About Band
Loy Gura
Born Loyiso Gura on the 4th day of the 4th month.
Loy and Music?
"The people I’ve met and the voices I’ve heard birthed rhythms and melodies that resulted in what I call 'my kinda soul' music"
The cradle of that vocal ability was a rather humble beginning with singing at church, writing songs and forming dance groups. Dreams of musical success and changing the world through this medium were evident at very early ages. I formed singing groups with friends, performing at church and local concerts. During that same time, there was an influx of American Soul/R&B music that was streaming through Mzantsi radio stations and I could not contain the excitement that came from this and emulated the sounds of groups like Boyz II Men, and Jodeci, not to mention Johnny Gill, Eric Benet and so much more. There was also a rise in the number of Gospel groups recording their music in the Eastern Cape during the mid 90's and I was particularly obsessed with a group called 'Stars of tomorrow' whose lead singer had "one of the craziest voices I've ever heard ". She was rough yet soulful just like Tina Turner (and Fantasia) and her stage persona was larger than life. During this gospel phase I sang with "Shield Of Faith'", my local church choir singing lead vocals on the odd occasion but mostly rendering solo items during services and concerts.
In December 1998, a South African group named Bongo Maffin had a single called "Thath' isigubhu" and in hearing this fresh sound, a door of opportunity was opened to young people who had unconventional ways of expressing their art and this gave me the confidence to go forth and consider a musical carreer in which my sound would merely be my sound though essentially South African.
In 2006 I met rapper O.F.E., at TransUnion where we both worked and destinies collided when O.F.E. approached me to feature in a track called "Black Diamond". This led to the formation of Prozak and the production of our debut album "Thru My Eyes". The rest really is HIStory.
And so?
"Music plays a large role in influencing our consciousness and my message is that of reaching for a higher level of Consciousness- getting to know who we really are- that is, spiritual beings having a physical experience. You make the choice to steer your journey into any direction you so wish, believe it and you will see it. I’ve always known that the expression of that deep calling that will liberate All, is my life purpose and mission. "
Prozak material from the "Thru My Eyes" album is available for you to listen at the corner of this page. Phupha lam is a House single that Loy just recently recorded and is still in the process of being mastered and re-worked but the temptation to share it was just too large, so please do listen!
You may also listen to "Tonight" by The Hollow tips featuring Loyiso at the top of this page.
In June 2009, Loyiso did a promotional campaign for the 2010 Soccer World cup with ESPN America, where he recorded a remix of Bob Marley's One Love and shot footage that will be aired both in America and South Africa towards June 2010.
August 2009- The South African movie "House Of Diamonds" starring Hlubi Mboya and Ofentse O.F.E. Mokgethi, due to be aired on DSTV soon features work that Loy has done as a member of Prozak, with songs such as Thru my Eyes and Who knew me featured in the movie's soundtrack. Who knew???
