Origins of Metropolar
Ten years ago, Jotam Schoeman and Modise Sekgothe met at a poetry and music open-mic session (Writers On Main) in Johannesburg. The encounter sparked a mutual collaborative interest that led to the creation of the multimedia project now known as Metropolar. The collaboration resulted in a nine part sonic-visual narrative, blending spoken word, music and hand-drawn animation, which was met with great interest and positive reception during their live performances. However, the process of recording the album presented several challenges over time as the two artists couldn’t settle on a satisfactory conclusion of the recording that would allow the project's release. The project was to be re-recorded several times over the years with the same result, leading to the two artists re-directing their creative pursuits in different directions.
Reunion
A decade later, a fated re-alignment brought Jotam and Modise back together. Both artists having matured in their respective fields, their ability to execute the recording of the project according to their held ideal was more refined and the puzzles fell into place with much greater ease. With a renewed sense of purpose and creative vigor, they were inspired to breathe new life into their original project. Umlungu Deluxe, a music producer and sound designer based in London, was invited to produce the album and subsequently joined the group, forming the trio now known as IIIFoet.
The philosophy of IIIFoet
The name IIIFoet (DrieFoet), a slang term for a pot standing on three legs, symbolizes the group's philosophy. It represents a melting pot of diverse flavors and influences, as well as the different cities each member calls home: Johannesburg, Cape Town, and London. This blend of cultures and experiences is at the heart of their music, creating a rich and multifaceted soundscape.
The album: Metropolar
With a deep respect for their original work and a sense of responsibility to do it justice, the trio has partnered with indie label Paradise Worldwide to release their nine-track album, Metropolar. Scheduled for release on June 14, 2024, on all major streaming platforms, Metropolar promises to deliver a unique fusion of music, spoken word, and visual art. The album’s title reflects the group’s journey and the convergence of their different worlds into a cohesive whole.
Debut show and chapbook release
To mark their official debut, IIIFoet will perform at the National Arts Festival on 24, 25 and 26 June 2024. In addition to the album, fans can look forward to a graphic chapbook that will be available at the show. This chapbook will offer deeper insights into the lyrics, poetry, and visual elements that define IIIFoet’s work, providing a tangible connection to the group's artistic vision.
About the members
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Modise Sekgothe: A performance poet, actor, playwright, vocalist, and instrumentalist based in Johannesburg, Modise brings a dynamic and emotive energy to the group. His diverse talents and experiences enrich the spoken word elements of IIIFoet's music.
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Jotam Schoeman: A musician and visual artist from Cape Town, Jotam's creative vision and musical prowess are central to the group’s innovative sound. His hand-drawn animations add a unique visual dimension to their performances.
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Umlungu Deluxe: Based in London, Umlungu Deluxe is a music producer and sound designer whose expertise in crafting intricate soundscapes to bring a cinematic element to the project.
Looking Forward
With Metropolar, IIIFoet is not only reviving a long-cherished project but also embarking on a new artistic journey. The trio’s deep respect for their past work, combined with their innovative ideas, positions them to make a significant impact on the music and arts scene. As they prepare for their album release and debut performance, IIIFoet invites audiences to join them in celebrating the culmination of a decade-long journey and the beginning of a new chapter.
IIIFoet (illustration by Jotam Schoeman)
The post Press release: Visual, sound and poetry trio IIIFoet releases Metropolar on 14 June 2024 first appeared on LitNet.
The post Press release: Visual, sound and poetry trio IIIFoet releases <em>Metropolar</em> on 14 June 2024 appeared first on LitNet.