[features - troy may of the manhattans interview]

Troy may (no pun intended) not be the original member of the R&B/soul group The Manhattans, but he's just as talented and respected as all the other members. Actually, Blue Lovett is the only original Manhattan to date. Anyway, Troy May has added his sensuous and powerful voice to the much adored group that has stood the test of time, for a while now. Their immaculate style, smooth harmonies, commendable humility and the ever-lasting passion for their art, has attributed immensely to their staying power. Unlike the new fad of groups that started out much later, who are nowhere to be seen today, these old tymers are still doing it as well as they know how.

I was down in Cape Town for the 9th Cape Town International Jazz Festival recently and one of my deciding factors for going down to Cape Town was to see them perform again, after witnessing their sterling performance at the One World Music Festival in Durban about 2 years ago. Although I missed the scheduled press conference at the hotel, where I would have loved to get a feel of their personalities, I was able to snag a short interview with Troy May, one quarter of the quartet, thanks to an acquaintance I made, their drummer Justice Butler (thanks Justice, for hooking this up if you get to read it, you are the man). Anyway, I looked for a nice secluded spot, since the Cape Sun hotel was buzzing like crazy, where I had a closer look and interesting conversation, with a man that has entertained millions in the world, as part of the groundbreaking The Manhattans. We had chatted briefly on our way from the hotel lobby, so below is how the conversation continued, on record.

Khetha: You said earlier you've been here 4 times already. What is it that keeps you coming back to South Africa? Troy: The love affair. The first time we came in 1996, we were absolutely blown away. We never received this kind of reception back in the States. We didn't realise until we actually got here. It took a long time to get here, but we finally came in '96 and ever since then we've been dying to come back.

Khetha: What were your expectations of the country before coming here?

Troy: Well, you don't get to see, unfortunately, on television back in the States, the beauty of the country. The modernization. The warmth of the people. All that is missing, you know, you can't get that on the television, until you actually get here. So, when we got here, we were absolutely blown away by it all.

Khetha: Ok. When did you join the group?

Troy: I joined the group back in '94. And, it's been 14 years, on my birthday, which is March 17th.

Khetha: Oh, really? Mine is just 2 days later.

Troy: Oh really (laughs). That's nice. Yeah.

Khetha: How has the experience been like since you joined the group?

Troy: Since I joined the group. It's been a dream come true. I pinch myself every day. (Laughs). Especially when I come to countries like South Africa.

Khetha: Before that, what were you doing, what were you involved in?

Troy: I had a solo career. Mostly, on the Eastern region of the United States. The gentleman, Mr. Blue Lovett, who is the main member of the group. He was very instrumental in my career for a couple of years during that time. Him and Gerald (Alston) decided to get back together, to go back on tour. Unfortunately, they were not able to get all the original members back, so they asked me to fill in. And the rest if history.

Khetha: With your solo career, were you doing the same type of music?

Troy: Yes, R&B, yes. Jazz. I love jazz as well. (Laughs).

Khetha: How many albums did you release on your own as a solo artist?

Troy: Well, I was in the process of trying to get a recoding deral. I had maybe 3 on the table and I was trying to pick and choose. Mr. Lovett was trying to help me out there. Unfortunately, not one of them was suitable for what I was looking for. So, I turned them down and decided to go on tour with The Manhattans.

Khetha: What are your views on the state of music, especially in America, right now? You hear a lot of pop, hip hop and that kind of stuff. People don't really pay that much attention to soul or real R&B anymore.

Troy: Well, it's growing. It's branching out into a whole lot of different areas, a lot of different types of music are more acceptable now. You know, around the world, as we travel we get to see a lot of people listening to stuff that you probably wouldn't ordinarily be even seen listening to. A lot of people are listening to Kanye, and Jay-Z, and maybe years ago they wouldn't listen to rap. So, it's interesting to see the mix of it. And, it's just beautiful to see the music blossom into what the music is blossoming into today. To add to that, as far as music of The Manhattans era, a lot of the younger, let's say rappers, are using the songs from the old groups. They are simply remixing them and adding their own twist to it. But it's keeping that music alive, which is helping us maintain longevity as well.

Khetha: Alright. And, obviously you have been exposed to South African music. What are your thoughts on it?

Troy: Oh, absolutely. I love it. South Africans have a unique passion to everything they do. If you are any descent enthusiast to any kind of music, you can most certainly appreciate South African music, South African art. I mean, I've seen it in the way they walk, the way they talk, the passion. It's a unique passion. When you walk away from it, it sticks with you like glue (laughs). You know what I mean. It makes you wanna come back.

Khetha: And what do you think we need to improve upon, in terms of getting ourselves to a level where you are in America? For example, maybe, not just getting nominated for the World Traditional Album in the Grammy's, but get more nominations in other majot categories?

Troy: I think you are on the right track, in terms of the progression, the evolution of music. You guys are on the right track. You'll be there.

Khetha: Can we talk a bit about politics for a second?

Troy: (Laughs). Ok.

Khetha: There is a lot happening in the States right now, about the elections that are coming up in November. With Obama versus Clinton, and the political activities happening around their campaigns. What are your views on it?

Troy: Most certainly, I'm for Obama. It's time for change. It's time to see not only different kind of thinking in the U.S. government, but quite frankly, it's time to see a black man, in office. Let's see what he can do. And I think he's got all the right, and required elements.

Khetha: There's controversy where people discredit him for his age and experience. A lot of stuff has been said about that mainly.

Troy: Of course, they always gonna say something because they want to maintain the status quo. And, it's time that the American people get heard. I mean, a good portion of American people don't think like the federal governement. So, that says a lot. It means it's time for change.

Khetha: In terms of your personal life, are you married, do you have any kids?

Troy: No, I'm not married yet, and I've got two children. I've got 2 girls, one 8 and one 14.

Khetha: That's great. You have entertained millions of people around world and continue to do so. In the history books, when you are beyond this earth, what would you like being featured in those book's pages about you?

Troy: A guy that, hm, had fun. I had fun, I had a wonderful time. I was deeply moved the first time I came to South Africa. A gentleman in the other interview asked me, "what was it like for you, coming here to Africa, South Africa, for the first time?" I said, well, let me give you a mental exercise. If you can imagine what Nelson Mandela felt when he came home, after being away for 27 years, to his family. Imagine what it feels like for us, who've been away for 400 plus years, coming home to our family.

Khetha: I understand completely. Mr. May, thank you so much for your time with me. I know I hijacked you from your trip to Table Mountain. Have fun and enjoy the beauty Cape Town has to offer you.

Troy: Thank you, I will.

That was it from the man who, together with his fellow beloved members, had serenaded the crowds the previous night when the packed Kippies venue at the Cape Town International Convention Centre was in awe from such an amazing performance. Even Jacob Zuma was shown on the screens having a good time as one of the greatest soul groups in the world entertained us with their amazing voices, their awesome moves, and their moving words. I snapped some pictures, which are posted on the photos section of the website. Check that out now. I also recorded the most part of their perfromance, I wish I could share it with you all here.