Twin brothers and DJs Bandile and Banele Mbere make up the insanely popular group, Major League DJz. The dynamic duo which has been in the music game for years really made their mark with the dance anthem, Slyza Tsotsi ft. Cassper Nyovest and have since kept us on our feet with hits like Sgetit ft. Kwesta and Cassper Nyovest and Zulu Girls ft. Riky Rick, Danger and of course, Cassper Nyovest. The two have the ability to make people dance with their fusion of kwaito and hip-hop music. We took time out to chat to Banele about the music business.
By: Fundiswa Nkwanyana
1.I make money through having fun! This is because I do what I love, so it does not feel like a job. I play music at the coolest parties, mingle with amazing people and still get paid for it. I also create music with talented artists.
2. My brother and I started throwing parties in Grade 9. At the time, we just wanted to play good music and dance with our friends. We didn’t know that one day, this would turn into a profitable business. We have always loved making music.
3. The creative process of making music is always different. Sometimes the beats come naturally, and we just create them. Sometimes we buy them. It also depends on the type of artists that we are working with, and the vibe we share.
4. Being a DJ is still not viewed as a sustainable career. It is difficult for artists to be taken seriously by banking organisations when applying for a loan, because the entertainment industry is viewed as unstable. I want to change the way people view what I do for a living and prove that it can be a sustainable career. I want to pave the way for youngsters that look up to me.
5. Making music is part of my future. My short and long-term plans include music because I believe that it can solve problems. It is also emotionally and spiritually healing. When you are depressed, hearing your favourite song can put a smile on your face. That is why I will continue to make music because it makes people happy.