Thembisa-born producer KilloTronix shares his journey in the music industry

I was born at Thembisa Hospital and have spent much of my life in Thembisa. I moved to Clayville during my early teens before returning to Thembisa as a young adult, where I still live today.

My love for music started when my mentor, Mr Tlou, took me under his wing and taught me how to play the drums and piano. Those early lessons laid the foundation for my journey as a music producer.

I later developed my skills through the guidance of Tshepo, also known as Miguel Scott, and went on to establish myself as a producer in Thembisa.

What I love most about Thembisa is the unity, the vibe and the community as a whole. There are so many places I enjoy visiting that I cannot choose just one. It usually depends on how I feel at the time.

ALSO READ: Meet Thembisa DJ Kgomotso Makgafola chasing his dreams through music

One of my proudest moments was sitting at the back of a taxi when I heard a song I had produced being played by Black Coffee on the taxi’s radio. I immediately screamed and asked the driver to turn up the volume. That was the moment I realised my true potential.

One thing I would like to see change in our community is the way we support one another.

I feel we are moving away from a spirit of togetherness towards a more transactional way of doing things, where people expect compensation for helping others.

I would love to see more genuine support and collaboration within our community.

One person who continues to inspire me is DJ Shimza. He has broken records and challenged expectations, reminding me that I am capable of achieving great things if I put my mind to it.

I would describe Thembisa as fun, vibrant and awesome.

I am known as KilloTronix, and I work as a music producer, DJ and event coordinator. Through my music, I have contributed to the dance floor by sharing sounds that come from within me.

ALSO READ: Thembisa learner hopes to empower youth through music and acting

I have also had the opportunity to work with established artists such as Lulo Café, Vetkuk and Mahoota, and Euphonik.

I was also part of a group called Audiogasmic Sound, which gave the community the song “Abashwe”. The track became popular in the streets of Thembisa and was played five times in a row at a venue called Cocktail Sundays.

If I could change one thing about Thembisa, I would create better opportunities for the younger generation. I would also love to see initiatives such as arts centres and arts programmes in schools making a comeback, giving young people more opportunities to explore and develop their talents.

The words “I am capable” come from my mother, Mohau Mkhonza. She continues to inspire me to this day, always reassuring me that I am enough just as I am and encouraging me to let my light shine for the world to see.

To me, home means peace, tranquillity and happiness. As the saying goes, home is where the heart is. I also believe in taking it easy and enjoying life. Those sentiments are reflected in my upcoming album, The Detour, which is set for release on November 27. The album has elements of my community and, in many ways, is intended to feel like home.