Sandy B - World KwaiTour

Welcome to Sandy B World KwaiTour, the ultimate celebration of one of the pioneers of Kwaito music - Sandy B. Back in the 90s, Sandy B released the first Kwaito music record in Durban, South Africa, without the support of labels or many resources. However, his timeless sounds spread out to his country and years later got discovered by the world, earning him a dedicated following, especially from the crate diggers.

2024 marks 30 years since the release of his debut record AmaJovi Jovi and Sandy B is already taking bookings for the 2024 world tour, which promises to be the biggest event on his calendar yet. This celebration will include the release of his latest record titled "Haybo", which he recorded in Denmark.

Despite his underground status, Sandy B has been touring many countries and working with notable collaborators, including Roisin Murphy. Together with other international producers, Sandy B has also created a new genre called Bink Music. This genre incorporates elements from 80s and 90s House music, Funk, Kwaito, and RnB, effortlessly some sung by Sandy B and other artists from Europe US.

Sandy B World KwaiTour is a celebration of his musical journey, honoring his contribution to Kwaito music and the world of music in general. Join us in celebrating the legendary Sandy B and his timeless sounds, as we travel the world and showcase some of the best underground independent music of yesteryears and of our time. Book now for the 2024 world tour and be a part of the unforgettable celebration!

 

BIO
**Early Life and Background**

Sandy B, born the sixth of eight children in Hammarsdale, a town in Mpumalanga and about 50 kilometers west of Durban, has overcome considerable adversity in his life. Growing up being the only one  among his siblings without knowing his father and witnessing the violence of apartheid era political turmoil in the late 1980s had a profound impact on him. As a child, he experienced the chaotic atmosphere of his hometown, where houses burned and the community fractured. Following these events, he relocated alone to Chesterville, a more stable area closer to Durban, before moved to near Swaziland for his safety and to finish school.

During his years away from home, Sandy learned how to fend for himself, showcasing resilience and ingenuity. While in school far away from his province with no one to rely on for assistance, he turned to creative hustles, such as providing "Durban-style perms," using cooking oil disguised in expensive hair care bottles, and offering photography services with a camera lacking film. Music became his solace, with Aretha Franklin's greatest hits tape providing comfort amidst feelings of isolation. He participated in school schoirs and local Gospel music groups.

**Emergence as an Artist**

In 1992, after the release of Nelson Mandela, Sandy returned to Durban in hopes of reconnecting with his mother. With the changing political landscape, he formed his first biracial pop group, Paradox, in 1993, aiming to welcome the new South Africa through Afro-European music, a rare one at that time since his band made was another young White guy which was uncommon to do since the country was still devided by apartheid laws. His break came when he serendipitously filled in for a friend at a clothing store, where his charm caught the attention of the store owner. This led to exposing him to some lime light and contacts with celebs of that time and his first significant gig as the only local act at a pioneering Kwaito event in Durban on April 27, 1994, coinciding with South Africa's first democratic elections.

Sandy began recording music in 1994, and shortly thereafter, he released "Amajovi Jovi," an infectious lo-fi kwaito track characterized by its laid-back flow and thumping basslines. The song resonated deeply with audiences, and Sandy B quickly became recognized as one of the first superstars of Durban's burgeoning kwaito scene, which had thrived in Johannesburg.

**Amajovi Jovi and Kwaito Legacy**

Sandy B's debut album, titled "Amajovi Jovi," was an unexpected success, selling out its initial press run of 10,000 copies in mere weeks. This pivotal moment in the history of kwaito music placed him at the forefront of the genre, even though he had been striving to showcase a broader musical palette that included R&B and various house styles. Despite the fame that followed, Sandy was hesitant to identify solely as a kwaito artist, feeling constricted by the label.

Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Sandy's career faced several ups and downs. A proposed collaboration with Kalawa Jazmee Records fell through, leading him to a period marked by a lack of new material and a focus on mentoring emerging artists. His original album gained cult status and became a sought-after collector’s item, largely becoming lost to time until its reissue in 2016 by Canadian label Invisible City, which reignited interest in his work.

**Resurgence and Recognition**

After years of performing internationally and working within the music industry quietly, Sandy B's popularity surged in the 2010s. His songs began to gain traction on social media platforms and online playlists. In June 2016, he connected with DJ Okapi, leading to the vinyl reissue of "Amajovi Jovi," which cultivated a new kind of cult following.

In October 2023, Sandy made history as the first South African artist to perform alongside the legendary Freddie Jackson at Durban's ICC. Their collaboration was a significant milestone, showcasing his enduring impact on the music industry and positioning him as a respected figure across genres.

Today, Sandy B balances his time between hosting a radio show, running his record label, and performing worldwide, representing the diverse cultural fabric of South African music. He remains committed to pushing musical boundaries and nurturing new talent.

**Legacy and Impact**

Sandy B's journey reflects the resilience of an artist who refused to be confined to the labels imposed upon him. Through hard work and unwavering passion for music, he has become a bridge between genres and generations. His story embodies the evolution of kwaito from its early days into the present, highlighting how artists like himself laid the groundwork for future talents. As he continues to tour, collaborate with international artists, and mentor the next generation, Sandy B's legacy lives on, inspiring countless musicians and fans alike.