Angel-Ho (za)

Angel-Ho is a South African transgender artist, musician, LGBTQ activist and self-proclaimed neo-pop diva from Cape Town. Together with Chino Amobi and Nkisi, she is the founder of the NON-Worldwide label. Her sets address social issues such as the oppression of queer African bodies, drag and the digital space. Dedicated agenda is to break gender binaries, identities and power structures.

How is the overall vibe in your city?

The vibe is quite gloomy regarding covid-19. We all desperately wish to return things back to normal, or whatever that normal was. 

Can you elaborate a bit on the mood you’ve been in, while recording your set? 

I was excited to create a live spectacular. Mostly in surreal happiness, a state of sonic bliss. 

How do you feel about the overwhelming presence of digital / social media in comparison to the lack of social time IRL? 

I miss the reality of going and moving freely, it's as if we have been further oppressed by covid 19 regulations in work and social life. All this time online has narrowed my mind and concentration. 

Does this at some point influence your musical production? The lack of the crowd? How?

Well it only makes me imagine and reflect on the times I have been in front of a crowd and the rush always finds me when creating.

The Elevate Festival 2021 theme is Momentum. Which social or political cause would deserve more Momentum?

The Liberation of trans people and Black people are the causes I am fighting for. This is all about education. We need our education to be practiced in decolonial ways. I see the youth's obsession with social media but they will realize soon enough that it is a complete illusion and perception that is unique to the individual.

Lockdown Grooves is part of Re-Imagine Europe, co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union.
In Cooperation with FM4.