“The River” is flooding for Ballito muso Majozi
Rapidly rising in ranks on South Africa’s iTunes Chart, featured on 5Fm Radio and set to sign a recording deal, Ballito singer-songwriter Majozi is making waves with his hit ‘The River.”
26 year old Nhlanhla Majozi is unassuming. Despite the success of his recently released EP (4 track) Album “Marvelous Light” he readily admits there are others who lead worship better than he does at his home church Linc at the Litchi Orchard. He is happy to take a back-up position if others can do it better than he does.
So how did this come about? Majozi’s path changed 3 years ago. He has played the guitar from age 13 and was encouraged to leave his banking job and take up music full time with the support of Linc. The church funded his musical foundation course at UKZN and various gigs at local venues such as Karibu Pub and Grill and Litchi Market put food in his belly. “The River” finally made it to national airwaves when he sent it to 5Fm DJ, Catherine Grenfell. She liked it and the radio station has played it regularly since then. His iTunes listed album “Marvelous Light” gained similar popularity and steadily rose the chart to reach #9 in South Africa.
Durban based radio stations do not seem to have caught on.
Who is his audience? His official genre is Inde-Folk, but he cannot pinpoint an exact audience. Many people simply like his stuff. The global aspect of iTunes means he has many buyers in Germany and the US too.
Does he have an icon? An influence? No-one in particular. The Killers, Johnny Cash, Thrice, Cold Play and Kings of Lyon are his musical influence. When pushed for an answer he quietly admits Jesus is his role model. He was raised a Christian and has not strayed too far from that path.
Where does the inspiration for songs come? Majozi likes to write songs of Hope and Upliftment. He doesn’t intentionally set out to, but his songs do give a message of a greater story – despite hardships, there is a way.
What about family? He is not sure about them. His mother worked for 27 years as a maid for a family in Durban North. He lived with her and was raised as one of the family. When his mother retired from service, they continued to support him as their own son, sending him to Northwood School. He presumes his father may have many other children and his mother had other children but they are dead or scattered. He shrugs that off. It is what it is and he does not bother himself with that.
Where to now? Majozi is calmly thankful to be living his ultimate dream so young. He admits there is talk of a recording contract but is not keen to give specifics just yet. He has gigs lined up in Cape Town in March but shudders to think he may have to relocate to Johannesburg or Cape Town to further his career. He likes it on the North Coast and would prefer to stay. Durban, he says, is slowly growing its musical talents. Open mic venues such as “Live at the Venue” in Stamford Hill Road and “Upstairs” above Spigadora in Florida Road actively encourage local talent to get out there.
If you had three things to instill in/ teach your child, what would they be? Love God, Love People, Believe in Yourself.
See and hear more from Majozi: his iTunes chart topper Magnificent Light and Music Video