‘Friendship Zone’ breaks two records MBABANE – Regionally acclaimed song ‘Friendship Zone,’ performed by Swaziland’s new sensational vocalist Vanlz, has simultaneously broken two records on the radio charts. ‘Friendship Zone’ last Friday peaked at the top spot on the weekly Top 20 chart show, becoming the only record ever to reclaim the number 1 spot within six months. The song was number 1 in December last year for three consecutive weeks before retreating to lower positions within the top 10 of the Top 20 show. However, massive airplay during the week coupled with unanimous votes on the Top 20 Facebook group propelled the song to the top of the charts. “A record has been set! Never before in the short history of the chart show have we had a song return to the number 1 spot twice in its chart-life. ‘Friendship Zone’, therefore, is not just a record breaker but a true reflection of how much Swazis now appreciate quality music produced by one of their own,” said Bongani ‘Bobo’ Dlamini, Top 20 presenter. Meanwhile, the same song has officially been crowned ‘longest-serving track’ on the same charts after off-setting a 26-weeks record broken by Dungavee’s ‘Sibhabhadla’ in 2010. The new record-holder has featured in the charts for 28 successive weeks and judging from its current position its consolidation of that record is anticipated. “Breaking two records concurrently is not an everyday phenomenon and when it’s a local number that actually gets to score that feat one prides oneself in having lived during such an era of a paradigm shift in mindset as far as appreciation of local productions is concerned,” said Bongani ‘DJ Tizalami’ Dube, Top 20 guest presenter. In April, it was reported that ‘Friendship Zone’ raised the Swazi flag high as it got play-listed by two regional stations, Yarona FM in Botswana and Power FM in Zimbabwe. By virtue of reaching number 1 last week, ‘Friendship Zone’ stands a chance of breaking a third record on December 31 when it becomes the only record to feature in two successive years in the Top 40 hits of the year (a collection of all number ones of the year). Last year, it peaked at number 4 in the Top 40 Hits of 2012. The now one hour long SBIS Top 20 chart show airs Friday evenings at 8pm. Vanlz aims to put SD on the map MBABANE - Up and coming Swazi vocalist Vanlz of ‘Friendship Zone’ fame has described the imminent release of his much anticipated debut album in summer late this year as a landmark in the history of African urban music culture. Reacting to news that his song ‘Friendship Zone’ broke two radio chart records last Friday, Vanlz said people can access the song in the album ‘Earthlings’ which can be loaded with equally great songs. “Production is almost complete, and may I categorically state that when the album finally comes out, Swaziland shall be proud. It surely will be an album for Africa. We have seen how Nigerian, South African and Kenyan urban music has taken the continent by storm and my album aims at putting Swaziland on the map as well,” said the soft spoken singer. The highly philosophical artist also went on to reveal that his company, Pulsic Rhythms, is engaged in high level distribution and management deals with an unnamed regional superpower; details of which shall be availed in due course. He also thanked his fans for believing in his music. “My fans, radio presenters and listeners have shown great confidence in my art. I don’t take that lightly at all. I appreciate all the encou-ragement, votes, airplay that I’m getting. You are all so wonderful,” said the modest artist. Vanlz is also part of the three member outfit, Gem. Gem has released several chart toppers in the past; namely Swazi Party, Emaweni, Ooh la la, Skippa and Our Father. Source: Times of Swaziland
Posted on: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 04:18:59 +0000
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