RARE

Rare A Rare was started by Lebo Mohlala, who owns Rare Talent Performance Art, as a way to platform the immense musical talent from all around the country and provide them with an opportunity to prove their vocal talents, as well as develop them into renowned artists.

“Part of my vision is to make listeners, and industry folk, music execs, realise that this set up can work. But the main vision is to see the members of RARE become that which they had envisioned for themselves and even beyond,” remarks Mohlala. “It is to make dreams come true for singers who it would normally be difficult to even get a foot in the industry; talent from the rural parts of South Africa, for example. RARE is a way for these musicians to showcase their talent to audiences, nationally and internationally. RARE will keep doing this for as long as it can so that singers around the country are continuously provided with the opportunity to live their dreams … and, of course, do it through some seriously hard work, too.”

After a massive turnout during the audition process, six gifted young musicians were chosen to become RARE.

Among them is Durban-born, 23-year old Thabani Buthelezi who began singing at the age of 10. He fell in love with singing and dancing and started to dream of bigger stages and performing at a more professional level. To pursue this dream he left his coastal city to take on the bright lights of Jozi. He hasn’t looked back since and has worked on some big productions the likes of Africa Umoja. RARE is yet another stepping stone to the big time.

The rest of the musicians include Lucky Ndaba, Malebenya Lebeko, Hloni Mohlala, Mpumelelo Sejoe, Sinethemba Dlamini and Bonny Zulu.

Now, RARE’s debut album, Project 1, has just been released. It’s atmospheric with strong choral strains but with hints of folk song, which will resonate with modern music lovers and old traditionalists, too. In other words, this CD will work in most music lovers’ collections.