She is CRAZY, creatively artistic and a women of powerful auras and her name is Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo... She is a sister, lover, friend, musician, and a child of the 9 world LOL Here she is speaking about herself and her career in music.
Angela Nimah: Tell us a bit about yourself. Who is Suzan? What is her childhood and musical background?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: I was born Busisiwe Mavuso on 9 September in Kimberly, in the Northern Cape was raised by my paternal grandparents in Mohlakeng Randfontein.The first time I grabbed the mic, I remember it was 1999 and I was ironically in grade 9, I was into rap, I'd listen to YFM's Rap Activity Jam, I was the first female to rap in my high school (Randfontein High School) and I haven't looked back.Then in 2003, I started writing and reciting poetry and progressed to writing songs and singing in 2007 and I'm still going strong.
Angela Nimah: We see that you've performed quite a number of times. You've even performed at ARTmossphere in Newtown – When did you start performing and how has it been since?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: I was born Busisiwe Mavuso on 9 September in Kimberly, in the Northern Cape was raised by my paternal grandparents in Mohlakeng Randfontein.The first time I grabbed the mic, I remember it was 1999 and I was ironically in grade 9, I was into rap, I'd listen to YFM's Rap Activity Jam, I was the first female to rap in my high school (Randfontein High School) and I haven't looked back.Then in 2003, I started writing and reciting poetry and progressed to writing songs and singing in 2007 and I'm still going strong.
Angela Nimah: We see that you've performed quite a number of times. You've even performed at ARTmossphere in Newtown – When did you start performing and how has it been since?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: In 1999 was when I got the
performance bug. I perform with a live band now (Inganekwane Live Band)
and its an almost celestial kind of experience. I love performing more
than anything in the world, ARTmosphere is a dope playground (peace n
love to Mz Ricks).
Angela Nimah: Where else have you performed?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: Sheesh!, I've performed in a lot of places, Bassline, Shikisha, Bat Centre; I've done corporate and government gigs, I've done festivals (Coronation park, Klerksdorp, Potchestroom, Mohlakeng,Greenhills stadium, and Durban). I've done a lot of gigs throughout the years...I've opened for people and I've headlined shows as well.
Angela Nimah: What was the first song you learned?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: 2pac's Hit em Up...wrote it down and everything...LOL
Angela Nimah: How is it different being a recording artist as compared to being a performer?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: To be very honest I record because I have to, I mean how else can people bump my jams in the comfort of their headsets and I do it for those people who wanna learn the songs for shows (LOL) but performance is a need for me, like air...I love performing...sadly more than I love recording...
Angela Nimah: Describe your family member’s musical interests and abilities – is there any influence?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: There has not been an influence in my family except for the fact that my brother introduced me to Rap/Hip Hop way back in 1997 to such an extent that I started wearing Boys of London Jeans and Karl Kani and Naf Naf. Started listening to KRS One and 2pac, Biggie and the likes and I don't even remember what I listened to before that. I always give him props for the influence and funny enough, he doesn't even listen to rap now....(thanks Siphiwe, LOL)
Angela Nimah: You seem to have a very unique sense of style to you. How important is image and how would you describe your personal style?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: I do have a unique sense of style.I wear whats comfortable and what I feel looks dope for me on that particular day. I don't really follow trends. I seem to have my own clouded bubble of dressing; it's important to be content with the way you dress because it reflects who you are on the inside and I feel like the way I dress represents who Suzan Rhubaab is...all my characters/Alter Ego's (I have 7) have their own sense of being/style.
Angela Nimah: Where else have you performed?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: Sheesh!, I've performed in a lot of places, Bassline, Shikisha, Bat Centre; I've done corporate and government gigs, I've done festivals (Coronation park, Klerksdorp, Potchestroom, Mohlakeng,Greenhills stadium, and Durban). I've done a lot of gigs throughout the years...I've opened for people and I've headlined shows as well.
Angela Nimah: What was the first song you learned?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: 2pac's Hit em Up...wrote it down and everything...LOL
Angela Nimah: How is it different being a recording artist as compared to being a performer?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: To be very honest I record because I have to, I mean how else can people bump my jams in the comfort of their headsets and I do it for those people who wanna learn the songs for shows (LOL) but performance is a need for me, like air...I love performing...sadly more than I love recording...
Angela Nimah: Describe your family member’s musical interests and abilities – is there any influence?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: There has not been an influence in my family except for the fact that my brother introduced me to Rap/Hip Hop way back in 1997 to such an extent that I started wearing Boys of London Jeans and Karl Kani and Naf Naf. Started listening to KRS One and 2pac, Biggie and the likes and I don't even remember what I listened to before that. I always give him props for the influence and funny enough, he doesn't even listen to rap now....(thanks Siphiwe, LOL)
Angela Nimah: You seem to have a very unique sense of style to you. How important is image and how would you describe your personal style?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: I do have a unique sense of style.I wear whats comfortable and what I feel looks dope for me on that particular day. I don't really follow trends. I seem to have my own clouded bubble of dressing; it's important to be content with the way you dress because it reflects who you are on the inside and I feel like the way I dress represents who Suzan Rhubaab is...all my characters/Alter Ego's (I have 7) have their own sense of being/style.
