimbabwe. The two struck a harmonious chord and has been able to produce a stunning album featuring the likes of My King, a longtime associate of Rise who formed an impressive duet on many Rise tracks.

In the album, there is also a love song featuring Sister Rain with her sweet melodious voice making the song a compelling hit.

“I am excited about the album.“ He advised his fans to go and get the new album.

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