Our life journeys differ, we could write entire books about them but only a certain few are worth documenting and publishing. So what makes Meropa’s journey worth creating a 12track album about it and making it available to the public. His music is easily accessible on the Unity Design website; where people can listen to or download music by him.
‘My life journey is inspired by all the experiences I have encountered in my life, both good and bad.’ he says behind big shades, an army cap and an almost innocent smile.
Our journeys are all inspired by something or the other, I wonder what his experiences are and what makes them so special. I am baffled, his guitar gives away an identity complex that the youth is trying to grasp; that soul brother, blaque, unique, dreaded hair type of set up, and once again: the guitar…
‘When I realised my passion,’ he says and doesn’t smile, ‘I made a sincere promise to myself that I will not sell my soul for another man’s definition of success.’
Now I start to question how many times in a day I define success to myself, its an ever-evolving concept but he seems to have an understanding of his own. But don’t we all have little ideas that make a world that is either successful or unsuccessful?
Creative people are (in)famous for being ‘unsuccessful’, with the best excuses about being broke, having dirty shoes and addictions.
‘Creativity is a beautiful thing,’ he explains, ‘and once you recognise that you can use it to create peace of mind.’
He smiles again and pats me on the shoulder, I smile back and sip my coffee.
‘My sister, we have principles, ethics and morals that we live by. My philosophy is to show love and less will go wrong.’ he rubs his hands together and laughs a little, ‘When I sing my music, I feel like I am meditating.’
I turn off the dicta-phone and he tells me that he is Meropa from Soweto, born in 1979 raised by two loving parents. His recent launch at Unity Gallery, Meropa the Journey Live at Unity was a collaboration between young actors and the musician. This was his way of presenting his journey to an eclectic crowd.
‘The story is about an AIDS orphan who has lost both his parents and is being raised by his sister,’ he smiles, ‘even my mother saw me performing for the first time…’
Not everyone’s journey is very special, Meropa is worth taking a listen to and deciding if it is. Simple folk music that questions life and its meaning is refreshing. Touching on various topics like his love life, his family, God and social issues, he strums his guitar strings through his life and he is inspiring.
