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Kisses (Louie Vega Remixes)

Wanda Baloyi, Kabomo

Vega Records
vr159 | 2015-12-25  
Global superstars are special people. Their artistic vision and talents take them all over the world. In their travels, they have a unique knack for discovering the world’s pockets of creativity and contributing to them. Louie Vega, the Master of House Music and world-class DJ, producer and artist, did just that during a recent trip to South Africa. He was introduced to Wanda Baloyi, a soul jazz and r&b singer-songwriter, at Johannesburg radio station Kaya FM where she was performing a live unplugged set.

Wanda was part of the all-girl group, Ghetto-Luv in the 1990s. She would then go on to establish herself as a solo vocalist. Her first album, “Voices” was produced by award-winning jazz guitarist Jimmy Dludlu. Her next album, “So Amazing” came in 2005. Wanda won a KORA Award for Best African Arrangement along with two SAMA nominations and a Channel O music video nomination shortly thereafter. In 2009, Wanda released her third project with Universal Music, a jazz and fusion album titled “Colours.”

At Wanda’s radio station performance, Vega immediately gravitated towards her performance of “Kisses”, a track off of her latest album, “Love & Life.” Wanda recollects, “After the performance, he told me he loved the song and my performance. He asked to license it for Vega Records and remix it. I was totally blown away! We exchanged contacts and I immediately went to the studio with my producer and songwriter/singer, Kabomo to work on the new version of the song Louie sent. We redid the vocals and sent him the final recording. Louie sent back the final remix and I totally loved it!”

As Wanda explains, Vega’s accessibility played a major role in the success of the collaboration, “He was quick to respond and get things moving. My experience in the industry is that it’s not easy to get a legend such as Louie to be as attentive and responsive as he was. I moved on it because an opportunity like this doesn’t come everyday. It was an absolute honor as I’ve been a fan for many years.”

Vega collaborated with Wanda at an interesting time in her career. Her latest album marks a return after a three-year hiatus and the first time she consulted outside help for lyrical development. She spent 10 days together with songwriter Kabomo to craft the album’s “luscious blend of soul, r&b and hip hop.”

Vega brands the “Kisses Louie Vega Remix” with his own musical taste and standard. He adds an electrifying and wiry pulse to the song along with a new groove and arrangement that will excite any dancefloor. The contrast between Vega’s house elements and Wanda’s jazz inclinations are masterfully calibrated, “My sound is naturally soulful and jazzy. He added a completely different feel, it’s more uptempo but still retains the soulful nature of the vocals. He added his signature to the song. He has such a strong identity that penetrates the original, yet he lets the identity of the artists shine bright. People have had really positive feedback about the song after listening to it on the radio.”

The record’s message of romance and love are a direct output of Wanda’s immersive approach to art, 'I wanted to do this album differently and let myself go. I wanted to release myself to the music and make the stories all the more real.' All listeners and couples will truly enjoy the blend of Wanda’s and Vega’s artistic choices.

The “Kisses Louie Vega Remix” is memorable. The original song has such powerful vocals and the arrangement is programmed to stick in your memory. The house production that Vega added gives the remix a unique energy and vibe. The best way to describe the evolution of the original to the remix is as follows; the original was for established lovers, but the remix dance vibes are for new lovers finding themselves for the first time on the dance floor. Here's to connections made through music!

As far as what listeners can expect from Wanda in 2016, she says, “I'm currently working on a new project for 2016. They can definitely expect more sounds from myself and Louie Vega in the near future, this was just the beginning of many more to come. I plan on doing a lot more collaborations with artists around the globe, traveling and researching songs, cultures and concepts for my next project.”

Be sure to pick up “Kisses Louie Vega Remix” on Vega Records and at all major digital outlets. Look out for vinyl too!


“Kisses Louie Vega Remix” - Wanda Baloyi Feat. Kabomo

Kabomo (Sheer Publishing) Universal World Music
Luis F. Vega (Niconane Music) BMI

Remix Produced by Louie Vega
Mix & Recording Engineer: Yas Inoue
Performed by Wanda Baloyi and Kabomo
Vocals recorded at Universal Studios
Keyboards, Synth Bass & Solos: Axel Tosca
Mixed & Recorded at Daddy’s Workshop, NJ

Special thanks to Anane Vega, Timmy Regisford, Greg Maloka, Fang Da Rhythm, Ed Soul, Kaya Fm Family, Tony Humphries, Sting International, Mark Francis.

Licensing Courtesy of Universal World Music

Cover Art Design ; Antonello Coghe
Original Graffiti art by Richard Wilson

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