Mi Casa

Mi Casa is a house trio 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]

Mi Casa
OriginJohannesburg, South Africa
GenresDeep house, soulful house, jazz
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • piano
  • trumpet
  • keyboards
  • guitar
  • bass
  • synthesizer
Years active2011 – present
LabelsSoul Candi Records
Associated acts
Websitemicasamusic.com
MembersDr. Duda (Producer)
J'Something (Vocalist)
Mo-T (Trumpet)

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)
  • We Made It (2020)

Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref
2011 Metro FM Music Awards Best Newcomer Nominated [2][3]
Song of the Year "These Streets" Nominated
Best Music Video Nominated
Best Newcomer Nominated
Best Group Album 'Mi Casa' Nominated
2012 18th South African Music Awards Best Dance Album Won [4]
Album of the Year Nominated
Group of the Year Won
Newcomer of the Year Nominated
Record of the Year Won
2013 The Headies Best African Artiste N/A [5]
2014 MTV Africa Music Awards 2014 Best Group Nominated [6]
Artist of the Year Nominated
Song of the Year "Jika" Nominated
2016 MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 Best Group Nominated
2018 Dance Music Awards South Africa Best Live Act Nominated

References
  1. "Mi Casa's new album aims to inspire families to stick together". Sunday Times. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
  2. "2011 Metro FM Music Awards – all the winners". TVSA. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
  3. "AKA Dominates Metro FM Awards". MIO. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
  4. "THE 18TH ANNUAL MTN SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC AWARDS AND THE WINNERS ARE..." SAMA. Archived from the original on 26 September 2013. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
  5. "Olamide wins big @ Headies 2013 + full list of winners". Vanguard. 27 December 2013. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  6. "Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Davido lead nominations for MTV Africa Music Awards". Sowetan LIVE. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
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