Born in Dannhauser, a small town in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Zinhle Jiyane aka DJ Zinhle has become one of the most celebrated female house DJs in South Africa.

 Zinhle is a trained TV presenter however her interest in becoming a DJ started through her brother Zak, who owned a sound equipment rental company. Zak always had a passion for mixing vinyl's in his spare time and passed his talent on DJ Zinhle. Despite the career change, Zinhle booked her first gig in 2004 and kicked off her career in 2006 as the resident DJ for local TV Show, Jika Majika - an opportunity that pushed her into the spotlight. 

Since her discovery, she has grabbed the attention of some of Mzansi's most respected DJs & producer, such as DJ Oskido and has collaborated with renowned artists and released various singles, such as "My Name Is" ft Busiswa.

With over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry, she has become a household name in the South African music scene and has since received nominations for various award ceremonies such as Metro FM Awards and South African Music Awards. 

2017 saw many highlights in DJ Zinhle's career as she released her single "Colours" ft Tamara Dey as well as produced her woman empowerment TV show, It Takes A Village, which aired on SABC 1. 

Zinhle continued empowering females in 2018, through her book "Meeting Your Power", which was co-written by life coach, Nokubonga Mbanga. In October 2018, Zinhle became the new judge on SABC 1's talent search show, 1's and 2's where she worked alongside Ayanda MVP and Prince Kaybee.

• SAMA Awards
• Channel O Awards
• Gauteng Sports Awards
• Miami Music Conference and Southern African Music Conference. – Durban July
• SA Fashion Week
• Oppikopi
• Common Weath Games South Africa after party in Glasgow.
• Swaziland MTN Bushfire
• Nedbank Talk for Success
• ESSENCE Festival
• Mother’s Expo

Brandon Dhludhlu, full names Xolani Brandon Dhludhlu is a singer, song writer and season 16 Idolssa top 5 finalist. Growing up in Mpumalanga Barberton, Brandon, never actually took music seriously up until high school, grade 10. While he didn’t take music seriously, he was introduced to music producers that required assistances with their songs.

He matriculated in 2017 and met a couple of friends he would get into studio with and record some songs. Little did he know that being part of a choir, called Jinda Afrika Choir would come in handy during his Idolssa experience. He was actually on Idolssa two times (season 14 and season 15) before making it to top 5. “So, season 15 was different, I went back, just trying it out but still never made it to top 15,” says Brandon. Luckily, season 16 was totally different, He uploaded his video online and got a call that they loved his video and wanted him to audition for the judges and instead of making it to top 16, he was actually in the top 3.

Born in Dannhauser, a small town in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Zinhle Jiyane aka DJ Zinhle has become one of the most celebrated female house DJs in South Africa.

Zinhle is a trained TV presenter however her interest in becoming a DJ started through her brother Zak, who owned a sound equipment rental company. Zak always had a passion for mixing vinyl's in his spare time and passed his talent on DJ Zinhle. Despite the career change, Zinhle booked her first gig in 2004 and kicked off her career in 2006 as the resident DJ for local TV Show, Jika Majika - an opportunity that pushed her into the spotlight. 

Since her discovery, she has grabbed the attention of some of Mzansi's most respected DJs & producer, such as DJ Oskido and has collaborated with renowned artists and released various singles, such as "My Name Is" ft Busiswa.

With over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry, she has become a household name in the South African music scene and has since received nominations for various award ceremonies such as Metro FM Awards and South African Music Awards. 

2017 saw many highlights in DJ Zinhle's career as she released her single "Colours" ft Tamara Dey as well as produced her woman empowerment TV show, It Takes A Village, which aired on SABC 1. 

Zinhle continued empowering females in 2018, through her book "Meeting Your Power", which was co-written by life coach, Nokubonga Mbanga. In October 2018, Zinhle became the new judge on SABC 1's talent search show, 1's and 2's where she worked alongside Ayanda MVP and Prince Kaybee.

The energetic, reserved member of Trompies, Jairus Ditshotlo Nkwe was born in Meadowlands, Soweto. He is popularly known as Jakarumba, a name he acquired when he joined Trompies.

