When he was fourteen years old Antonio Lyons started writing poems, never stopping to think that his writing capabilities might take him to the far ends of the South African music industry. Whilst this man's name might sound unfamiliar to many, you'll recognise his voice immediately as he's used it to complement a number of music projects. To date, this song and poem writer has fast became the favourite of many industry players who acknowledge his creativity when it comes to songwriting and lyrical composition as well as his performance ability behind the microphone, which sounds like poetry in motion.
Originally born in United States of America, Antonio fell in love with South Africa a few years ago when he was here on a holiday; so much so that he later permanently relocated to SA. During his first visit to this country, Antonio met Troye Lilley (Soul Khula) and the pair later collaborated on a song together. Though his writing skills were not put to use on the project, Lilley was impressed with Antonio's vocal performance. Kwaito's first lady – Tamara Daye - was also brought into the picture and assisted in providing back up chorus vocals.
The time had come for Antonio to head back to the US and while he was on the other side of the world, Lilley and his team polished the song – 'Saturday Night' – it was then licensed for use on the DJ Fresh compilation: Definition of House Vol.1 and in other projects across the world.
Antonio made the decision to live in SA three years ago, picking up where he left off. It was at this stage that his writing skills were being put to good use by artists like, Revolution, Iggy Smallz, T-Bose, Twistyle, DJ Fresh, DJ Mbuso, and Jazz artist – Musa Manzini. Antonio wrote songs for female kwaito star – Andile and Jolene to mention the few.
Though Antonio is an actor by profession, writing songs and poetry is his passion, and the result often reflects his personal experiences. For Antonio, being on top of his game means he has to believe that everything has its own processes and development. According to this writer, there is nothing better than the satisfaction that he feels after completing a song or poem.
Talking about the daily challenges he has faced regarding songwriting, he revealed that it is always difficult to create a marriage between passionate song and poetry writing skills with business. “I always pray that in the process of helping someone on a project, I don't get ripped off”. But for anyone who has song writing capabilities, the one time SABC soap opera star from Generations, said - “If you believe you have something to offer, make people aware of it and use your talent to its fullest”.
Since Antonio has started offering his services to the SA music industry, he has learned that he has more talent than he initially believed he had.
What does he think about locally produced music? He said locally produced music sounds professional most of the time, yet the real problem lies elsewhere - with the people who don't appreciate what local stars are doing.
Antonio also feels that there is a potentially large market for local music in the foreign countries but those who have the authority and the means to break into that market are not doing enough. In the meantime, the poet and songwriter has grand designs on releasing an album in the near future.
“People in this country don't realise how unique and powerful local music is. I think people always try to fit local music into an international mould and draw comparisons, which isn't always possible because South Africa 's style of music and international music are completely different”.
| Country: | South Africa, United States, United States Of America |
| Person: | Antonio Lyons, Though Antonio |
