The afro-acoustic pop band, Devonecia + Wilken, honour music that is true to lyricism, said Devonecia Swartz, lead singer and songwriter of Devonecia + Wilken.
The band Devonecia + Wilken showcased their latest EP during the recent Toyota US Woordfees. Their set consisted of a mix of cover songs, such as Mariam Makeba’s Qongqothwane (The Click Song) and original work, such as Mzanzi Lullaby.
Devonecia + Wilken opening the show with Blk Sonshine’s Born In A Taxi at Weltevreden Estate. PHOTO: Nicole Nasson
“We’re both writers [therefore] we get to honour the lyrics as well,” said Swartz, adding that a lot of people forget to do that. “They think… let’s make music that sells and sounds good and is easy for people to listen to.”
Swartz said they want to be able to put their lyrics in a poetry book and sell that as a product as well.
The band’s unique style comes from their working process, said Swartz.
“It’s more of serving the song than the product that’s going to come out of this whole thing. If you look at the lyrics, it’s poetry,” said Swartz.
According to Wilken Calitz, band member and songwriter, the quality of Devonecia + Wilken’s music is the result of a healthy working relationship, different from any of his past experiences in other bands.
“No one is offended. It’s interesting because I’ve played in a lot of bands and people are very sacred in their way [of doing things]. They want to do things their way,” said Calitz.
According to Calitz, their collaboration works, because they don’t bring their egos to the table.
The band released their self-titled EP in 2019 and plan to release their first album this year.
“We’re gonna push for a few things and then hopefully in October we’ll have a full album,” said Marie Vogts, manager of Devonecia + Wilken.
Swartz and Calitz are both Stellenbosch University alumni. Swartz obtained her BA Hons (Drama) last year and Calitz holds a MMus and a BA Hons (Afrikaans en Nederlands).
Devonecia Swartz and Wilken Calitz receive a standing ovation at the end of their set at Weltevreden Estate. PHOTO: Nicole Nasson