04 May 2010 Tremendously talented hip-hop and funk female artist to set South African and European stages alight!

The enigmatic lady of funk, EJ von Lyrik, will launch her highly anticipated second studio album, The Human Condition, this May.  EJ von Lyrik fans will be astounded by her lyrical genius, when she’ll take to the stage at the Zula Sound Bar, Cape Town, on Saturday the 8th to bring her audience her new offering.

This promises to be a night of sheer musical brilliance as this talented vocalist will be backed by The Champions Band. A live band that she always performs with, it consists of some of Cape Town’s most in-demand musicians, including Dub Masta China, who’ll be on decks throughout the evening.

Known in the industry for her musical versatility, this album encapsulates various genres and vocal styles, such as hip-hop, rock, reggae, dancehall and funk. Thanks to multi-skilled producer, Grenville Williams, its instrumentation is a futuristic blend of sample based sequences, hard hitting drum programming and fat basslines, old school guitar riffs laced with effects, as well as psychedelic keyboard parts.  EJ’s vocal ability remains extraordinary as she is able to flip from singing to rapping within the blink of an eye.

The subject matter deals with relationships, social commentary, messages of encouragement, introspection, as well as some feel good fun vibes.

The album has a cross-over appeal which is fit for the dance floor, the live concert stage as well as the private listening experience, a complete follow on from her debut solo album, Method in the Madness, released in 2008, with the difference that The Human Condition’s sound is a lot more accessible and fresh.

EJ has worked with and performed with the following well-known artists: The Narrow, The Rudimentals. Arno Carstens, Jozie Field and Prophets of the City. She has also shared the stage with Limp Biscuit (USA), DJ Polo (France), Grace (Switzerland), Johnny Ragga (Ethiopia), Roots Riders (Holland), and X-Plastaz (Tanzania).

Following the launch of the album, EJ will be departing for a European tour on 10 June. This 6-week tour will see her performing in Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, where she will of course, be backed by The Champions Band. She will spread her lyrical content combined with her infectious tunes across the European continent at a number of festivals and various clubs.

But it doesn’t end there – On her return she’ll be jetting off to the Reunion Islands with dance dj’s Mix ‘n Blend to perform at the popular music festival, Safiko. After this, she’ll return to Switzerland with producer, Grenville Williams on a Producer’s Exchange project to record an album with Swiss musicians and producers. And who knows what other opportunities may still be presented to her in this time?

There’s no doubt that after 13 years in the South African music industry, EJ has crafted her own distinctive style and there’s absolutely no mistaking her unique sound. And for all those who haven’t heard her perform on the live stage, this will be one of the few times to catch her in action before she sets off on tour.

The Human Condition will be on sale for R100 at the album launch. Doors will open at 8pm and the cover charge will be R40.

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Some Background
EJ von LYRIK hails from a township called Mitchell’s Plain on the Cape Flats, Cape Town, South Africa. She has been writing and performing her own material ever since she started working on music as a career in 1997. Having a distinct interest in music production, she started producing her own instrumentals in 2001. Her music is an eclectic mix of funk, rock, dancehall, hip hop and roots reggae. She is a strong advocate for human upliftment and inspiration through the medium of music and therefore her music carries positive messages in her lyrics.

She has performed on various international stages as well as collaborating with some hefty names in the music industry, and was a member of the (now disbanded) legendary female hip hop group Godessa. EJ is a vibrant and energetic performer with an amazing stage presence and loves the stage as much as the studio. It is her mission to get her musical message across with passion and positivity when she is playing live.

EJ is currently working with some of South Africa’s most musically gifted musicians such as Grenville Williams on bass, Carlo Thompson on guitar, Sean Ou Tim aka Mr Sakitumi on samples and keys, Darren Petersen on drums, Mpumi Sizani on backing vocals, DJ Dubmasta China aka Seven Ragga Souljah on vocals and percussion and Riki Bushula on keys. She is presently performing in the biggest national festivals such as Oppikoppi, Synergy, Rocking the Daisies etc. and has gained positive critique from music aficionados and journalists. E.J von LYRIK is a very prolific and dynamic songwriter, music producer and performer and would grace any stage locally as well as internationally with her confident energy, thought provoking lyrics, stirring melodies backed by a solid group of musicians.

Her musical achievements include:

• Playing on international stages in countries such as The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Norway, Cuba, USA, UK, Ethiopia and Tanzania.
• Album releases, musical productions and vocal features include:
• Spillage – Godessa (South Africa)
• Rogue State of Mind 1 & 2 – Various Artists (SA & Switzerland)
• Skeletsleutel – Jitsvinger (South Africa)
• 20-5-2-1 Manifesto – TEBA (South Africa)
• So Much More – Roots Riders (Netherlands)
• African Legacy – Dokhandeme (France)
• Method in the Madness – EJ Von LYRIK (South Africa - 2008)
• Missing you – Sweet Noise (Poland)

For more information please visit www.myspace.com/ejvonlyrik