Mi Casa

Mi Casa is a house duo or band based in Johannesburg, South Africa and consisting of three members, Dr. Duda (producer) and pianist, J'Something (vocalist and guitarist), and Mo-T (trumpeter). The band was formed in early 2011 in Johannesburg when all three future members were at a night lounge and decided to perform together. A few months later, they released an album titled Micasa Music, which "went gold" quickly and won several awards at the 18th Annual MTN South Africa Music Awards in 2012. In 2015 they returned with their double disc album Home Sweet Home which includes hit singles Chocolate & Barman featuring Big Nuz and DJ Tira. In August 2017 they released their fourth studio album Familia after nearly disbanding four months earlier.^[1]

Breakthrough

The band received a lot of attention from the public in late 2011. Their hit single "These Streets" was taken from the album Mi Casa. which showcased the unique urban jazz sound of the band. It was not long before the band was on every major South African radio and music video chart at number 1, where it remained for weeks. The band went on to open for a number of major international acts, including The Layabouts, Reel People, Tortured Soul, and YMCMB's Canadian hip hop recording artist Drake.

Their second single from the album, "Heavenly Sent", also made every major South African radio and music video chart, and earned them South African Music Awards (SAMA) nominations for "Best Dance Album", "Album of the Year", "Group of the Year", "Newcomer of the Year", and "Record of the Year". Mi Casa's Newcomer of the Year nomination was met with controversy when some people mentioned that the group's producer, Dr. Duda, was clearly not a new artist. This single was remixed by Charles Webster, marking the first international recognition for the band.

The band went on to release their third single, "La Vida", which included a 3-D animated music video. This track was remixed by British house producer, Atjazz.

In 2014, the band performed at Ultra Music Festival in South Africa on the Soul Candi stage. The group's estimated net worth as of November 2014 has been put by South African Revenue Service (SARS) at US$22 million. They have been nominated at the MTV Africa Music Awards (MTV MAMAs) in 2014 and 2016.

Personal lives

Mo-T's father, Kgasoane Banza, was part of the South African Afropop band Mango Groove.

J'Something is originally from Portugal. His real name is Joao da Fonseca. He moved to Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape, South Africa when he was seven years old. He was raised by his mother Maria after his parents separated. Joao completed his bachelor's degree in marketing at Stellenbosch University before moving to Johannesburg, where he was a studio manager at the SoulCandi Studios.

Dr. Duda is responsible for the music production for the band. He was part of a gospel band at his childhood church since the age of 8, played keyboards. He got his nickname from a FL Studio plug-in called "Duda". He still uses DAW software, amongst others, including Cubase, Sony Acid, Reason, and Ableton Live.

Discography

• Mi Casa (2011)
• Su Casa (2013)
• Home Sweet Home (2015)
• Familia (2017)

Awards and nominations

References