Jairus 's love of music started from a very young age. It was his love for dancing that finally catapulted him into the entertainment industry. During his school days, he would participate in Pantsula dance competitions which he regularly won. He also danced at stokvels, weddings and social gatherings to earn himself some pocket money. His parents always reminded him of the importance and benefits of education. He therefore partook in entertainment activities on a part-time basis wishing not to disappoint his parents. Like all other parents, they just wanted the best for their child.

After matric, Jairus worked as a technician for Canon and Panasonic. The flow of entertainment still ran in his veins. He continued with dancing and music part-time after work. After work, he would go to the studio in Mooi Street in the centre of Johanessburg, and mix with other upcoming entertainers in composing songs and playing around with beats.

At the age of 19, he was approached by one of the fathers of South African music, Sello "Chicco" Twala to be a choreographer in his music videos. He and his future Trompies band mate, Mandla "Spikiri" Mofokeng, became regular dance features in Chicco 's live performances. He admired Chicco' s work ethic and was inspired to be like him - to compose, sing and produce his own music.

Prior to the establishment of Trompies, Jairus did back-up vocals for and toured with his brother-in-law, Mduduzi "Mdu" Masilela. They also worked together in the studio on some compositions . Jairus has composed songs for MaWillies , Alaska, Baby G and Tsekeleke. One day he was working with Senyaka and Kamazu in the studio when they encouraged him to start producing work for himself. Up to that stage, he preferred mainly working behind the scenes. He had produced hits for other people. Senyaka and Kamazu believed he could produce the same magic for his own career. They helped him to overcome his reluctance to perform on stage; and he thereafter transformed into the entertainer he is today.

The birth of Trompies occurred in 1994. Trompies was. It was made up of Jairus "Jakarumba" Nkwe, Zane "Mahoota" Sibika, Mandla "Spikiri" Mofokeng, Eugene "Donald Duck" Mthethwa and Emanuel "MJokes" Matsane. All these gentlemen grew up around each other and spent free time together experimenting with sound and composition.

Trompies cemented their comradery through their brotherhood and love for music. They revolutionised the sound and rhythm of Kwaito. They established a recording company, Jazmee, which was made up of the first letters of each Trompies member. All members contributed to writing, composing and producing the group's songs. Trompies has released up to 16 albums to date.

Jazmee later joined forces with another recording company called Kalawa under the leadership of Oskido, Don Laka and Bruce "Dope" Sebitlo. The combination became a highly successful unit, Kalawa Jazmee which entertained South Africans with unique Afro and South African beats. Alaska, Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Bongo Maffin, Brothers of Peace, Trompies, Alaska, Professor, Boom Shaka are the successful products of the recording stable.

Trompies albums reached triple platinum status. When they worked in the studio, they referred themselves as Dangerous Combination Crew because they focused on their work and ensured they delivered hit after hit. The members also pursued solo projects in which they were equally successful. They wish to reassure their fans that Trompies is still alive and they still work together.

Jairus is a father of 4 children. As a father, he encourages young people to make education a priority that can help them to improve and upgrade their lives. He advises that today's lifestyle is highly challenging and extremely competitive . Education gives a person an edge to walk through any door in search for opportunities. Jairus states that his artistic talent contributed to him in improving his life and earning a living for his family. However, with today's challenges a person needs much more than talent.

For young people wishing to pursue a career in entertainment, Jairus points out that young talent must educate themselves about the industry as much possible. They must understand both the technical and business sides. Jairus attended piano classes which were taught by Mahoota. This helped improve his songwriting abilities. He further enrolled in advanced piano classes in Randburg.

Jairus further points out to upcoming talent that the business side of entertainment can be filled with hyenas disguised as lambs. These individuals value talent when it is at its peak. And then discard the same talent when its value no longer serves their purpose. Young people must educate themselves on the tunnels, caves and inticrate details of the contracts and agreements they sign. A contract can easily become empowerment and growth or enslavement and exploitation.

As a result of technology, people are no longer buying music therefore an artist needs to be innovative to extend and grow their brand. He established Jakarumba Project and Entertainment as an extension of his brand.

