WHO IS DAT GUY?

His stage name is Dat Guy and the nonchalant attitude he seemingly has to all the trappings of being supremely talented are not an indication of how seriously he takes his craft. You have probably seen him on stage with Qibho and Sandz, collaborating with them on their ongoing musical project titled Kingdom Stories and you may have caught yourself wondering about the man who seemed to become the music he was playing. The sharp-witted artist disclosed that he is originally from Ncabaneni but now lives in Mbabane, Extension 3. He allowed me to wear him down and answered my questions on who he is and what makes him tick.

When did you realise you could sing?
My relationship with music actually began 10 years ago when I started playing the guitar. The singing came much later, save for singing in church choirs (with no solos might I add), I really did not sing much prior to picking up the guitar.

How would you describe your sound?
It is a fusion of jazz and R&B with strong African influences. It’s not as strange as it sounds, you’d have to hear it to understand.

Are your parents supportive of you?
They are, especially my mum. She believes in me more than I believe in myself sometimes. Whenever I come across a challenge which I struggle to deal with she is always there to offer me guidance and invaluable advice.

What have you found to be the biggest challenge with being an artist in Swaziland?
I think a challenge that exists for artists everywhere is managing your expectations. It is imperative to take stock of why you are doing what you are doing? Is it to have fans stop you in the street? Is it to have an inflated sense of self? Is it to live your passion? If you do music for the right reasons, whatever those reasons may be for you, your passion will never run out. Sometimes people consider being a musician in Swaziland to be a hobby and not a proper career.

Which Swazi artist do you think is the most important right now?
Wooooo VELEMSENI! The first time I heard her she blew me away. Her musical style and pure artistry is unrivalled in the country and she can do things with her voice that very few people can. A great artist is one who makes others want to pull up their socks, she inspires so many of us to do better.

Who are your influences?
Earl Khlue, Bobby McFerrin, Norman Brown, George Benson and Joe Thomas. I love the guys who are smooth singers and play a mean song on guitar.

What is the strangest/craziest thing that has happened to you at a show?
Usually at shows I try to keep things formal because for me it is work and I need to remain focused. That’s why when people compliment me on a performance I am very grateful, humbled and even excited. I’m sure though that I often seem aloof but it’s not because I don’t register those who appreciate my work but it’s because I’m so focused on giving them a spectacular performance that I seem distracted. So if something crazy has happened to me, I probably didn’t notice.

What advice do you wish someone could have given you when you were younger?
Distinguish between passion and capability. Have a strong heart. Once you decide what you want, dedicate your entire self to attaining it. Pray, yho fast if you have to. Practice. Practice. Practice.

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