CLOSER APART by OKZHARP / MANTHE RIBANE

Producer Okzharp and vocalist-artist-dancer Manthe Ribane both hail from South Africa, where Manthe still resides, while Okzharp lives in London where he is a DJ and producer, initially cutting his teeth in LV, who in 2007 were one of the very first acts signed to Hyperdub.After leaving LV, Okzharp and Manthe started collaborating, going on to release two EPs on Hyperdub, ‘Dumella 113’ and ‘Tell Your Vision’, recorded in Joburg and London respectively. The recording of ‘Closer Apart' reflects the title. Okzharp says 'Most of the music came out of headphone moments in hotel rooms, planes and airports in the brief periods of time that we spent together.’ Describing Manthe as a co -producer, he continues ‘She selected instrumental sketches and we developed them together, sometimes just keeping the bare bones or a melody or rhythm, or trying different elements or sounds.’ Even though the album was built long distance, the short periods they spent together were the ground zero for creativity. ‘Closer Apart’ has a softness and openness that contrasts the tougher sound of the EPs. Manthe explains, 'The new music is a 360 turn, an expression of my “Lady” side. I grew up listening to Jazz, Classic and Gospel, I am a very soft spoken person, and it resonates with being confident with that. It's been crazy finding balance and finding a smart way to strengthen my weaknesses, I had to trust the process.’