One will be surprised to know that as much as he is a crackfire and explosion on stage, he is relatively reserved and reclusively guarded in his private life . He owes much of his stability to Senyaka who was able to ground him and channel his talent as an upcoming performer. Jairus is a regular churchgoer. It helps him to focus and build discipline which in turn, rubs off into his professional life.

Jairus has grown into a multi-faceted over the years. He acts, sings, dances, choreographes, composes, produces and is a performer of note. He has appeared in Moruti wa Tsotsi and Tjovitjo on SABC 1. He has appeared in some commercials. He is part of Soweto Revival (SRV), an artist movement that revives Soweto and popular South African music personalities from Soweto. He is also part of Dlala Mapantsula, an entertainment project that stages live Kwaito acts.

His personal motto is LOVE, PEACE and HAPPINESS. It's a motto he shares with the audience at live performances. His advice is (1) be humble, (2) be respectful and considerate of others, (3) motho ke motho ka batho ba bangwe - we create and are part of humanity through others, (4) never lose focus, (5) be steadfast in hard work, and (6) use the talent and creativity God has blessed you with

People often ask Jairus on when will he make a comeback. He always says he has never been away. Sometimes he is involved in solo and Trompies gigs outside South Africa. Namibia and Zambia are countries he has fond memories of. Under Trompies they have toured as far as USA, UK and other parts of the African continent. In July 2018 Jairus will be releasing his third studio act , Fresh for Life. His two previous solo releases are Problem Child and Dance Floor Commander.

Jairus expresses love and admiration for South African music. He says Kwaito is still alive. It is a South African product that should be preserved. It makes him and his counterparts smile when upcoming artists mix classic Kwaito beats into their contemporary compositions.

His smile stole the show, it got the ladies hooked and the music industry wondering who he was and what impact he would make in the industry. As much as they don’t want to admit it, if you were a guy and watching idols, and your favorite was Mr Music, then the tale of how you fell in love with him, would include words such as charismatic, humble and kind.

Mr Music, real name Lungisani Mthethwa was born in Richards Bay, Kwa-Zulu Natal. He is 22 years. He has quite a lot of siblings and couldn’t count them if he had to. He doesn’t have kids as yet, but has plans of being a father one day. Music was never part of the plan for Mr Music, he actually wanted to be a medical doctor, that was his wish, but his passion and path changed when he went to a college to study towards electrical engineering. He then decided to do things around music. “I decided to focus more on music because it was his passion and something he loves,” says Mr Music. When they say dreams do come true, Mr Music is the definition of such.

He recorded his first ever single in 2020, Ngikethe Kahle, which is available on all digital platforms and is buzzing on different radio stations and leading on different digital platforms, he will soon get back in studio to record his first album, which his fans are waiting for with bated breath. In music it is important to be as vastile as possible, trends change every day and it is important that while the artist remains truth to himself and his brand, but his able to sustain his brand through the different trends, choose a genre that will sustain him throughout. As you know Mr Music is signed under Kalawa and plans for his music career are actually bigger than the music stable and himself.

Many have compared her tone and style to the next Thandiswa Mazwai! Ndoni meaning a black smooth fruit, real name Phumzile Mseleku was born in Gauteng but grew up in the heart of Kwa-Zulu Natal. She is 23 years old, born on the 28 October. Growing up music wasn’t part of the plan, she always wanted to be a lawyer, but things change when her drive to be an artist grew.

Ndoni is very unique and authentic, there is nobody who can match her sense of style in the music industry and this is why Ndoni thinks a lot of people will fall in love with her music. If one takes a closer look at her socials, Ndoni refers to herself as the black ndoni. This is the nickname she got while studying towards electrical engineering, where she dropped out and went to Ikabawo Performing Arts Academy to study performing arts.

Auditioning for Idolssa was a step into the industry for her. “I wanted Idolssa to give me exposure to tap into the music industry,” says Ndoni. During the Idolssa experience, Ndoni never thought she would reach top 5. Every day on the competition was a surprise. Interestingly Ndoni looks up to the late mama Busi Mhlongo, Lira, Thandiswa Mazwi. That is why she sees herself as an afropop, afrohouse jazz artist. Ndoni biggest worrying is relating to the genre she would like to bounce in, she believes a lot of people have associated that genre with older people than her, however she wants to make it work.

