3sum
» Gay music
Africa has a boy band composed of three openly gay guys, 3sum:
“We don’t believe in stress,” smiles Jeff. “No, we don’t,” echoes Koyo. “We put happiness in front of everything. Love must always dominate. We cannot have anger in our hearts.”
But life wasn’t always easy for them. Koyo grew up in the gay city of Cape Town.
“I was always gay, since the day I was born. I have never dated a girl. I am a woman of substance. I was teased and used cry at first.
“But my mother stood up for me. I was the first name to be made an example of in my township and now most gay people there worship me.”
Jeff says he also had a difficult time growing up in the conservative town of Rustenberg. “My family knew I was gay because I even played netball,” he laughs. It was only when he moved to Jozi that he felt free to be himself.
Amstel had a similar experience. “It’s not easy. You get called names and you’re ostracised from the community.
“The thing is,” continues Amstel, “we are stronger people because we come from a hard background. We are outspoken gay people who can sing kwaito.
“Take it or leave it. But know one thing – if you are not open about your sexuality you will never be happy.”
