Apple Music recently launched the “Music That Moves Me” featuring Mzansi athletes; AB De Villiers, Chad Le Clos, Temba Bavuma, Nkateko "Takkies" Dinwiddy, Karla Pretorius, Makazole Mapimpi, and Reneilwe Letsholonyane.
The campaign offers a sneak peek at the music that fuels the fire of our most decorated sports personalities and the artists that provide the ultimate motivation for our premiere sports stars. Drum speaks to Takkies, Makazole, and Temba about songs that have impacted their lives.
1: What music did you listen to growing up?
Takkies Dinwiddy: Growing up I was surrounded by so many different genres of music, especially kwaito. My father was a marketing guru in the music industry, so we were always surrounded by musicians and artists. My Mom loved singing in choirs and dancing, so I had both parents influencing me. In my early days as a dancer, I gravitated mostly towards Missy Elliot and Boom Shaka and Lebo Mathosa so hearing these tracks reminds me of the dance sessions I would have in the lounge trying to imitate moves from their music videos.
Makazole Mapimpi: I grew up listening to Kwaito a lot. Mzekezeke & TKzee were amongst my favorites but Zola by far was my favorite. This genre reminds me of when we used to record music on our cassettes and we would wear Mzekezeke inspired overalls.
Temba Bavuma: I’ve enjoyed house music, from likes of DJ Fresh, SoulCandi, and Durban’s Finest.
2: What song do you play when heartbroken and what's your feel-good anthem?
Takkies Dinwiddy: I haven’t been heartbroken in years but a feel-good song that I love to either lift my mood or to celebrate is Lovely Day by Bill Withers. It’s a great reminder to celebrate the positives. My current happy song on repeat is Nana Riddim ft French Nana by A-Star and my winning song is Ke Star by Focalistic featuring Vigro Deep.
Makazole Mapimpi: When I’m feeling heartbroken or sad I mostly listen to gospel music; any song by Mam’ Hlengiwe Mhlaba. I love African music so when I’m in a good mood, I listen to Simmy, Something Soweto, and Sun El-Musician.
Temba Bavuma: I don’t have heartbreak songs, but old school RnB is quite soothing, the likes of Tamia, Sade, and Anthony Hamilton. When I’m in a good mood, I like to listen to “Amapiano,” they get the party going.
3: Which song motivates you?
Takkies Dinwiddy: Already by Beyoncé, Shatta Wale, and Major. This song motivates me to stay on my A-game and to be the best version of myself. As Beyoncé says “shine already it’s time already”.
Makazole Mapimpi: A song that motivates me is VSOP featuring Reece Madlisa, Zuma, Mpura Ricky Rick by Mr JazziQ and Busta 929. I think in general it speaks to what a lot of people aspire to do and their goals.
Temba Bavuma: Ambition by Rick Ross. I like the lyrics; he sings about hard work.
4: Who is your favourite musician?
Takkies Dinwiddy: I don’t have a single favourite so I would say that I appreciate all musicians. Music brings so much joy, it heals me, moves me, and entertains me.
Makazole Mapimpi: Simmy is a favourite; she sings about love which is something I value a lot in my life. Black diamond I also love.
Temba Bavuma: Locally my favorite musician is Black Coffee, he is ahead of his time
5: What are your plans for the year 2021?
Takkies Dinwiddy: I’m optimistic about 2021. It’s my year of starting new projects that will continue to motivate women to love their beautiful bodies.
Makazole Mpimpi: It’s hard to plan for this year because of the uncertainty Covid-19 has brought. What I can say I have some control over is growing my newly launched venture Unorthodox Sport to help mentor future sports stars.
Temba Bavuma: Considering everything that’s happening it with the COVID-19 pandemic, it would be to make it through and survive the year.