Ndoni will soon hit the studio to record her first ever single. Just like how she describes herself, that single will definitely be authentic and unique.

Nokwazi “Kwazi” Dlamini is a passionate female Maskandi artist from Pietermaritsburg, Kwazulu Natal, whose talent and love for music saw her join the music industry at a tender age of 19. Her talent afforded her an opportunity to work with the best of the best and well known individuals of the industry. She was first discovered by Sizwe Zakho who noticed her vocal talent and subsequently introduced her to the queen of gospel, Rebecca Malope, who she worked with as a backing artist and was featured in some of her music videos as a young girl getting into the industry. She was later introduced and worked with a popular gospel group, Pure Magic. Knowing what her passion was and what she wanted to perform, she never stopped singing. Whatever she put her voice on she made nothing but magic. However, it was not until her talent caught the attention of one of mzansi’s renowned producers, Sello “Chicco” Twala, that the inevitable happened – Kwazi got her big break and started working and learning from the legends of the industry Brenda Fassie, Mbongeni Ngema, Stimela, Duma Ndlovu, Oscar (aka Oskido), Shado Twala, Simphiwe Dana and Zwai Bala to name a few. The exposure, coupled with her passion for music, soon afforded Kwazi the rare, but certainly well-deserved opportunity to travel the world and perform to even a bigger audience in, among other places, Paris, London, Germany and Switzerland, alongside Thandiswa Mazwai and Bongo Maffin . Among other milestones, she later worked with two South African music legends, Busi Mhlongo and P.J Powers and together compiled a music piece for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2003 that was hosted in South Africa. She also went on to work with a London Based Group, Mattafix (of “Big City Life”) where she was featured in a song that sent waves through the European music charts, the song is called “Living Dafur” (2007).

Throughout this exhilarating experience, Kwazi remained humble and patient as a backup vocalist. She confesses that ““It was during this time that I grew as a musician and became more and more grounded as an individual and in our South African music”. It was also during this time, that Kwazi would be working on her own album called “Ilambu” (2013), which is Zulu for ‘light’. The album is a light version of Maskandi music and consists of ten tracks. It was inspired and greatly influenced by her Zulu culture and tradition. Kwazi has also featured on other artist’s singles such as “Ubumndani“(2009) with Distruction Boyz; “Sweetie Sweetie” (2015) with Heavy K ,“Imali” (2016) and “Trap en los” (2020) with Black Motion; “iNde” (2017) with Heavy K and Bucie; “50 Degrees” (2017) and “Ma Orange” (2017) with OSKIDO. “Club Controller” (2018) Remix with Prince Kaybee; “Forever” (2018) with Heavy K and Mpumi; “Umculo” (2018) with Mobi Dixon; “Ingozi” (2019) with Rude Boyz and TNS; “Amagama” (2019) with Prince Bulo and Dladla Mshunqisi, “Vulavala” (2019) with DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small and “Emathandweni” (2020) with Zandimazz. This also includes her feature on Mafikizolo’s recent album as a song writer. All in all Kwazi brings 20 years of invaluable experience and exposure into the South African music scene; she has learned from the best there was and is, the legends and the stars across the industry and its genres. She believes that with all the experience and exposure, both local and international, she has something valuable to contribute to the South African industry.

Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa He has over the years, as a businessman, built an illustrious profile and entrepreneurial career with some of the biggest major music labels across the continent that has made him one of the foremost figures you cant ignore in Africa’s music scene.

He has over the years, as a businessman, built an illustrious profile and entrepreneurial career with some of the biggest major music labels across the continent that has made him one of the foremost figures you cant ignore in Africa’s music scene.

Early Life
Oskido was born on 29 November 1967 in Oukasie township, Brits, North West, South Africa, to the late Zimbabwean politician father, Esaph Mdlongwa, and a South African mother, Emily Sophia Molefi. He spent most of his early life in Luveve Township, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where he went on to finish his basic education after graduating from Gifford High School, Bulawayo. He returned to Brits at the age of 21 in 1988 to run a family business in Lethlabile,Brits shop before he left for Johannesburg to pursue a career in music.

