Greenstone’s Mr JazziQ in the spotlight

DJ sensation and Greenstone’s very own Tumelo Monyani (26) is enjoying a career in music.

His talents have led him to playing at festivals like Afropunk and working with DJ Black Coffee.

Tumelo, who is also known as Mr JazziQ, was one of the young artists to push and dominate the fresh amapiano music culture, which emerged out of South Africa.

Tumelo and Josiah Makoela, also known as Josiah the disciple, formed the DJ duo called JazziDisciples.

“It was during a meeting at Tshepo’s studio we realised we wanted to release similar projects,” said Tumelo.

The two have a competitive but healthy relationship, although Tumelo admitted Josiah is the better producer between the two of them.

“I will gave him that one. I heard about Josiah during my high school days at Bus Stop, where most high school learners in the area used to meet after school.”

Josiah was a learner at Northview High School while Tumelo was a learner at Highlands North Boys’ High School.

The two music producers have made huge marks in different townships and received a lot of support and love from not only Alexandra but also Thembisa, Soweto, and further afield.

“Coming into the industry was hard because fans were used to getting free music from the artists; hence, the transition to selling music was difficult,” said Tumelo.

“We hired a videographer to record us at events and played tracks that people didn’t know.”

Tumelo said this tactic helped build a demand for projects before they were released.

“By the time we released singles, people wanted them and they were willing to buy the music.”

Within three months after teaming up the pair released two projects.

“Another challenge was the music industry gatekeeping. People in the industry will judge you negatively because they don’t know you. It can take forever to build yourself and they will just tell you are not good enough.”

Contrary to the negativity, Tumelo said he believes he is at his peak.

“People love my work.”.

He said his schedule can be busy and thus he enjoys the calm environment and community of Greenstone.

“I needed a place that was quiet because I am always around people and my work requires me to be a social person, so this place gives me serenity.”

He added that he finds the area convenient as it is close to the airport and malls, and is only a 10-minute drive to Sandton.

Tumelo enjoys Sundays at the parks in Modderfontein.

Although Tumelo was raised by his grandmother in Alexandra, he said his parents stayed in the north of Johannesburg, giving him the best of both worlds – the suburb and township lifestyles.

He was influenced by his surroundings and musical family while growing up.

“My family was a huge influence on my music career. They loved house music and this led me to my passion.”

He started DJing at the young age of 14 and producing at 16 years old.

“My music influencers were my dad and uncle, who hosted famous musicians at home. I was around the likes of Oskido, Shimza, Culoe Da Song, Black Coffee and so forth. I have a good ear for music and my dad and uncle used to collect records and ask my opinion on music.”

JazziDisciples were invited to play for the international Afropunk Festival in December 2019.

“We also opened for Miguel when he had a concert in SA and we have worked with Black Coffee.”

Apart from music, Tumelo also has a passion for fashion.

“I studied fashion and my mom is very stylish. She would say you never know who is looking.”

Another passion of his is giving back to less fortunate musicians.

“I am working on a movement in Alexandra where I help up-and-coming artists.”

Tumelo expressed how the Covid-19 pandemic affected artists.

“We can’t do much, it was a wake-up call. It’s a reminder to save money because you never know what can happen tomorrow.”

Tumelo’s top five tips for other artists:

1. Stay focused.

2. Be consistent.

3. Know how to navigate the industry.

4. Do research on the industry.

5. Never get tired of getting new information about different things.