“Music makes you lose control!” Music makes you lose control! Let’s go!! Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Here we go now; here we go now!! Here we go now; here we go now!!”
The writer’s press plays in her subconscious mind as the late Fatman Scoop red carpet the beginning of Missy’s 2005 song, “Music Makes You Lose Control.” Music makes one lose control by stimulating the mind while singing in tune to the song. The beat of music also gets people moving—tapping their feet, moving their arms side to side, shaking their hips, and bobbing their heads. As Stevie Wonder best said, “Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand.”
Readers, dive into the playlist genre story of Mahogany Kane..…..
PLAYLIST – TRACK 1: “DON’T STOP THE MUSIC” BY RIHANNA
Calvin Thomas (Eddie Cain Jr.) and Rosaetti Sands (Mahogany Rose), the lead singers of Mahogany Kane, expressed their diverse love languages through music. Thomas told the Exclusive Press (EP) that music symbolizes liberation, while Sands asserted that it embodies life. Their internalized love for singing was more than words, as it reflects outwardly in their countenance. It’s a topic they could discuss endlessly.
PLAYLIST – TRACK 2: “BREAK MY STRIDE” BY MATTHEW WILDER
Behind every storm in life, there is a rainbow that reveals its beauty. For the singing duo, music served as a source of beauty that helped them overcome life’s obstacles. Thomas’ motto, “You have to go through something to be something,” encapsulates his musical journey. In 1992, a gunshot wound left Thomas paralyzed and led to his depression. Music served as an aid in his recovery journey.
“Without music, I wouldn’t have gotten through those 33 years of being paralyzed,” Thomas shared.
Thomas also reflects on the lyricist rapper, Erick Sermon, in his 2001 song, Music, “wishing music could adopt me,” as to how much he loves music.
The two male and female lead singers of Mahogany Kane, from left to right: Rosaetti Sands (Stage Name: Mahogany Rose) and Calvin Thomas (Stage Name: Eddie Cain Jr.); Courtesy of FACEBOOK
For Sands, singing was a hidden treasure she discovered along her life’s journey. She was unaware of the treasure’s presence due to a road blockage of shyness that delayed her route.
Her family has a long history of musical talent. Her father, Alexander Wright, also known as “Guitarzan” was the lead guitarist for the Soul Serenaders, and her grandfather, James Wright, was part of the Gospel Jubilee. She remembers her childhood, accompanying her family to events where her father sang at social outings. Upon turning 18, her father invited her to join the band, but she declined due to her shyness. Six years after her father’s death in 2011, her younger brother requested that she sing at his wedding. She couldn’t refuse her brother. She aptly states, “If you don’t stand for something, you fall for anything.” She prepared to unveil the hidden treasure of her singing, captivating the crowd by performing two songs at her brother’s wedding, “The Lord’s Prayer” and “Share My Love” by Melissa Morgan”.
PLAYLIST – TRACK 3: “VERY SPECIAL” BY DEBRA LAW
Sands’ getting herself out there marked the start of something extraordinary.
“When you have a talent, God gives it to you for a reason,”
– Rosaetti Sand (Mahogany Rose), Female Lead Singer for Mahogany Kane
She joined Mellow Madness (now Mahogany Kane) after performing at karaoke bars and open mics for local bands. Thomas joined the band after stepping in on behalf of Sands, who had a scheduled gig.
“The music sounded good! I told him if you need me for future references, gigs, or whatever, to let me know,” he recalled.
“They laugh at me. I didn’t know what they were laughing at. They said, I don’t think you understand; we want you to stay. We want you to rock with us. They didn’t say anything but a word,” Thomas added.
PLAYLIST – TRACK 4: “THE LIGHT” BY COMMON
Mellow Madness, established in 1979, has opened for acts such as Cameo, Bobby Caldwell, and Mass Confusion. Reggie Wright is the lead guitarist and the last co-founder of the group. Mahogany Kane established its current lineup nearly a year ago, in July 2024. The group also includes Lee on drums, Leondra on bass, Anthony on keyboard, Mickey on saxophone, and fill-in keyboard player Buddy.
The Fayetteville-based band plays jazz and R&B music across the city, with some members also performing solo at various venues, social events, weddings, and funerals.
Thomas and Sands enjoy learning from the veteran band members. It’s a perfect fit because the band skillfully adjusts the tempo and volume to enhance their vocal projection. The duo complements each other with their voices, uniting in harmony and allowing each to take a break while alternating.
The band members’ perfectionist mindset to ensure good quality music invigorates them to bring that edge to Mahogany Kane
Thomas recalls one of their band members, Lee, telling them, quote, “We want to sound as close to the record as possible.”
“You want to make sure your audience is engaged and that they want to hear from you again,” Sands added.
PLAYLIST – TRACK 5: “WE TAKIN’ OVER” BY DJ KHALED
The band aims to open for major acts and perform an operation takeover in the city by continuing to build their rapport in participating at various events, venues, parties, and socials. Mahogany Kane aims to delve into the city’s music scene, showcasing the abundant talent present in Fayetteville. With their diverse talent and solid background, Thomas considers themselves the “baddest band in the Ville,” as they allow music to take control. ‘Operation Takeover’ is in full effect.
To attend the band shows and stay abreast of future events, follow the group on Facebook at Mahogany Kane