His brilliant music career kicked off when he volunteered to perform at the Razzmatazz Nightclub when a scheduled DJ pulled a no show, providing Oskido the opportunity to step in. It was in that very moment, that mirrored the saying ‘right-place, right-time’, that Oskido was awarded a priceless platform that catapulted his 27-year-long music career.
This leap of faith gained Oskido popularity on the club DJing scene. His innovative and creative self led him to release cassette compilations, ‘Mixmaster’ and ‘Big Jam,’ created from reworking songs and formulating his own sound in the studio, thus boosting his popularity outside of Johannesburg.

While many claimed to be the godfathers of kwaito or the originators of kwaito, Spikiri is kwaito.
As a young boy from Meadowlands, Soweto he took his first step into the music industry as a dancer where he was spotted by none other than Chicco Twala.
Spikiri recalls a fellow learner tapping on the classroom window during an Afrikaans lesson and whispering to him that Chicco was outside waiting in his car because he needed him to feature as a dancer in one of his video shoots. While the teacher wasn’t looking, the fifteen years old Mandla Spikiri Mofokeng sneaked out the window and the rest is history. That was in 1985
In 1988 he found himself working as a studio engineer at Cool Spot Productions in Melville where he met up with another soon to be kwaito legend, M’du Masilela. They formed a duo called MM de Luxe and released two albums with brand new sounds that would go on to shape the revolutionary celebration that is kwaito music.
Realising that education is the key to success he enrolled in the Fuba School of Music where he studied sound engineering and piano.
Through Fuba he met Mahoota who introduced him to Eugene Mthethwa also known as Donald Duck. Spikiri and Jairos had long been friends who had met while at school through their mutual love of dancing. At first the two were fierce opponents in competitions, but realising each other’s talents they joined forces. The four of them got together and Trompies was born.
Trompies were at the forefront of the rebellious, revolutionary celebration that is kwaito music. With their bright clothing and their precise and often humourous pantsula dancing the newly freed youth of South Africa fell in love with them.
Later on they joined forces with Brothers of Peace kwaito colleagues, Bruce Dope and Oskido and Kalawa Jazmee was born. This record company is one of the most influential record labels on the continent shaping and inventing almost every genre of popular South African dance music. Kwaito, Afro house, Afro pop and now this brand new sound which fuses West African beats with South African township suss. Think Boom Shaka, Mafikizolo, Bongo Maffin, Uhuru, Alaska – the Kalawa Jazmee list of success is endless.
As a director of the company and a producer, Spikiri is highly respected in the music industry and every kwaito artist and rapper would love the golden opportunity to work with him.

He has helped forge the solo careers of legends such as Lebo Mathosa, Thebe, Tokollo and Kabelo among others. In fact, Mr Bouga Luv Two Shoes believes that his album is never complete until he has recorded a track with the King Don Father.
Spikiri also discovered and mentored the talent of Professor, the reigning king of kwaito. Professor first came to our attention when he featured in Spikiri’s big hit Current.
Spikiri’s own solo career outside of Trompies has seen him collaborate with artists like Bricks, Flabba, Brown Dash, and PRO among others. Outside of kwaito he has worked with artists as varied as Hugh Masekela, Moses Molelekwa and iHashi Elimhlope.
A little known fact is that Generations executive producer, Mfundi Vundla commissioned him to write the theme for Generations.
A distinct hallmark of Spikiri’s sound is his driving beats. This is often topped by a penny whistle or two and that famous Spikiri trademark – “oh-yeah!”
To watch him in the studio is almost spiritual. He disappears into his ethereal world of music which he effortlessly brings to life. He is gentle, calm, focused and laughs a lot with which ever artist he is working with.
On stage, he is the consummate rock star – irreverent, hard-core, energetic, and spontaneous.
Spikiri’s thirty-two years in the industry has seen the man influence, drive and encourage many artists both within and outside of the kwaito genre, as well as a member of Trompies and in his solo releases. Spikiri is a legend of South African and African music.
Spikiri has been the main influence within the industry over the past thirty years. His continued drive and passion in the kwaito genre and success of Trompies as well as he’s Solo Releases has encouraged many artists within and outside of the industry. Spikiri is a legend of South African and Africa music.

