As a young boy, he dreamed of commanding the stage. Today, Sive Marasha, better known as
Luukhanyo, a rapper blending hip-hop, funk, jazz, and soul is turning that dream into reality, making bold rhythmic waves and he’s only just getting started.
Marasha has taken his sound beyond borders, showcasing his musical talent on both local and international stages.
But the Gugulethu-born artist described his recent debut at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival alongside local band The Hii Rollers, as a dream performance he can finally tick off his list.
“This was exciting not only for me but for everyone involved in my journey. We know how big this opportunity was, being from Gugulethu getting to witness this annually since I was a kid to now having the luxury to be on stage is nothing short of a blessing.”
Dream Realised
He said, growing up, music has always been part of his journey.
“Music is something that is spiritual and healing. As a community when we are coming together and there is a ceremony, we sing songs. When we are in church, we are singing songs. Music is integral to who we are.”
Marasha said sharing his passion with others is fulfilling and doing it alongside band members who are just as dedicated makes the journey even more rewarding.
“To have the opportunity to play with people who love music, even when we are on that stage, it feels like much more than just performing to people. It feels like us having that spiritual moment with each other and having the pleasure to share that with other people.”
He believes staying true to yourself as an artist is what draws people to your craft.
“I am honouring my personal human experience. I am not trying to put on a performance. I am not trying to entertain people. I just want to acknowledge what I feel is my calling.
“I have tried to not do music and focus on other things, which I felt I was good at, but I could never escape music. I am just here to have a human experience and to document that experience on a sonic level.”
New album
And that is exactly what he tried to showcase with his latest album titled Lucky UU.
“It was a journey putting this project together… This album was an adventure for me, trying to make a full-length project for the first time in my career. And I was happy with how it turned out.”
He explained the concept behind the album, saying that even during chaos, he feels lucky to be here.
“I was interested in telling the story and documenting a specific time in my life. The album depicts a time when I was very lost and misguided and doing things uncharacteristic but felt true to where I was at the time.
“At the end of the album, I find myself in a place where I’m much more aware of things and now trying to step into the light and the person I was meant to be.”
Marasha said that while being an artist comes with many challenges, he stays motivated by the opportunity to showcase his talent.
“I feel privileged to be alive I think we take that for granted. I am inspired by people who have a breathtaking perspective on life and willing to go out of their way for things that they find passionate. Nothing will ever make you feel as complete as doing the things that fills you up inside.”
Reflecting on the realities of the music industry, he shared an honest message about patience, purpose and perseverance.
Industry Journey
“As an artist it takes a long time to be good at what you do. It can be a lonely profession in the sense that some people don’t get any applause until years after they have been trying to do it.
“My advice to artists is to remember why you are doing what you are doing and then hopefully people will show up for you.”
Marasha describes the healing power of music and its ability to carry both the artist and the listener through difficult moments.
“I have struggled with mental health issues for a long time. Because we live in an age of instant gratification it is so easy to find things that seem like they are helping you, but that’s more detrimental.
“To me, music has always been the positive outlet. No matter how uncomfortable things feel in the moment, or how dark things may seem.”
He encouraged aspiring artists to embrace individuality.
“People may not understand you, they may not see where you are going but it is important that you always have that fire in you. I was an outcast many times, but in a weird way I was embraced by my community for being that outcast.
“Sometimes you are scared to express that you are different because you are afraid of how people will receive you, but you will be surprised at how many people will champion you.
“Hold on to whoever champions you and treat that as affirmation that you are doing right,” he concluded.
READ ALSO: Cape Town International Jazz Festival blends legends and rising stars
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