Artist Highlights for 2015 – St. Germain, Gregor Salto & others
Here are some artist highlights from DJs, producers, singers and musicians that Nyasha interviewed last year as spoken by the performers themselves.
St Germain
While everybody no doubt stuffed themselves with all kinds of yummy goodies and guzzle giggle-inducing substances this festive season past, we decided to catch up with a few stars to spy what they were up to and to find out if they had any New Year resolutions for 2016.
St Germain
After a 15 year hiatus, the French Deep House icon dropped a much-anticipated album.
Still the enigmatic character as you will soon discover.
What were some of the year’s highlights for you?
Watching the Solar Impulse plane make a nonstop flight of 8 000 KMs in five days using nothing but solar energy.
Solar Impulse is an experimental Swiss project for long-range solar-powered aircraft.
What are your 2016 New Year resolutions?
Going to South Africa, trying to stop smoking and bringing peace around the world through music.
I’m also planning to go to La Reunion Island to see my son and his little girl.
Berita
The golden-voiced girl with a guitar scooped a number of awards throughout the year and topped off an already exceptional year by collaborating with some African musical heavyweights.
Artist Highlights: In what was quite the illustrious year for you, what were some of the things that stood out in 2015?
The year 2015 was a very special year for me.
I learnt a lot about the industry that I work in and I also received three fantastic industry accolades to set me apart.
Songwriter of the Year at the 2015 SAMRO Wawela Music Awards in July, later in the year I received the coveted Music Artist of the Year at the 2015 Zimbabwe Achievers Awards and to top it off I brought home The Rising Star Award at the South African Afro Music Awards.
I also cannot forget to mention my highlight of the year which is shooting a music video with the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi and Bra Hugh Masekela for the song “Mwana wa Mai” which I featured them in.
What New Year goals do you look forward to tackling in 2016?
I have so many plans that I cannot reveal at this point and time.
All of them lead to the elevation of my growing career in the entertainment industry.
Gregor Salto
His unique interpretation of Dance music has seen him igniting dance floors across the world, running a record label and presenting a much-followed radio show.
Artist Highlights: What did you like the most about the year 2015?
Maybe a boring answer to you, but really all the time I could spend with my family.
Music wise: well, in 2015 I had my first Top 10 hit in the UK which was pretty awesome!
Further to this I did some amazing gigs and was able to travel all over the world.
Amazing times.
What are your New Year resolutions?
Be a good father, husband and friend.
Make new, good music that makes people happy and dance.
Travel the world and meet new people.
Spread the love.
Thiwe 
An impossible to ignore voice and sophisticated song writing have ushered Thiwe into South African music royalty.
Artist Highlights: What moments stood out for you last year?
The release of my album Soul Therapy.
What are your plans for 2016?
I’m excited about my new projects which I’ll share as soon as the time is right.
I also want to learn to be more selfish and stop procrastinating.
Dr Packer
From all the way Down Under in Australia, the good doctor’s prescription is often lush retro sounds captured by his popular remixes and edits of yesteryear bangers.
Artist Highlights: Looking back at 2015, what were your personal highlights?
Working with some great people including some that have influenced me from the beginning of my music career , and also my first touring and international gigs as ‘Dr Packer’ playing Nu-Disco sets.
What goals have you set for the upcoming year?
More gigs including UK and Europe, more production and the beginning of my own label concentrating more on vinyl rather than digital as I am already on so many digital labels
DJ MuZI.GP
The affable “general practitioner” in all matters House, holds down Pretoria the cradle of South African House Music.
Artist Highlights: What about the year 2015 really rocked for you?
I must say to me 2015 was really a good year both personally and business, it is after all the year I got privately married, [laughs].
On the business side I got to release my third studio album and did a music video for it.
I got decent TV coverage for my efforts and I also got to play for the first time at the Moshito Music Conference, SA’s premier music industry annual gathering.
What’s your game plan for 2016?
Yoh, where do I even begin?
I have a lot lined up especially on the business front.
All I can is people must just keep tabs and they will see what is in store.
Obviously music, music and some music with a lot of collaborations both locally and international.
On a personal note though I am just looking forward to staying healthy and fit considering I am actually the business, so anything going wrong with my health will be detrimental to my business.
Otherwise I wish all your readers a wonderful festive and a prosperous 2016.
Remember to run your own race, at your own pace in your lane.
