When one goes to a Yung Shottaz show, what strikes you first is the energy that they exude, then the chemistry that they share, as if they have been performing together forever.
After having an in-depth conversation with Max, it became clear that they are more than just a music group, they are family. This is the dynamic that separates them from the generic musical group. This dialogue delves into the inner workings of this up and coming Dancehall/Hip Hop group. I sure learnt a thing or two...
Maximus! So glad you could take the time to talk, we at NileFlow appreciate the chance to get to know the Shottaz.
All good.
What are the Shottaz up to?
Well we just completed and are gearing up to release our 2nd EP called The Premiere. Its been 2years in the making, we’re done with it and ready to release. We also just finished shooting a video as well as working on a 3rd mix tape.
What track is being used for the video?
It’s called real with this, it’s really about how we take what we do seriously, and it’s not a joke. It’s also the first single.
Give us a quick rundown of 2009.
Well, all that we have released is all interconnected in one big project called The Preshow Series. It consists of the first mix tape called Preshow released in January. Curtain Raiser was released in June, then the 3rd, our proper EP, which we put so much effort into. The whole bundle is the Premiere Series. We have also been doing a lot of performing.
Tell us about the different roles each of you plays within the group.
We function as a family. Kudzi is like the big brother. He’s the one we always go to for advice. He creates the hype when we on stage and brings the dancehall element.
Batsi is really opinionated and whether you like it or not, he’s usually always right. He’s the vocalist of the group and always has a dance he’s doing onstage. People like that.
Ashford is more reserved yet really deep. When we are performing he’s the calmer one, he brings the balance.
I had to ask Kudzi about Max’s role since he’s too modest to say.
Max reminds us that we all family, brothers. He’s real good for advice. When it comes to our music he really does most of the networking and promotion.
Do you have a prenuptial agreement?
Haha nah, I mean as corny as it is, we don’t do it for the money. If we were to break up, I don’t see it being anytime soon because we do this for the love of it, that wont change.
How did the four of you meet?
That’s an interesting question. Well Ashford and I went to school together back in Zimbabwe. We weren’t really friends; we just saw each other around. When we reunited in NZ it was crazy, we became closer after that. When I met Batsi, Ashford and I, as well as Batsi, all realized we had a common interests and knowledge, especially for music. As for Kudzi, we knew him through soccer; we had an Auckland Hamilton rivalry. One occasion the Shottaz were performing when Kudzi grabbed the mic and started spitting a freestyle, we were stunned. Through all the time we ended up spending with him he revealed his passion for the music and his eagerness to join the group. The rest is history.
Where does the name Shottaz come from?
The original term comes from referring to one as a street kid or gangster. When the movie Top Shottaz came out in Zimbabwe, everybody in the hood started referring to they’re boys as shotta or top shotta as in one of the best boys. We started calling each other Shottaz and it just stuck.
How long have the Shottaz been in action?
We’ve been official since 2007.
So tell me, what’s something that would surprise us about the Shottaz?
Hmmm, I don’t know…
He then asks Kudzi…
Well I guess we are real modest. We also get real nervous before shows, we get shit scared actually but the nerves act as adrenaline. Also when we record it takes multiple takes to get the result that the people hear, we can be perfectionists.
Now, if Kudzi, Ashford and Batsi were drowning and you could only save one of them, who would that be?
I would die saving all of them. We aren’t just a band, we are family.
What would you say your most memorable performance/experience has been so far? Deadly Hunter was performing and we got to share the stage with him, it was amazing. His feedback was really positive and he wanted to stay in touch. We respect him and he only had good things to say about us. On top of that we got to experience his set and the place was choka.
How about your least memorable?
Miss Africa in Wellington, 2007. We got on stage, the mics weren’t functioning properly. The people weren’t feeling us. It was an awkward time. We drove for ages and didn’t get paid, which we wouldn’t have minded if the set wasn’t so lame, that just made things worse.
What message are you hoping people appreciate the most from your music?
Positivity. We try not to be offensive but there’s usually a message we are trying to send.
What are your hopes for the release?
We hope that a lot of people get behind us because it is for the people, we don’t do it for ourselves. Not just Africans but for all kinds of people to come to the gig and experience African music, I mean we have a lot of talented Africans such as Raiza, Jane Deezy, Sucking up hmm? Sweet boys and of course TK. We want to create a platform where Africans get a chance, open the door for more of our music.
For those not fortunate enough to make it to your EP release, where can the CD be obtained? How much?
The EP will be available on ITunes, www.amplifier.co.nz and selected music stores like Real Groovy Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Also Beat Merchants in Auckland. The EP is $5 at the door of the release otherwise $15 at music stores. We will be signing every physical copy of the EP.
We are also planning to have a release in Hamilton, Wellington, Palmerston North and we are thinking about Christchurch and Dunedin.
For the ladies, which one of you is single?
Well, I am the only single one, the rest are well and truly taken Get in line ladies
Now this is crucial, are the Shottaz fans of NileFlow?
Most definitely, the Yung Shottaz are keen to join the movement and will continue to flow with the current that is NileFlow.
BeeRiza
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