Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Experienced wheel spinner Nizhe DeSoul proved to be a force to reckon with at the Heroes Day celebration gig which was held at a local night club as he managed to stage a professional performance, one that many of his fans termed “a world-class standard.”
The event was headlined by South African private school AmaPiano sensation Kelvin Momo as well as equally gifted DJ Tease.
With DJ Tease opening the event — performing for an hour-and-a-half, he left the decks for the Bulawayo-bred DJ Nizhe DeSoul who increased the tempo of the show as he performed bangers that kept many on their feet on the dance flow.
The “Minister of Monate” as DeSoul is affectionately known, left the stage on fire as he passed the headphones to Kelvin Momo, who also displayed a top-of-drawer performance as his set was more spiritual, keeping revellers singing along on each of his songs.
B-Metro showbiz caught up with Nizhe DeSoul and he opened up on the great experience he had at the event.
Q: Can you describe your set and the type of music you played on the night?
A: My set was a journey — I wanted to take the crowd from anticipation to absolute satisfaction. I played quite a lot of exclusive music. Majority was my unreleased material, as well as an emerging sound from Soweto named Nyaka Nyaka pioneered by Sxova Rsa. Shutout to him and the Nyaka Nyaka gang.
Q: You came in soon after DJ Tease who played bangers and set the mood for the night. What was in your mind the moment you went on the decks?
A: I have been DJing for a decade-and-a- half now. I am exceptionally experienced so I always have one rule on my mind which is — I always start my painting on a blank canvas.
When I step onto the decks, never minding whatever energy was there, I need to make sure I set the fire blazing all the way up to the top.
I was not there for DJ Tease’s set, but what I know is that I made sure my audience had a great time. I wanted to respect the energy he created, but also create my own signature — the “Nizhe De Soul” experience which is the kind that makes people look at each other and say, “This is different.”
Q: Sharing the stage with Kelvin Momo, how does that make you feel? Is it a dream come true?
A: No, it’s not a dream come true that has never been a dream. For me, sharing the stage with Kelvin Momo I’d say is powerful — he’s an architect of a sound that’s helped shape the game. However, it wasn’t the first time sharing a stage with him as we’ve headlined multiple events /gigs on the same line-up in South Africa. I’ve shared the stage with world-class icons but for me it’s less about ticking off a dream and more about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with great artistes.
Q: What is Nizhe DeSoul working on currently?
A: I am currently working on three projects. Firstly, I have a music workshop schedule to take place on the 29 and 30 August in Harare. Secondly, I recently resigned from my job as a lecturer at Soul Candi institute of music.
My next move is opening my own school called Nizhe DeSoul Academy, where we’ll be teaching people how to make music and being a DJ. The school will start operations on 1 September.
Then lastly, my own family friendly people’s favourite event Nizhe DeSoul And Friends is on the pipeline. We will launch it in December.
To wrap it up, I’d like to say thank you to everybody for supporting me. I am extremely grateful for the love and support.
Mathew Masinge