gang of instrumentals

Based in Johannesburg

Gang of Instrumentals is the scorching hot new band on the South African music scene, with catchy lyrics that manage to fuse African language and English into a synergy of powerful tracks filled to the brim with relevant content and universal truths.

The Gang calls themselves "An army of underground revolutionists - Armed with piercing lyrics penetrating your soul - Lieutenants of funk; Corporals of beat; Renegades of Rhyme; Soldiers marching to the rhythm of a new sound"

GI is a multi Channel O nominated, SAFTA Golden Horn winning, pop / urban groups with a fresh sound and street credibility. Founded in 2002, the Gang burst on the scene in 2004 with their debut album, "Kassi Flava", which included the chart-topping track "Cry4me".

Their latest musical offering, their second album "Salute", is a balanced mix of vocally challenging songs that truly showcase this extraordinary group's artistic ability to create fresh new sounds by merging soul and hip hop with a reggae undertone that has a broad appeal across age, race and gender lines.

Achievements

• 2005 Channel O Music Awards Nominations: Best newcomer and Best group.
• 2005 Big Time had chosen GI to be the face of their music based brand campaign. Together GI and Big Time launched the ' Kassi Flava talent search', termed after the GI album- a campaign aimed at unleashing new talent.
• GI's hit track "Cry 4 me" (track 4 on cd) has topped the charts across a wide range of radio stations.
• The hit track 'Cry 4 me' is the current theme song for the latest Renault Espace TV commercial on DSTV
• GI's track "Soweto" track 6 on cd) was used as theme song for the "Soweto 100" celebrations which took place in October 2004 in Mofolo-Soweto, And for the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon as part of the theme for the day. 
• Gang of Instrumentals was invited to perform at the DANCE FOR LIFE international aids concert in Cape Town on November 27th, 2004, which was broadcast live in SA, Indonesia and Holland.
• The Dance mix of "Cry 4 me" was used as the theme song for the entire international event, and included onto a compilation by Derek 'The Bandit' 5fm disc jockey.

MEMBERS:

LADY NATURELLE

Tumi Masemola is "Lady Naturelle", the sensual singer, who is also a celebrated TV and film actress; most recognizable for her role as Leticia in the multi-award winning SABC sitcom "City Ses'la", which she also produced. Lady Naturelle holds her own among her two co-stars Mandla N and Bongo Riot. She merits her enchanting vocal and stage presence to her three years training at Afda.

MANDLA N

Immensely talented and versatile, Mandla N is the smooth GI lyricist. Since graduating from Afda, Mandla has been an unstoppable force taking the entertainment industry by storm. He is a gifted recording artist, a leading actor and an accomplished executive producer. "I am a story teller. I use acting, producing and music to tell the stories around me", Mandla N admits.

BONGO RIOT

Crowned "Mzansi's finest" after battling with hip hop performers around South Africa in the "Castle Lager Mzansi's finest talent search", Bongo Riot is an innovative musician with outstanding singing and rapping skills. The music industry hails him "master chorus" because of his innate talent in composing incredibly catchy choruses.

Bongo began his music career performing and gaining street credibility in the rap battle circles. He has a reggae flair that transports one's ear to the beaches of Jamaica while reminding you of Africa.