Singing has always come quite naturally for Mxolisi ..MXO.. Lokwe. As a young child growing up in the township of KwaDwesi in Port Elizabeth, South Africa he was a member of both the school and the Boy Scouts choir. It was musical legends such as Letta Mbulu, Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba as well as the social and political climate of the early 1980's that influenced the youngster..s music and he was part of two groups - Black Power Crew and Lil.. Homies - that were in demand throughout Port Elizabeth. After meeting up with numerous artists in Johannesburg in 1999 , he eventually linked up with DJ Blaze and his Unity Recordings and before long was gaining recognition in Johannesburg by performing at venues like the Bassline, Horror Café, Monday Blues and other underground poetry and Hip-Hop spots including Jungle Connection, the Couch and Coffee, and more. In the process he performed alongside artists like Blk Sonshine, Brenda Fassie, Moses Molelekwa and more. During this time, he connected with Sliq Angel, then another aspiring solo artist, and they formed Rootz 2000 and performed to great acclaim at many gigs including Oppikoppi.
MXO released an EP, Another Day, in 2003, marking the arrival of an artist working outside the boundaries of conventional genres to create an Afrocentric sound that benefits greatly from an acoustic feel and a hip-hop sensibility. In 2004 he followed this up with his debut full solo album Peace of mind which enjoyed a cult following and established him as a musician to take serious note of, resulting in star appearances at music festivals like the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
With lyrics that celebrate life, deal with matters of the heart, are fully respectful of and address violence against women and the HIV/AIDS pandemic, MXO packs a powerful punch. Live, MXO's undeniable sex appeal, ease on stage and natural showmanship is clear for all to see.
On a global scale MXO has made steady strides and collaborated formally and informally with numerous artists through impromptu sessions with artists such as rapper and activist Talib Kweli; hip-hop group Dead Prez and Grammy Nominee Jamie Catto for the second One Giant Leap project which brings together artists from all corners of the earth. Locally he has collaborated with Tumi Molekane of The Volume fame; rocker Arno Carstens and Afro Jazz songstress Simphiwe Dana among others.
MXO..s appeal has transcended the musical sphere and led to a 2006 endorsement deal to be the face of limited edition Levi..s iPod-friendly LEVI'S® REDWIRE.. range. He was also on the 2006 GQ Magazine 50 best dressed men list.
2007 is slated for the release of MXO..s second full length album, tentatively entitled ..MX Funk...
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