SOUL TIQUE

Soultique, a fusion of soul with jazz, with its one-of-a-kind boutique feel, was founded in 2008 by a dynamic trio of music students, Tshepo Musia (Black Diamond), Oupa Mbokane (Movie) and Msizi Njapha (Delight), all on leading vocals, who grew up wanting to make a career out of their love for music. They are joined by Bafana Ndlovu on bass guitar, Buddy Meyer on drums and Bongane Nkopane on trumpet, as well as Jackie Mokgwaneleng on keyboard and piano.

Soultique is an all-male ensemble with an edge. This edge is expressed through their prolific vocal talent as well as their electrifying onstage presence.

Fuelled by their friendship, the formation of the band was inevitable, but they are still able to separate business from their friendship, a formula that has helped them gain success. Their various backgrounds in music have helped them to develop an unmistakable style and sound that is their own, which cuts across boundaries and allows for mass appeal.

In contrast to their playful, fun-loving appearance, Soultique are very serious about their music, as Black Diamond, Movie and Delight as well as the rest of the band all have extensive experience in music, having studied it. "Most people don't take us seriously when they meet us for the first time, especially because we are gay," Black Diamond says. "But once they hear how masterful we are with music, they never forget us."

As winners of the Puisano Jazz competition leg, Pretoria, in 2008 they have also toured extensively, gaining renown and putting their signature on the world of jazz in South Africa. They have since performed on some of South Africa's best stages, including the Birchwood Hotel, Capital Arts Festival and Youth Expressions, to name a few. They define their sound as fused African Jazz, and they write, compose and arrange all of their own music.

The message to the youth is clear, to inspire them to take responsibility for their lives and never give up. "We want to uplift the youth and inspire everyone not to judge others based on any stereotypes," says Movie.

From the velvety voice of Delight with his background soul music, to Black Diamond's dynamic onstage persona accompanied by his vocals and Movie's vocal stylings that are second to none, Soultique is on the fast track to becoming one South Africa's leading jazz ensembles.

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