THERE'S the one who can sprint really fast, the playboy, and the man with the irresistible voice. Angha sound more like a slick team of crimefighters than the latest R’n’B band from Islington.
But that’s exactly what they are – a trio of musicians who first realised their mutual dream of being in a band over a game of football. They still have day jobs, two still work in gyms and another has a council office job – but they’re on the verge of breaking through into the mainstream.
They were due to support 90s US group Dru Hill at the 02 Academy Islington on Monday – now postponed, apparently thanks to Sisqo’s seafood allergy – and have gained great support from radio networks. Producer D-Dash and vocalists/ rappers, Play and DVD make up Angha.
Former Highbury Grove pupil Play, 25, said: “Play comes from playboy. I party a lot and like having a good time anywhere I think there’s a party going on. DVD stands for Divine Vocal Dialect – the ladies tend to love his voice – and Dash comes from when we played football. He used to be a sprinter.
"Dash is the comedian of the group. He’s always got tricks up his sleeve. DVD's the most serious. He pulls everyone together. He acts the oldest.””
He admits the band name’s deliberately misleading: "Dash stumbled over Angha and realised it meant a mythical bird that gives kindness and goodwill. From the pronunciation people are going to be drawn to it and think it’s an angry group, but if they research it they will see it’s the opposite of what it appears.”
As teenagers, the group would play football together, later realising they were all interested in music. They would hang out in Dash’s studio where they would write songs to his beats. Play started writing his own material aged 15, putting it on karaoke machines.
“I was probably writing about playing football, or girls or little teenage experiences, having a crush for the first time,” he said. “Now, it’s about experiences, relationships, going out, partying, going to clubs.”
Debut single For You is out on June 7 and Angha have already established their own label.
Play said: "Major labels like to see the following you've got before you can approach them.We wanted to keep our own creative freedom. If you’re on your own label and they become interested in you, you can ask them to sign up your label and you can control your direction. The music game is cutthroat at times and you’ve got to be prepared.”
Play, who lives in Stoke Newington, said: “I loved growing up in Islington. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I was fortunate. You hear a lot of people going the wrong way in life but there was so much for me to do. There was Mayville Community Centre, football. Life was easier. The majority of time was cheerful.”
Angha recently played The Cross Kings for a British Heart Foundation charity gig, proving they can appeal to all audiences.
Play said: “It wasn’t our sort of crowd but because it was a charity event we were more than happy to be performers. It was mostly indie bands. The reaction and feedback was really good. They were pleasantly surprised. It was probably the biggest nerves I’ve had but they were brilliant.”
Play, who lives in Stoke Newington, said: “I loved growing up in Islington. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I was fortunate. You hear a lot of people going the wrong way in life but there was so much for me to do. There was Mayville Community Centre, football. Life was easier. The majority of time was cheerful.”
Angha recently played The Cross Kings for a British Heart Foundation charity gig, proving they can appeal to all audiences.
Play said: “It wasn’t our sort of crowd but because it was a charity event we were more than happy to be performers. It was mostly indie bands. The reaction and feedback was really good. They were pleasantly surprised. It was probably the biggest nerves I’ve had but they were brilliant.”
BLOB Angha launch debut single For You at Elbow Room, Chapel Market, on June 6.
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