5 Mins with… Harael Salkow

Harael Salkow is a founding member of the Soul Candi Music Group and a man who does not dispense more words than need be to get his point across. This we discovered when we hit him up with 5 minutes of quick-fire questions. Known to be an elusive fella his passion for entrepreneurship is equalled only by his absolute love for music. Known affectionately as Big Daddy H, he refuses to take the glory for the success of the legendary South African brand opting to remind us that team work is at the core of everything they do.

1. What 5 words epitomise the South African sound of urban dance music?

Unique, Innovative, Trending, Soulful, Groove.

2. Big Daddy H.!!! There must be a story behind the name. Who first coined the phrase?

Ask Roger Goode

3. Did you like the nickname at first or was it a case of it just stuck and you had no choice?

The latter

4. Casting your mind back on the 10 years – what three things stand out to you as pivotal moments in the growth of Soul Candi?

Soul Candi Sessions 3, The Death of Vinyl because that forced us to invest in new activities and Spring Fiesta.

5. White boy – black music. Well not exactly but certainly a large part of what Soul Candi Music offers release wise, happens to cater for the urban (read – black house) music market in this country. Were you and your school mates into the same music growing up or did you always have a deeper, soulful side to your music tastes?

I was introduced to this style of music by Mbuse & Claude and I am forever grateful.

6. You have a reputation as a smart businessman who fortunately for urban house in this country happens to love music too. Were you formally educated (business school, varsity etc) or is it good old street smarts?

I started a Bcomm the same year I started Soul Candi but unfortunately [or fortunately] Soul Candi took preference and that was the end of my student life. I credit our success to our great team and their hard work.

7. The SC 10 Classics and Future Box Sets are a great way to commemorate a decade in dance music. Was it tough to decide who to mix each of the 10 CD’s?

Not really since it was a team decision.

8. What is your favourite classic house track of all time?

Kings Of Tomorrow – Finally. Does it get any better?

9. And on the Futures box set. Which track stands out for you as one that represents the future of Soul Candi?

That’s not possible as Soul Candi represents more than one sound hence the 5 different styles across the 5 discs.

10. My favourite way to relax when I’m not working is….

I play tennis

11. The first thing I do when I wake up every morning is….

I turn on CNBC

12. Steak or sushi?

Steak

13. The one thing you will always find in my fridge is….

Phat Jack

14. I DJ because….

I love it

15. The one thing most people don’t know about me is…

I love trance music

16. The South African dance scene needs more…

Better DJ set ups and attention to technical specs.