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Year of great promise for Revolution

Zenoyise Madikwa

Zenoyise Madikwa

The multi-award winning Revolution are back with a new album.

Chances are that even if you've never seen the twins on the decks, you'll have heard one of their songs tearing up the dance floor or blasting on your sound system.

Over the years, Joseph and George Mothiba have raked up credits as entertainment extraordinaires, DJ-ing, mixing and producing. You name it, they make it happen.

What's more, 2009 looks like it's going to be one of Revolution's best years. Following a string of high-profile releases, the twins are pumping again in their new 13-track album titled The Book of Revolution.

The album covers everything from African-tinged house anthems to tribal dance floor bombs.

For this album the brothers worked hard in the studio, attracting vocalists from different countries, which contributed to the creativity.

Their house beats are fresh, original and well thought through.

And while much of their stuff is just a matter of getting devilish with the dials and juicing everything up, Revolution have managed to bring some fine taste to their party.

The duo first touched the wheels of steel in Alexandra township at the age of 17. They started by experimenting with computers and exploring DJing as a hobby, playing around with sounds.

But it was their album The Journey, featuring the hit Vha-Venda with the legendary Phillip Tabane on guitar, that made them household dance music icons and landed them a string of awards, including the Sama and Metro awards.

Their success has seen them play in some of the world's most prestigious clubs in Vietnam, Swaziland and Botswana, where they wowed the crowds with their brilliant and distinctly African deep house, along with their unique mixing style and behind-the-decks energy.

The reserved demeanor of the Revolution brothers contrasts with their energetic performing styles. What is their secret to their staying power?

"We learnt from the very beginning of our careers that being all over the place, trying to impress people does more harm than good," says Joseph.

"Another thing contributing to our staying power is that we established a distinct support base who follow our music all the time.

"We are in touch with them, they give us frequent feedback," he adds.

The brothers also have a sound business acumen and have huge property investments.

"Everything we use in our music is ours. We have our own studios and we are in control of our destiny. We are lucky that we learnt from other people's mistakes early in our careers," says George.

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