Cementing a place in the international music scene is difficult but with perseverance and the right contacts, it is achievable.
Estcourt’s Philani Manyoni, known as DJ Mpiloz is proof that one does not have to live in a big city with record label contacts.
DJ Mpiloz returned from his fourth trip to the United States of America in June and shared that it has been an amazing experience.
Leaving for the States on May 17, Philani played at the South African Invasion in Miami.
Here he rubbed shoulders with a number of South Africa’s finest DJs. After that it was off to New York where DJ Mpiloz played at a huge music event alongside American DJs and vocalists.
“The response from the crowd was great, they really liked my music. I really enjoyed this trip and there were many more people who attended my gigs,” he said.
While in the USA, he had the opportunity of recording four collaborations featuring American DJs and singers.
One of the songs, Lately, which features Vanessa Cooper, can be downloaded from the internet.
When asked about the secret to his success and frequent invitations to the USA, DJ Mpiloz says that his passion and determination has seen him soar to success.
He explains his road to success: “I was playing at a Johannesburg gig and an American woman asked me for my email address. At this time I did not know she was American. Within a month, I received a call for a booking in America. This was unexpected but it was a dream come true for me.”
He encourages other artists to keep pushing on. “If you have passion, you will be successful. If you push on, your music will get to the right people. Be patient and your time will come,” he advises.
He will be returning to the USA in September where Gagasi FM will also be broadcasting live.
Philani thanks Imbabazane Municipality Mayor Phindile Strydom, Drakensberg Secondary School staff and Muke Khumalo who contributed towards his travel costs.