Make A Star Interview with Music Video Winner Sergeant Fu

MAS: August Music Video Winner- Sergeant Fu, we congratulate you on your winning song ‘Vuvuzela’. Tell us how it feels to have won. Are you happy, surprised, relieved?

Sergeant Fu: Yeah, honestly it was a bit of a surprise. We initially entered the competition because one of our friends suggested it. In the beginning we won the first few rounds but didn’t get too excited, but in the end, we were really amped to win it! It’s a good feeling to know that a South African band can compete on the international stage.

MAS: Is there an interesting story behind your band’s name?

Sergeant Fu: Funny enough, it’s kind of an inside joke and a story that only a handful of people know! Let’s just say that its one of the band members’ old nickname.

MAS: It will remain a secret then. Tell us how you got started as a band and how everyone became a part of it.

Sergeant Fu: Well I (Matt) came up with the concept while I was on a large theatre production touring Cape Town. It actually came to me in a dream! Lol. The very next day I phoned Ryno to tell him about it, and the rest, they say, “Is History …”

MAS: How did you develop your sound? Is there a primary songwriter, or is it collaborative?

Sergeant Fu: Every song is different for us and we each take turns to “lead” on different songs. It all depends on who’s feeling it the most, and who conceptualised the song. Plus we have our different strengths to contribute to Sergeant Fu – so Ryno is a master on Guitar, Bass, Synths and the general music production of the album, and I (Matt), do vocals, drums and percs. Obviously we both write the lyrics so it’s a collaborative effort there.

MAS: What’s the story behind the video you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?

Sergeant Fu: Well that’s actually a bit of a crazy story. The track “Vuvuzela” wasn’t even supposed to be in the album as we had already finished with its production. But as it was 2010 and the World Cup, everyone was getting into the spirit of things, and so we made it to add to the “Feel-Good” factor. Then it all snowballed from there as everyone seemed to respond really well to it. So we called up our mates at Indie Village Creative, conceptualised it in around a day, shot it that weekend, edited it and there you go! “Vuvuzela” done and dusted!

MAS: How did the concept for the music video come together?

Sergeant Fu: It’s pretty simple actually. We just aimed to highlight the “Feel-Good” nature of the band and so decided to show everyone joining in on the Sergeant Fu party. But seeing as though we’re just musicians, we needed a bit of help, so with Indie Village Creative (Dale Ballantine and Brian Mason) and Gemma Donnelly (choreographer), we managed to get everything in order and make a tight-looking video.

MAS: A great video it is, what other video work has the music video’s director done in the past?

Sergeant Fu: Dale Ballantine is a top-drawer director, producer and cameraman. Quite a few people know him in the industry as he’s been around for the past 5 years or so. He’s worked on projects for guys like Christian Heath, Inersha, The Greg Jorden Project and Fevertree. Dale is not just restricted to music videos though – he’s done some really awesome work for Coca-Cola, FNB and ABSA (major SA banks), Investec and quite a few other blue-chip companies.

MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?

Sergeant Fu: We really dig it. I mean, you get all the cool stuff like news and competitions, but we really enjoy the fact that it’s promoting new music. It levels the playing field in a way. So a band from South Africa gets the same exposure as a local US band. It’s really fantastic.

MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to?

Sergeant Fu: Cliff Richard, Miley Cyrus and Justin Beiber! Haha. Well we don’t really fit into a standard category per se, but we are attempting to create a new music genre called “Feel-Good”. It’s got its vibey pop tunes and party beats, but then it also goes way down for the sentimental ballads. The thing we are proud about most are the lyrics – we take pride in how clever they are, yet simple and how easy it is to relate to them!

MAS: Indeed, the lyrics are very clever and interesting. What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?

Sergeant Fu: Well like we said, it’s a completely new genre of music! But what’s also great is that in South Africa, we are so eclectic in our cultures and that comes through on the album as well. There is something for everyone, and no matter who you are, it’s going to make you “Feel Good”!

MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?

Sergeant Fu: I guess I get my inspiration from looking at our lives from different, funny and new angles….So I guess I want to emulate us.

MAS: What are your thoughts on music videos? The ideas, the production, working with directors, how they add to the song, etc…

Sergeant Fu: We love music videos, in fact a member of Sergeant Fu, The Godfather, is in video production himself, so its great to call on that resource. We have a local music channel in South Africa that flights all the local and international stuff. Whenever we get the chance we just flop down in front of the TV and let ourselves be corrupted for hours on end! In terms of filming them, it’s even better! We’re all about having a good time, so we make sure we have a hot product and then we try and make it as great as possible. This is the first one that we’ve done though, so we’ll have to maybe revisit that question in the future!


Sergeant Fu: Well, we have just, just, just received our album from the printers so we’re lank stoked about that. Then in the next month or so we are launching it at our local gig spot called Tanz Café to media and friends. Thereafter, it’s a long road of gigs and tours, securing sponsorship, and promoting our very own cocktail (“Sergeant Fu’s)!

MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?

Sergeant Fu: In my childhood I was a big Weird Al Yankovic & Hanson fan so I guess that might be where this musical fusion came from. Weird Al gave me the funny side of music and Hanson gave me the pop side of things. My first album was Hanson’s Mmmmmbob Single Release…Don’t Judge…and Don’t be Jealous ?

MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?

Sergeant Fu: Best part: Partying like a rockstar and inventing new drinks when there is nothing else left in the house!

Worst part: Being invited to fancy parties and being treated like a king, only to realize when you go home, you only have 2-minute noodles to look forward to! Haha!

MAS: Great answer! What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?

Sergeant Fu: Best part: Somewhere, someone is busy creating something new. Whether it’s a music genre or a new sound that will infect the whole world you always need to be on your toes or someone could come up and overtake you without you even noticing.

Worst Part: Um … dunno! Next question!

MAS: Tell us something completely random.

Sergeant Fu: Our mascot’s name is a Super Duck and his favourite drink is a strawberry milkshake. Also, Ryno’s one bicep is bigger than one of Matt’s, but the other one is not … weird!

MAS: And there you have it, the great Sergeant Fu, our luck to you on a successful journey!