Reneta and Hilton have launched a project called Transcendence, which involves creating a digital collection of music from every country in the world. They plan to interview DJs and musicians in different countries to get a better understanding of how music is viewed in those societies. Reneta is from Bulgaria, and Hilton is from Zimbabwe. Hilton was a DJ and promoter in the past and is now working on the City of Kings and Queens Festival in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Reneta studied music business in Manchester and is working on the project and is also looking for a role in music publishing.

Interviewee, Levi Love has also been involved in music since a young age. They hope their project will bring more attention to musicians from all over the world. He grew up in South Africa during the apartheid government. Music was extremely important for him and and his community, serving as a form of escapism and joy during difficult times. Music was also a major part of family gatherings, with older people often singing hymns or struggle songs. Levis father was particularly passionate about music, and even passed down his music collection when he passed away. Music is still a major part of the Levis life, as a  DJ, and founder of two record labels, and as he enjoys residencies around the UK.

This conversation focuses on the integral role of music in South African black society. The genres discussed are jazz, soul, Mbaqanga, House Music, Gqom, Hip Hop, and Amapiano. Levi also discusses American music, which is commonplace in many countries and part of its pervasive foreign policy.

The conversation also touches on American culture being imposed on other countries, and the speakers surprise at learning more about global music moved to the UK. The conversation focuses on the evolution of music tastes, and how the dominant influence of Western, particularly American music, has had an impact on cultural creativity around the world.

The discuss how Paul Simon’s album Graceland, which was recorded in Johannesburg, had a big influence on local musicians and the development of South African bands, despite the cultural boycott of the time. Levi also highlights the importance of South African musicians, such as Chico, Brenda Fassie and Yvonne Chaka Chaka, in his own childhood. Finally, the speaker reflects on how, in his experience, hip hop and other Western genres were dominant in clubs and other settings, even though South African music was still popular.