Nhlanhla Majozi is a special talent, having rocketed to the top 10 in the South African music charts just a few weeks after releasing his electric-indie rock EP album, Marvellous Light.
The Salt Rock local is not letting it go to his head thanks to a life firmly backed by his faith and friends, who he credits as the basis for his success.
Originally from Mount Edgecombe, Majozi was taken in by the family that his mother, Joyce, worked for as a domestic worker.
The Smiths treated her son as their own and put him through school.
Majozi attended Atholton Primary and Northwood High School and picked up music from an early age.
“When I was younger, I used to sing a lot and began playing guitar when I was 13.”
After school he worked as a bank teller for four years. He played music on the side but found it hard to pursue his dream between his work obligations.
“We played at open mics in Durban and Umhlanga but I did not think I could ever be a professional musician, I just wanted to play.”
He said the turning point was when he joined Linc Church in Salt Rock and left his job to work part time for the church as a worship leader while studying.
Majozi friends at Linc encouraged him to write and perform his own music.
“Thanks to Linc, last year I did a foundation course in jazz and popular music.”
He said his friends Kent VanderYacht and Linc pastor Dylan Jahnig have played a important role in encouraging him to never give up.
“Dyl always talks about being courageous and bold and Kent always lifts me up.”
Now between his work at the church Majozi has become hugely popular at his regular gigs at Burnedale and the Litchi Orchard and is regularly booked to perform at weddings.
He said his friends and the church have had a big effect on his music.
“My music reflects who I am and because I am a Christian it comes out in the music.”
His EP album (released on iTunes three weeks ago) has received massive support, which he was not expecting.
“It is what I have always wanted, but I am one of the lucky ones because my childhood dream is coming true.”
Majozi gave credit to his producer Warren Meyer from Doppler Studios who put a huge effort into making his album of international quality.
“We worked for six months on the EP. It started off a small thing and evolved from there,” he said with a smile.
He also praised Casey Fredman and Chloe Clark for laying down female vocals for the album.
Majozi has plenty of gigs lined up for the holiday, is going to shoot a music video in January and wants to start recording a new album in February.
The humble local has a simple way of looking at his music.
“I just want people to enjoy my music and send out a positive message.”
Marvellous Light is available on iTunes for R30. The electric-indie rock EP features four tracks – Marvellous Light, The River, Steadfast Love and Wild and Free.
Check it out here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/marvelous-light-ep/id777798508
