Chronicle Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu, Showbiz Reporter
ONE of the nights where nocturnal beings come out to play is New Year’s Eve leading to the first day of the year.
On this night, parents practice leniency and let even their little children soak in the cool night breeze in anticipation of a better year ahead, a year filled with positivity.
In South Africa, seven years ago, South African musician, DJ and businessman DJ Sbu (real name Sibusiso Leope) treated people to a New Year’s Day like never before as he dropped a 15-track album titled MoFaya and indeed more fire was to be expected as his pyrotechnic album became a success.
Since 2014, DJ Sbu has been growing his beverage brand MoFaya and recently, he roped in a Zimbabwean Amapiano artiste to sprinkle some magic to the brand.
What’s the best way to go musically these days? I presume most of you will pick the Amapiano sound and rightly so since the genre is slowly, but surely having a stronghold in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
2K the Mechanic (real name Brian Chosen) is the chosen one as he has signed a deal with the South African DJ that will see him record a song to promote MoFaya.
The Bulawayo-born and bred singer, now based in Johannesburg, South Africa is on a mission to take his Amayara brand to the next level with his Amapiano, Gqom, House and Kwaito sound.
From his Joburg base, 2K the Mechanic spoke to Saturday Leisure about his music, Amayara, the relationship that he has with DJ Sbu and everything in between.
The self-professed founder and ambassador of Amayara Generation said he started his musical career three years ago and sees himself as someone who will canvas the music business for many more years to come.
“I believe that I’ve always been an artiste, but professionally, I started in 2018 after being influenced by female artiste Moonchild Sanelly, DJ Tira and late actor Menzi Ngubane.
“Amayara emanates from my creative side. It’s a generation on its own but unlike the millennials, ama2K or the 90s folk, it’s not confined to any timeframe but incorporates people from all walks of life and age.
The name has an Indian etymology and is one that’ll be remembered forever even after I’m gone,” relayed the artiste.
Quizzed on how the deal with DJ Sbu came about, the artiste alluded to the age-old requirement that some artistes in the industry take for granted, having a manager.
“I owe my success to my manager who made this deal possible through his good networking and interpersonal skills. Steven Mzizi negotiated everything when he met up with DJ Sbu’s PA. He emailed DJ Sbu’s PA and manager and then after that, they set up a meeting and the rest is history.
All that was left was to put pen to paper for the project.
“Even when it came to working with Martin ‘The Big Boss’ Sibanda’s manager, Malackian, my manager was hands-on every step of the way. If artistes are to make it in the industry, they’ll need competent managers to make sure that they make critical decisions and carry their talent forward,” said 2K.
“The Amapiano sound is taking over the music industry now and it is about time that I claim my spot as well.
I want to strike while the iron is hot. Since arriving here, I’ve been busy working and together with my manager, I’ve been making strides,” added 2K.
The MoFaya song has since been recorded and mixed. All that is left is to master the vocals and it will feature 2K’s protégé Lady 2K and Mjava as well.
Lady 2K is his female version and she started off as one of his dancers. After a few lessons, she was ready to hit the microphone for a collaboration of iconic proportions.
The song talks about the new range of soft drinks which have kasi language embedded in them. The flavours include Cola — Sash Mnyamane, Crème Soda — Nomalizo, Ginger Beer — iGemmer (described as a true African taste that always screams ‘hoyi hoyi’ when it goes down your throat), Granadilla — Slay Queen, Grape — Tjovitjo, Iron Brew — Intsimbi, Lemon — Boss Zonke, Lemonade — Botsotso, Litchi — Akekhugogo, Orange named after DJ Sbu’s alter-ego Mzekezeke, Coco Pine — Yellow Bone, and Raspberry — Isichomani.
The lyrics that were written by 2K hype up the different flavours that MoFaya offers and further implore people to buy local products.
“I’ve been given a chance to showcase my talent and being endorsed by one of South Africa’s best in the music business is an honour.
To make noise on the song as well as market me as an artiste, I’ve begun a tour of radio stations which commenced with a stop at the Commuter FM two weeks ago en route to DJ Sbu’s childhood community radio station, Thembisa FM on a date to be advised. My mentor Seebee is always by my side during these visits,” said 2K the mechanic.
Prior to releasing the MoFaya marketing song, the singer will release a five-track EP which will comprise songs, Umadlisa, Ye Bashana ft Pretty Gum, Batista, Party Animals and Inamba Namba ft DJ MQ.
2K cherishes the opportunity to make an impact in a foreign land and wants to maximise the moment so as to leave a lasting legacy within a sector where being a one-hit wonder is a sure possibility.
With aspirations of being a big-screen star, 2K sees himself as someone who will change society via his music and theatrical skills.
All of 2K the mechanic’s endeavours will hopefully culminate with a show to be held in his hometown Bulawayo next year since the singer feels nostalgic sometimes and understands the need for one to always come back to where it all began.
Amapiano lovers just have to wait and see how 2K the mechanic will “fix” DJ Sbu’s MoFaya brand and take it to the next level. — @eMKlass_49
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