Bernice Boikanyo
After putting himself through music school for six years, self-funding his own album MySoul, Boikanyo now works with an array of artist, including Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu, Jimmy Dludlu, Ringo, Pops Mohamed, Tutty Moreno and Roy Hargrove.
Boikanyo refuses to be seen as just a drummer sitting behind the band. His journey has been an inspiration to many young Gauteng artists who look to him on a weekly basis, for either drum lessons or music advice when he is not touring. With his musical background steeped in jazz, Boikanyo still doesn’t believe in the singular definition of his sound, but instead, insists that soul and iscathamiya are also part of the mix.
I caught up with Boikanyo to find out what music means to him and more...
What does music mean to you?
What does music mean to you?It means life.
Have you had any funny moments on stage?
Yes. When a band member forgets a certain part of the song.
Who are your heroes?Vusi Khumalo, Brice Wassy, Harvey Mason and William Kennedy.
It’s your round, what are you drinking?NongNoir - a wine distilled by Jeff Nong from the winelands of Klerksdorp.
What is the song you wish you had written?Nkosi Sikeleli Afrika.
What would be your dream gig to do?North Sea Jazz Festival.
What are your nicknames?The Groove Master, Bernzito and Mabenza.
If you were not a musician, what would you do?A defense attorney.
Pick five words to describe yourself?Loving, outspoken, caring, risk taker and goal driven.
What would your five desert island discs be?Dusk to Dawn - Vusi Khumalo
Hassanadas - John Hassan
Hands on - Themba Mkhize
Changing Times - Dondo
Down South - Sylvester Mazinyane
What do you consider the greatest Movie Ever Made?Dirty Dancing.
Which song changed your life?Song for the Gurus: by Vusi Khumalo and Lies: by Jonathan Butler
Give us some real proper slang and what it meansHolla kao - Hello my friend.
What do you complain about most often?How good music and musicians are being sidelined in our country.
If you are walking on stage for a keynote speech alla Barak Obama what song would you use and why?“Black or White” by Michael Jackson - You don’t need to be a certain skin color to be relevant it’s all about positive thinking and implementation.
What would you like to be right now?The Minister of Arts and Culture.
Connect with Boikanyo on Facebook, Twitter, LinkeIn, and on YouTube.
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