Sho!Mag: Before all goes down, let us thank you for taking some time out of your busy schedule, just so we can have a talk with you. Just for the benefit of those might be wondering, who is ‘Veekay’ and where is he from?
Veekay: You’re welcome and thank you for having me. ‘Veekay’s real name is Vusi Khumalo who is a singer, songwriter, music producer, performer and founder of ‘VilleMagic Productions’ from Mahikeng in the North West Province, South Africa.
Sho!Mag: How did it all start for ‘Veekay’? By that I mean how did you get into the music industry and how is your musical journey going so far?
Veekay: From a young age I used to be fascinated with music, I’d sing every chance I got and from the age of 7 that’s when the bug really hit me. I’d watch Michael Jackson on TV and be so inspired, I really wanted to touch the world the way he did with his music and that’s when I started performing at weddings. I’d be lying if I say the journey has been easy because it hasn’t been, but through hard work, passion, perseverance and dedication I managed to find a way and doors are starting to open up for me.
Sho!Mag: What would do you do in the ‘music industry’, are you a singer, music producer or a deejay? Or would you say that you are an all-rounder and do a bit of all those elements?
Veekay: I’m an all-rounder, as mentioned on the previous question. I’m a singer, songwriter, producer and performer.
Sho!Mag: ‘Music is a very challenging and highly competitive industry’ in general. What would you say is your biggest challenge when it comes to the music industry?
Veekay: The biggest challenge has been winning the South African audience, my music is well received overseas but in terms of sales South Africa is always at the bottom of the list. I believe however that is all changing because I’m seeing so much growth in terms of followers from my country on social media and more people are buying and downloading my music.
Sho!Mag: Veekay, you have an upcoming ‘album’ which is due to be released later this year. What is the ‘album’ titled and when should we expect you to ‘drop’ the album?
Veekay: I’m so excited about this album, it’s titled ‘This Is Me’ and will be out on the 29th of September 2017. The sound is a mixture of ‘soulful and tribal house’, I wanted it to sound more South African hence I even got out of my comfort zone by fusing Gqom and soulful house on one of the tracks titled ‘Run Away’. I’m glad I took the risk because the track has turned out to be a massive hit and it’s playlisted on many radio stations, including national radio stations and that for me is a big plus for my career. When I started working on the album the idea was to feature at least 3 artists, but I then changed the concept and because I was making it a personal album I decided to go it alone as I wanted to tell my story.
Sho!Mag: How would you describe the sound that you put together for #ThisIsMe and who did you work with on that album?
Veekay: I’m so excited about this album, it’s titled ‘This Is Me’ and will be out on the 29th of September 2017. The sound is a mixture of ‘soulful and tribal house’, I wanted it to sound more South African hence I even got out of my comfort zone by fusing Gqom and soulful house on one of the tracks titled ‘Run Away’. I’m glad I took the risk because the track has turned out to be a massive hit and it’s playlisted on many radio stations, including national radio stations and that for me is a big plus for my career. When I started working on the album the idea was to feature at least 3 artists, but I then changed the concept and because I was making it a personal album I decided to go it alone as I wanted to tell my story.
Sho!Mag: Where will the album be available and how can we get the album? Basically, what can we expect from your offering?
Veekay: The album will be out on all top digital stores worldwide on the 29th of September and on hard copy a month later. I can promise the people that the album is full of great and timeless hits, nothing but good dance music that speaks to the soul as I believe many will relate to the songs.
Sho!Mag: Looking forward to hearing what you have got for us and I must say #ThisIsMe sounds interesting from what I hear. Was there any particular motivation behind #ThisIsMe?
Veekay: Thank you, I wanted to make an album that would talk about everything that is happening around us and the current state of relationships. I went a bit deep in terms of the songwriting as I really wanted to ‘connect with people’s hearts’ and the beauty of it is that the beats are out of this world too and will have people dancing from the 1st track until the last.
Sho!Mag: This year is going well for you man. Not only are you dropping an album, but you are also nominated in the ‘Best Artist Category’ at the ‘Bokone Bophirima Entertainment Awards’. How did that come about and how do you feel about your nomination within those awards?
Veekay: I’m very happy, indeed God is great. I’ve been working very hard for the past 3 years and I’ve always been shortlisted for awards, somehow I knew it was only a matter of time before I got a nomination. When the opportunity came for me to submit for the awards I didn’t look back, I knew I had worked hard and when they told me I’ve been nominated I was over the moon. Even now it still feels so unreal, but I’m very happy because this is big for my career.
Sho!Mag: ‘Veekay’, honestly it would be awesome to walk away crowned as the ‘Best Artist’ at the ‘Bokone Bophirima Entertainment Awards’. How can we vote for you?
Veekay: It will be super awesome to win, to vote for me people must type MODEL BBEAWARDS Best Artist Vusi Khumalo and send the sms to 45633. The closing date is on the 2nd of October and the awards will be taking place on the 6th of October 2017.
Sho!Mag: Last words on what we can expect from you ‘Veekay’ this year and is there any message you might have for your fans out there?
Veekay: People can look out for 2 collaborations which I believe will be massive too, I got featured on a track by ‘Dj King MakaySA’ titled ‘Answered Prayers’ and on another 1 by another ‘Dj Peezy Kay’ titled ‘Beautiful Feeling’. These tracks are super amazing and I know the people are going to go crazy over them just like me. To my supporters, thank you very much for your constant support and it’s because of you that my career is at its peak and flourishing. From coming to my shows to buying and downloading my music, I’m really humbled. May God bless you all and never ever stop dreaming because dreams do come true when you work hard and have a never say die attitude.
Get Social With Veekay
Twitter: @VeekaySA
Facebook: Vusi Veekay Khumalo
Instagram: Veekay Music
Soundcloud: Veekay Music
Bookings/Enquiries: 0744555473 / VilleMagicProductions@gmail.com