Sumthingis a collaborative dance music project and production duo. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, the group has produced for some of the best African artists infusing nostalgic African rhythms with contemporary international influences to deliver a sound that can move the soul of a new generation. The group is currently at work on their debut studio album.

A MASTER AND A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE

Having met while growing up in Durban, the duo comprising Master Clap (producer) and D.R “The Good Doctor” (producer and instrumentalist), the two reconnected in Johannesburg over their shared ambitions for music. With each bringing their experience to the table, the two music connoisseurs began to collaborate on material for local artists. Their latest production effort includes a number of songs of the highly acclaimed South African music group Bongo Muffin latest studio album.

CLASS IN SESSION

Having produced music for other artists, Sumthing Else is on the verge of releasing their debut music album with a vision to establish their definitive sound on the continent. The album is set to be a lesson in experience for the listener as the group summons their collective musical influences and style into a work of art. With the expertise of a craftsman, Master Clap has an ear for chart-toppers having produced multi-award-winning African hits with the music group, Uhuru. D.R has surgical production skills with the ability to draw on his diverse experiences from playing alternative music to producing for hip-hop, kwaito and house artists.

As a duo, the collaboration may be the beginning of a movement.

BACKGROUND

Both born in Durban, Sihle Dlalisisa (Master Clap) and Mhlengi Mhlongo (D.R) now reside in Johannesburg. They are currently signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records.

“Do unto others you’d like done to you,” this is the motto that Zama Khumalo, Idols SÁ season 16 winner lives by. “winning idols is a dream come true and an indication for me that dreams really do come through,” said Zama Khumalo, a young girl aged 19, turning 20 on 25 August, who like all other young girls had dreams bigger than they could ever imagine. She grew up with a dream of being a medical doctor, but destiny proved otherwise in her teenage years. Her first encounter with music in 2011, switched her plans of medicine, when a friend said she could actually sing.

And being the fourth child in the family, her father expected nothing but the best. That is why, when Zama auditioned for Idols’, he became her number one supporter. She took her shot at fame, by auditioning for Idols on the 7th of March 2020. Those that fell in love with Zama and actually voted for her to win Idols will tell you they fell in love with how fragile and sharp she is, nobody expected she would even make it through theatre week or even top 10, but today she stands as number one amongst all the gentleman that competed till the finish line.

She recorded her first ever single in 2020, Ndizobizwa, which is available on all digital platforms and is buzzing on different radio stations and leading on different digital platforms, she will soon get back in studio to record her first album, which everyone is anticipating and record Ndizobizwa music video which will get Youtube numbers screaming. While musical trends change every day Zama will be keeping the same tone and feel of her first single throughout her entire album. As you are aware, she is currently signed under Kalawa and plans for her music career will definitely have people listening to some fresh musical content.

Zanothando real name Sonwabile Ngxito, describes himself as Umfan’o gcwel’incasa meaning a boy with some taste. He was born and breed in Rustenburg but went to school in Potchefstroom. Zanothando is 25 years old and celebrates his birthday on 1 April, an April Fool baby. While growing up Zanothando always wanted to be famous and successful, being a performer was the only thing on his mind. “I have always wanted to be a performer,” says Zanothando. Singing and performing is not the only thing Zanothando does, he also does Drama, Theatrical Acting. He has done contemporary/afro fusion dance. He aspires to be a well-known writer in the future

Zanothando is actually how he describes himself, fun, free spirited and most importantly a “ladies’ man”. Truth is, if we were to audit all his votes, he got till top 5, the ladies did all the voting, that is why he sees his looks, as one of his best qualities. Many have described him as such a performer, most of his Idols’ performances were sure to deliver on stage, because he has a way of making people fall in love with him and this trait will come in handy when he releases his first single under Kalawa Jazmee. “I certainly believe that people will fall in love with my music because it won’t be anything less relevant and relative, it will definitely trend nationally and internationally,”

It is important for every artist to make mark in the industry and Zanothando is ready to do just that, because all he wants is to be remembered as a life changer, who made an impact within the music industry, giving people music they can listen to forever.