Co-interviewer Kevin Tshabalala

We’d take it that you’ve been living under a rock for well over two and half years if you said you didn’t know who Mi Casa was. Live sat down with the band’s JSomething and  Mo-T (Dr. Duda was unfortunately busy in the studio) to get to know them a little better than just singing along with their hit tracks These Streets, La Vida and All The Glory.

What is it that MiCasa represent and collectively stand for?
We are a soulful house music band consisting of three guys that has been blessed with a dream and a platform to create good music channelled to positively change people through our embedded message in it. We want to reach out to the world and represent the best of the place that we are from, but we ultimately stand for good music.

How do you feel the message, shape, direction and progress of music in SA, and Africa as a whole, is shaping the youth of our country and our colourful continent?
Well so far by the look of things it seems that the whole world is looking at Africa for inspiration. For instance, musically, take the likes of Lira, Donald, D’banj, Teargas, Toya Delazy and P-Square, who have either collaborated with a huge international artist; have been nominated for a Black Entertainment Television Award (BET); or performed at a huge international festival, simply because the world saw and really liked the uniqueness and the originality of how their music is composed and performed. Due to that, the youth of SA and Africa as a whole got quite taken by it and have realised that instead of trying to look and sound like someone else, its good to be yourself. On that note, shout out to the likes of Khuli Chana (Chana power) and The Soil who have managed to keep things real and in doing so have also managed to receive a positive reception both locally and abroad.

You’ve recently been voted “Coolest Local Music Stars” at the Generation Next Awards by the youth of Mzansi. Musically, or otherwise, what is the message that you would like to send through to them?
Firstly, always put God first in everything that you do. More specially when deciding to take that most difficult first step to pursue your dreams, keep in mind that there is nothing that’s impossible to solve. If something seems impossible for you to solve, chances are you’re either playing by the rules or you’re limiting your strengths as to what you can actually achieve if you put your mind to it. To put things on a more lighter note, make these principles a priority – God, education, passion and believing in yourself.

How has the reception been for your international performances? Any memorable acts, moments and places?
The most memorable moment and place was performing at Barack Obama’s Inaugural Ball in Washington DC in 2013. Also sharing the stage with the likes of Usher, Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys, as well as opening for nine-time Grammy award-winning artist John Legend at Sandton Convention Centre in 2012.

On the June 16 you are to perform at Carfax in Newtown. What does celebrating June 16 mean to you?
To us the day is more about spending it sharing a positive message and reflecting on what the youth of 1976 fought for. We feel the history of the day is misguided and not celebrated properly. The change is up to us.

Word is you have collaborated with DJ Black Coffee on your up and coming album. When is it due to drop and what can Mi Casa fans expect?
Our next album is due to drop on 16 August 2013 and yeah we have done a collaboration with the ever so talented DJ Black Coffee. On this album we definitely took things to another level and feel confident to say that it promises to be nothing short of fireworks. Mi Casa fans can expect bigger and better things to come out of it.

Any last inspirational words or message?
Two words. Be yourself.

Check them out www.micasamusic.com, @MiCasaMusic, facebook/micasamusic and soundcloud/micasamusic.

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