Tsakani – Tsakani-based musician Jabu Makola (29), better known by his stage name JayMon, is determined to put his unique Afro EDM sound on the global map.

He hails from Langaville Ext 8 and originally hails from Mmotwang in Groblersdal, Limpopo, and has spent years refining a style that blends AfroTech and electronic dance music with the aim of bringing people from different cultures together through dance.

Makola’s passion for music began at an early age after listening to international rap icons such as Lil Wayne and Eminem.

“From a young age, I loved listening to Lil Wayne and Eminem. I saw myself becoming an artist one day, so I started looking for recording studios around my town,” he said.

Although he started out as a hip-hop artist, his musical journey led him in a different direction.

“Hip-hop was my first love, but I wanted to create something new. I gravitated towards making people dance, so I developed my own Afro EDM sound by mixing AfroTech and EDM.”

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His musical roots stretch back to his home church, where he sang in the choir, while he also performed rap during his school years.

Inspired by artists such as Sun-El Musician, Dlala Thukzin and the late Avicii, Makola says he combined elements of their music to develop a sound that is uniquely his own.

He credits fellow artist Usolead with helping shape his current sound and hopes to collaborate with artists such as Mawhoo and Thatohatsi in the future.

JayMon is currently preparing for the release of his debut EP, You and I, scheduled for September 4. The four-track project features Ofana Nawe, Thando Lwami, Izikhali (War Song) and Moving On (Clap), with vocals by singer Paizo.

“The EP is mainly about love because that’s my niche. Only Izikhali speaks about spirituality and the spiritual battles that can exist in romantic relationships,” he explained.

Beyond releasing music, Makola has a bigger vision for his career.

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“My goal is to take my sound abroad and have people from different ethnicities dancing to my music. I want to perform in Ibiza and around the world,” he added.

While he has not yet won any awards or performed on major stages, he believes his breakthrough is only a matter of time as he continues building his brand.

He says making music has also transformed him personally.

“I have grown a lot over the past three months because of the sound I’m creating. Even in my daily life, I have become more welcoming and open. I was not like that when I was making hip-hop.”

Makola also revealed that he prefers recording in a quiet environment with only his sound engineer present, allowing him the freedom to fully explore his creativity.

With his debut EP on the horizon and ambitions that stretch far beyond South Africa, JayMon is hoping his Afro EDM sound will soon resonate with audiences across the world.