Angela Nimah: We've known each other for only a few months now and it’s so funny how our birth names share the same meaning and how we’re both 9 children <3
How important would you say a connection is between/among artists, and how important is faith and belief when you’re an artist of your calibre?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: If you remember how we met, we were pulled by an unseen force and I knew immediately who you were before having met or seen you... LOL, one thing I do not believe in is coincidence; my spirit depends on faith, it depends on love and it depends on instinct. It's important when I write, when I speak and when I perform. I am not of christian faith but I believe everybody's spirituality is their own and as long as there is a spiritual discipline that sustains you,mine is ART/MUSIC, you're fine...that's why we clicked so much.
Angela Nimah: Which famous musicians do you admire and why?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: The women I look up to or who influence my sense of being are really strong, fearless, unique, spiritual and amazing artists and human beings and they've also stayed away from mediocrity and aren't artists who are commercially inclined and in no particular order Brenda Fassie, Thandiswa Mazwai, Erykah Badu, Eartha Kitt, Zap Mama,Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, and Janelle Monae. There are many but these are my constants... I look to their music for inspiration....
Angela Nimah: Where do you see yourself in 3 year?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: I want to be in broadcasting. I'm currently studying Sound Engineering so I really want to go into radio (as a presenter of my own show) or at least do sound. But I'm also looking into teaching my craft to young and aspiring artists...that's my 3 year goal(s).
Angela Nimah: How would you describe your relationship with music?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: Music is everything...my relationship with music has been a love and hate war like having a boyfriend...it's the deepest boyfriend I've ever had. LOL
Angela Nimah: How important is it to be a multi-faceted artist, especially as a female artist?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: It's very important to not box yourself in one genre or type of craft...I love to experiment and ill try anything once, whether its dance, acting, production or whatever, I'm always open to trying something. Experimentation shows you just how gifted and how limitless a person is and should always strive to be...Try Anything once.
Angela Nimah: What are your fondest musical memories, in your house, in your neighbourhood or town?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: In my neighbourhood was definitely @21st Century Poetic sessions when passion was strong and I did my very first show, from the decor, to the content, to the ambiance, it was a magical time for me. I miss the sessions maine!
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: I like to think that I'm more old school in thought and being. Uhhhhm! I think Barbara Streisand's Back to Broadway Album really, really is a big influence in terms of performance. She's amazing, her voice is absolute.
Angela Nimah: How do you remain consistent and relevant in such a small industry; we all know you are only as good as your last performance?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: Experimenting is definitely one way and its true that practice makes perfect. Practice, practice, practice and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!!!!
Angela Nimah: How do you handle mistakes during a performance?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: In my world, I am Queen of Improv.... I love to freestyle even when I'm rehearsing because it trains my brain to be faster in improvisation. Free styling enables me to not even feel mistakes plus I have a lot of fun when I perform so I don't really notice, I'll say it after a performance but I just go with the flow and make it a fun mistake to make.
Angela Nimah: Do you get nervous before a performance?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: I get nervous before every single performance, every single one. I get really nervous because Suzan the artist is quite unpredictable, I never know what were going to do.
Angela Nimah: What advice would you give beginners who get nervous?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: You need nerves, not the paralyzing kind. But the 'I don't wanna mess up this isht' type of nerves. I believe nerves give you as an artist a sense of respect for your fans because if you're arrogant, you go in there and people feel it. Good nerves are always good, not fear nerves.
Angela Nimah: Do you attend sessions? What makes a good session?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: Not as often as id like. A good session is great people, great ambiance and great hosts and the MUSIC...Sessions like ARTmosphere are great sessions.
Angela Nimah: How often and for how long do you practice?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: I practice 4 times a week for 3 hours each session and rehearse weekends from Fri - Sun for 7 hours each session.
Angela Nimah: How do you balance your music with other obligations: friends, children, and job?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: Its a battle but I couldn't do it without my mom, she supports everything I do and pitches in when I need help with my son who is in Grade 2 and is 7. Most of my friends are colleagues so we work and friend at the same time, it's a double battle.
Angela Nimah: Your music is very spiritual and highly enchanting and one of the reasons I dig it! What comes over you when you’re private musical space and process?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: Thank you. I attribute that to Divinity, because of God we are gods and that is how we create.
Angela Nimah: Where can people find you, any links you can give us?
Suzan Rhubaab Voodoo: I'm on SoundCloud for the music http://soundcloud.com/suzan-suz-rhu. @Rhubaab_Voodoo on twitter. Suzan Suz Rhu or Suzan Rhubaab Official or like my band page Inganekwane Live Band on Facebook. For bookings and inquiries Fortunate Ndashe (Manager) 072 677 3712
Thank you Suzan for allowing us the time to speak to
you (Please include your comments at the end of this feature)
and follow us @RVL__
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