… Says multiple streams of income are fundamental
BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE– The current global economy demands one to have more than one stream of income and renowned DJ Jazzinsoul is doing just that.
Popularly known as Jazzinsoul, Ndumiso Patson Siphelele Mhlanga, a DJ who is known for his soulful and deep house music sounds, has ventured into culinary business- a sector which gained popularity during the emergence of COVID-19.
EmaSwati are increasingly becoming a nation that embraces food culture and Jazzinsoul took that to his advantage and started a culinary business known as ‘Soul Khishin’, whose name is inspired by his musical background.
Hailing from Queensgate in Mbabane, Jazzinsoul was raised by a respectful family and loving parents.
He did his primary and high school at St Marks and went on to do matric in the Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. He then furthered his Degree in Birch Cooper where he studied Information Technology.
The EPN desk had a one-on-one with Jazzinsoul regarding music and business and this is what he told us:
ON MUSIC…
First of all music is what I live for as I have been a music fan since a little kid, back in the days of cassettes and vinyls. I think I grew up in an authentic era when music was pure.
Growing up, I used to collect music from cassettes. I was a huge fan of kwaito and hip hop. This is primary school am talking about. Then I was introduced to house music by my elder brother Sifiso Mhlanga also known by ‘Sgegedze’. He used to be a DJ back in the day with my cousin Tshepo Moshoeshoe.
So, that’s when the journey started. I used to crash into his computer and record mixes with the music they collected which was deep and soulful house, and this is my early High School.
I started sneaking out of the house to go out and attend shows. Growing up was crazy. LOL.
I then started playing in various house parties with my friends and I used to collect music and DJ with a friend called Vile Shabangu. We used to rock with him. But he then decided to quit music and focus on school. He is a lawyer now and I am proud of him. We still hang around until this day.
My love for music grew even more so I then moved on to playing in clubs, getting an early slot as I was still getting introduced. I got the recognition and got the bookings I needed and that’s when Jazzinsoul blew up.
A big thanks to Tibza Nxumalo and most importantly my cousin Tshepo Moshoeshoe for introducing in South Africa back in 2015. That changed my whole DJ career. My name got on the map since I gained a lot of following there and until this day I have a lot of following in South Africa.
My stage name Jazzinsoul simply describes the music I represent which is jazz & mostly soul. I am more of a soulful music fan. I love vocals.
ON DJ-ing JOURNEY
My DJ career has been awesome; I have travelled so much in and out Eswatini. I have been on flights travelling to places like East London, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Lesotho, Botswana and many other places. It has been amazing I would say.
I have learnt a lot through travelling and music. I have met and worked with a lot of amazing artist through the music and this includes Oscar Mbo, Trev the Japanes, Vinny Da Vinci, Kanunu, Agent Lungazand others. I’ve also had the opportunity to bring some of the artist in Eswatini.
ON ‘SOUL KISHIN’ CULINARY BUSINESS
Venturing into business, I think was one of the greatest things I’ve done in my life. I started a food business in 2020 in the middle of a pandemic a year after I lost my father, R.I.P to the old man.
My food business is called the ‘Soul Khishin’ simply because am more of a soul person since I mentioned earlier on. In this provide business, I provide lunch on which we allow our customers to place orders and then we deliver.
I ventured into this business because I love food and music. But what is music without good food and company! It all connects us. This has made me to make a living since I am able to now put bread on my table, and I still thank the man on top of everything God for this business.
THE JOURNEY IN BUSINESS…
In life we live and learn every day and you also need to understand that days are different.
Business is business, it has its ups and downs but as human being you need to focus and soldier on. You can’t quit because today you made a loss. You need to refocus and try again. But honestly speaking, it’s hard being small business owners here in Eswatini lately. Too much is happening; the shutdowns which affects a lot. The increase on food prices, transport prices growing up. It’s a lot to handle because salaries are still the same and people are now struggling to afford buying our items we provide. We still hope and pray for better days.
Social Media:
Twitter: @jazzinsoulOTS
Instagram: jazzinsoulOTS
