Crosby aka Digi-Analog
Siyasanga Crosby Bolani (a.k.a Digi-Analog), is a multi-talented artist and producer, whose songs are based on social commentary. Born into a musical family, he grew up in a township on the edge of Cape Town named Gugulethu, a place known for its artistic flair and creativity. With music a part of his family history, and with an all consuming passion for it from a young age, he naturally took to it as a full time career.
Despite his relatively poor background and the crime driven environment that he grew up in, Crosby remains one of the most energetic and positive South African musicians performing today. Through his lyrics and action, he has been a great inspiration to many of the youth in his community, most of whom face huge challenges in their daily lives, the same challenges that he faced whilst growing up.
Growing up in music Turned on to soul and gospel music by his grandmother during schooldays spent in the Eastern Cape, at 15 he established his first group The Def Boys. At the age of 17, two years later, he returned to live with his family in Cape Town. His father, an oil rig worker by profession, was able during his travels to acquire an extensive collection of Reggae music. Infected by this new sound, Crosby, together with his cousin Zoro, founded a new group, Chronic Clan. In 2002, they won the South African Broadcast Corporation’s national talent search, an award soon followed by their first tour to Europe.
With Zoro eventually deciding to emigrate to Sweden, Crosby began to concentrate on his solo career. Touring relentlessy internationally and collaborating with dozens of artists from Europe, he was playing alongside some of the biggest names in the Hip Hop and Reggae arena, including such artists as Rita Marley, Capleton, Sizzla, Gentleman, Talib Kweli and Snoop Dogg.
The will to live
On August 2013, shortly after returning from a cultural exchange initiative in the Netherlands, Crosby was robbed and shot three times. He survived, driven by his strong will to live. Upon his recovery many month later, pushed by a desire to create, he recorded an electrifying 5 track showcase The Unity E.P. at Red Bull Studios Cape Town.
Recently, Crosby has worked with world reknowned Dj and legendary Japanese producer DJ Krush, appearing on his most recent album, “The Butterfly Effect”. He has also recorded a 12 track reggae album in Munich Germany with the Next Generation Band, which is due to be released in April 2017 (titled “A Better Place”)
Compilation CD’s:
African Dope Soundsystem (2003)
Rogue State Alliance (2004)
Time-X Riddim (2006)
Rogue State Alliance II (2008)
Cape Riddims (2011)
Featured albums:
Mix n Blend – Look Mom Ho Hands (2009)
Greis, …. (2010)
Pyro, „Schatteboxe“ (2012)
Burni Amann …. (2014)
Ganjaman, „Jetzt“ (2014)
TCF Rock Riddim (2014)
DJ Krush „Butterfly Effect“ (2015)
Mellowmark „Roots & Flügel (2015)
Festivals Appearances & own shows (selected):
Switzerland: Frauenfeld, Funk am See, Gampel, Gurtenfest, Rock the docks, Touch the lake
Germany: Afrikafest Würzburg, Reggaejam
Austria: World Bodypainting Festival
Italy: Rototom Festival
Slovenia: The lake sunsplash
Finnland: Various
Netherlands: Bevrijdings Festival
Reunion Island: Batu Fo Festival, Sakifo Festival, Kaloobang Festival
South Africa: CTEMF, Cape Town Jazz Fest, Rocking the Daisies, Earth Dance,KKNK Festival
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
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