Kutloano Nhlapo / 29 / Mix DJ / Radio Presenter / Radio Music Executive / All Round Creative
How’d you find your way into the industry?
It’s been a really long journey that started during school holidays. I used to job shadow DJ Sbu’s Drive Time Show and eventually had a taste of radio and the Schools Art Festival in Grahamstown, I think that’s when I knew that music and radio are what I’m going to do until the casket drops. DJing started a lot earlier, which was also during my high school days, a friend of mine had equipment and we’d chill for hours on end in his backroom DJing. The defining point, however, was leaving UJFM to produce Mo Flava’s Breakfast Show on YFM 99.2 at the age of 22 back in 2012.
Has your journey been epic or a beautiful struggle? Elaborate…
My journey has been a beautiful struggle and epic at the same time because it’s been really challenging, confusing and torturing all in the same breath. Every time I think of giving up or doubting my abilities, a reward takes me to the next level.
You made headlines last year by winning the Axe DJ search competition, how has that impacted/shaped your brand?
That was a defining period, I mean I was one of the last people to enter the competition because I was in a place where I was fighting who I am and what I wanted from the industry as a creative. So I entered because playing in Ibiza was a childhood dream and this opportunity really took me back to why I wanted to DJ and why I actually started, so it really wasn’t a battle to beat any other DJ but a challenge to fulfill something I’ve always wanted.
How does a typical day for you look like?
I’m a workaholic that’s always ready to outwork everybody, so every time I have time on my hands and doing nothing with it, I feel like I’m cheating myself. So during the week (Monday to Friday) I’m at YFM working as a Music Executive, playing my part in contributing to the sound and direction of the station. During weekends I’m either doing my radio shows on YFM or gigging somewhere in the country.
Ever had/have a mentor?
Yeah, before I got into radio I worked as an intern at a youth marketing agency called Monatefellaz, which was founded by Musa Kalenga. I left Monatefellaz at age 22 as a Junior Creative Director and made sure that I maintain that relationship over the years, so besides not working for him, I kept reaching out over the years and that’s how he became a person that helps me make some crucial career decisions and maintain a progressive mindset. Musa Kalenga is an author, master strategist, speaker and all things progressive African.
What does music mean to you?
Music means ‘Privileged Mindset’ to me because music prepares and makes us overcome any situation or any stage of life. It’s one of the only art forms that gives obvious solutions to our everyday life struggles.
Favourite genre of music? (already seems pretty obvious though…lol)
Well I don’t think it’s as obvious as you think. I’m a big Hip-Hop fan because of how precise the messaging is in the art, so you know exactly what the person is going through and what he/she is trying to say. It’s closely followed by Dance/House music because of the feeling of immunity it gives one and the fact that you are able to comprehend every record the way you want.
When you play for a crowd, what makes it memorable?
I think being able to take a group of people from one energy wavelength to the next regardless of their racial, socioeconomic status or background is an out of body experience for me and is probably the most addictive thing one can do.
You’ve done some traveling too, any type of growth you experienced?
Yeah man, traveling just makes you realize how much more there is to contribute to the culture and world through music. It’s taught me a lot about myself and what I have to contribute creatively.
What’s the plan going forward?
Just being more creative in my approach and not fall for society’s trap and what everyone else is doing or deems as a working formula.
What’s your 2018 mindset yet?
2018 is looking amazing, as we speak my first quarter is almost sorted and it entails traveling, international collaborations and growing organically as a creative so I’m really amped up.
Any closing words for the culture?
ALL DREAMS ARE VALID!
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–Bridgette Makhela
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