Kutloano ‘Da Kruk’ Nhlapo On DJing, The Axe Ibiza Experience And His Industry Journey

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!

Follow Da Kruk!

Instagram: @dakruk

Twitter: @dakruk

Facebook: Kutloano da Kruk

–Bridgette Makhela

Kinetic On New Single ‘Touch’, South African House Music And Future Plans

Thabo Damari aka Kinetic / House DJ, Producer, Professional Audio Engineer & Entrepreneur 

Who is Kinetic?

Kinetic, as I like to call myself, is an avid music enthusiast. I am someone who has continued to stay true to what I believe in despite many influences. I possess a creative spirit that continues to drive me and constantly pushes me to challenge myself. The name Kinetic is simply defined as an energy around a moving object. I possess that energy within me and whether I’m behind the decks or sitting in front of my DAW, I am simply transferring that energy.

Your new single titled ‘Touch’, who does it feature?

Touch features an amazing fellow creative by the name of Vugar M Beats. Vugar is a multi talented individual who sings, produces and also comes up with unique concepts. The track also has a remix by Chris Carter, who gave it a different feel which resonates with the masses.

What inspires your love for House music?

Over the years I have realized that House music is not just a genre, it’s a community. My inspiration stems from the community of House music. As House music enthusiasts we are always looking to better the culture within the community. Not only that but we are always looking to progress the sound forward. That for me, provides constant inspiration.

Any other singles you are set to release this year?

I have a few projects pending which are set to be released this year (if all goes according to plan). I have already completed two EPs, but I need to make sure that the standard and quality of the music can compete on an international level. I’m also halfway from concluding a project with a very talented female vocalist from Pretoria, the details of that project will be released in due time.

What’s your relationship with Just Mo Records?

The label founder and owner Just Mo has been like my mentor to me ever since I joined YFM. He is a respected member of the House music community, and he is somewhat of an authority in the music industry. I have always wanted to work with Just Mo on a personal capacity outside the realms of radio, so when the opportunity came about I was more than thrilled.

What’s your take on the current South African House music industry?

There’s been talk around how monotonous the industry is currently. A lot of people, particularly those who are in the industry have been complaining about the standard of local House music and the events. I personally believe that there has to be diversity in order for all of us to co-exist. Our aim should be to push the culture forward and avoid being stagnant so that the House music industry can be as economically viable as it’s counterparts. This can only happen if each individual in the community can add positive value, including myself.

How do you balance your day job with a DJ career?

I have always found a way to have balance. In the times we live in now it is not uncommon for someone to be engaging in multiple crafts at the same time. What has helped me is that what I do as an Engineer has enhanced my capabilities as a Music Producer and DJ.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

That has always been a relatively tough question for me to answer because I analyze so many people in the industry, not only in House music but across multiple genres. That’s because I believe that I can learn more from a group of individuals than I would from one person. Everyone has something to offer and everyone has a lesson to teach.

How’s the future looking for Kinetic?

I believe the future holds so much more for me. I see progress each passing day. I was destined to succeed and no matter the challenges, I will continue to work towards my greatness. With God and my family by my side nothing is impossible.

Follow Kinetic!

Instagram: @kinetic_sa

Twitter: @Kinetic_ERR

Facebook: Thabo Kinetic SA

–Bridgette Makhela

  

Fulu Mugovhani On Musical Theatre, Ayanda Movie And The South African Film Industry

Fulufhelo Georginah Mugovhani / 25 / Award Winning Actress

 

Where is Fulu from?

Fulu was born and raised in Thohoyandou, Limpopo.

Share your journey into the acting industry…

I’ve always been a singer…sang all my life and also participated in church plays from a very young age. However, I studied all your typical academic subjects (Maths, Geography, Science, etc) until Grade 12, then I had to decide what I really wanted to do for the rest of my life. My dad had just started working at the Tshwane University of Technology as Head of the Performing Arts Department and he handed me a brochure with the word ‘Musical Theatre’ on it – and there it was! I had found something I wanted to do but was also very good at…Singing, Acting and Dancing. After completing my studies at TUT, I immediately landed the role of Nala in the Hong Kong production of The Lion King. This was validation to me and to the rest of my peers who thought I was admitted into the Musical Theatre program because my dad was overseeing the whole department, I did well!

How did you land the Ayanda role?

It’s quite a story, to cut it short: I got a call from Ntathi Moshesh (who had just left Scandal) telling me about the auditions and how they were struggling to find the lead. I went there and I gave my best audition, then I got the part!

You’ve received a lot of love (and awards) since the Ayanda movie, what’s your opinion on the South African film industry in 2016?

Well, my introduction to the film world was just recently with Ayanda, and that did great. As long as we have amazing filmmakers in this country, the industry will only get better.

Do you have a mentor in your field of work?

I look up to a lot of women in this industry that motivate and encourage me both personally and professionally (whether they know it or not). But, my biggest mentor is my mother.

Do you sing in the shower?

Not anymore…now I just wanna shower, and get it over and done with, haha!

How do you keep fit and stay healthy with your schedule?

I try and make time but I’ve learnt not to beat myself up about missing a day or two of gym and eating badly. Life is too short really.

Love or laundry?

Love, but sometimes I’d just rather do my laundry.

Follow Fulu!

Instagram: @fulu_mugovhani

Twitter: @fulu_heart

Facebook: Fulu Mugovhani

 

–Bridgette Makhela