Kempton’s malumz (uncles) bring kasi vibes to the city

Although Find Your Way is the music duo’s final studio album, it is not the end of their journey.

Malumz on Decks pair Oscar Nyathi and Mandla Mtshali have known each other for over 10 years. Before joining forces as music heavyweights, the Kempton Park residents were on separate paths with different names.

Mtshali, also known as Mandla the DJ, was in partnership with Noxious Deejay, an all-round deep and soulful house artist from Tembisa, while Nyathi was a promoter who later became a DJ.

The two, who have considered themselves a team as well as friends, hung out all the time and supported each other during respective gigs.
To them, sound has always been very important. They love spinning disks at parties and entertaining the crowds, musically.

“We love song writing and recording and creating, so the process is always such a kick for us. To see an idea from nothing to a finished track is the biggest reason we do this. Some ideas pop and explode to a finish in a matter of minutes. Others require patience, extra jet fuel and fire,” they said.

With regards to their stage name, people referred to them as malumz (uncles), and young fans saw them as ‘grootmans’ (older brothers) who could easily get along with them despite the age difference.

One day, while sitting in a car, the duo were discussing being known and liked by the public but did not have a brand name. Mtshali suggested Malumz as given by their kasi (township) fans. They added flavour to the name with ‘on Decks’. This is how their name Malumz on Decks came about.

“We probably have scars on our heads from scratching them while we were trying to think of a good name,” they said.

The duo birthed their own unique sound. They are known for blending two dynamic genres, Afro-soul and indigenous house music, to construct a rare and distinctive sound.

“We knew there was a gap between Afro-soul and indigenous house music, so we brought back that sound.

“Different songs give us different feelings and it’s almost as if we can feel the energy or potential to get people on the dance floor, as well as visualise how people will move to the music. A lot of music moves us emotionally, whether it makes us sad, happy, hyper, energetic or relaxed. We find music to be extremely powerful,” they said.

The pair scored a lot of hits, such as Shay’inumber, Inhliziyo and Kwaze kwaMnandi with fresh collaborations with artists such as Moneoa, Indlovukazi, Mr Vince and more.

Before they got a break in the entertainment industry, the pair had it tough.

“Entering the music industry was not easy, but we kept trying. We had to fight new ground and learn to stick to our guns until others caught up with us and appreciated something new and novel.

“The other challenge involved learning the ropes. Well-known individuals who are committed to the music industry work very hard. We don’t eat excuses, laziness and lack of discipline. Preparation, perseverance and passion are requirements.

“People who would like to walk in our shoes should always note that, once you pair up, it takes a serious commitment to make things work. Deciding to officially tie your careers together means doing everything together,” they said.

They released their last album in June 2019, and have diverted from music to focus on entrepreneurship.

This duo has since partnered up with Roro Morudi and relaunched Jubilee Vibes, a shisa nyama in Kempton Park. The vibrant restaurant is designed to deliver a full kasi experience which includes meat, beers and live performances.

The Ownit Muzik Record label owners said that their aim is to make a difference in the music industry by introducing new talent to the country and also creating employment in the Ekurhuleni community.