Born Mthokozisi Khathi (1976 August 24) in the peaceful environment of kwa Hlabisa and affectionately known as “Dj Tira’’ to the general public, relocated to Durban in 1995 to study Human Resources at the University of Kwazulu- Natal.
EVENTS MANAGEMENT
The duo Durban’s Finest understood well that to build a music industry you have to host/ stage the best events. They went on to prove that they were not typical disc jocks but were able to change the entire music scene hence flipping the script on Durban’s events coordination by introducing a high end partying lifestyle targeting young professionals of their time.
Real name Musa Mvundla born and raised in Kwa-Makhutha South of Durban, and popularly known as “JOOCY” started singing at an early stage and saw potential in his voice when he joined the Mbongeni Ngema.
Committed Artists Group” which introduced him to theater (acting) his debut acting role was in the award winning SARAFINA and the popular “Stimela Sasezola” musical created by Mbongeni Ngema. JOOCY decided it was time for a new challenge when the embarked on a journey searching for a record label where he could unleash his ultimate music potential. DJ Tira did not overlook his talent, he put him together with Afro Pop group “Afrosoul”, and together they released their debut album under Afrotainment.
The Afrosoul album did so well it even won them a Metro FM Award and a bonus nomination from the South African Music Awards. Unfortunately, Afrosoul dispersed and JOOCY stayed put at AFROTAINMENT helping create numerous hits for fellow stable mates. His biggest hit to date was the smash “I Won’t Let You Go” featured on DJ Tira’s Ezase Afro Vol.1.
He was unstoppable with his melodic vocals when he wrote and recorded “Ngisemathandweni” featured on DJ CNDO’s Finest Lady Of House, which helped define and solidify Durban sound.
More internal collaborations followed with the likes of Big NUZ, and Fisherman. He finally released his debut solo album titled “Definition Of Soul” in 2011 and the 15-track album comprised of dance songs, Afro pop and slow jams. The album featured seasonal hit makers in Dj Tira, Mampintsha and K.O on his leading single.
The album enjoyed production from heavyweight producers such as Robbie Malinga and Demor. JOOCY is a true definition of consistency and has kept his head down putting in work and his heart into his art proving time and time again to be a super talent.
2016 marked the return of South Africa’s smooth operator when he dropped his debut album dubbed “Love & Dance” with lead hit single “Thandekile” featuring DJ TIRA. His hard work on the album earned him a BEST R & B nomination at the 16 Metro FM Music Awards.
The JOOCY story continues as he polishes his craft every time he gets a chance to record under the guidance of his mentor Dj Tira.
Prince Bulo – Long Island. Long Island is the brand new single taken off Afrotainment stalwart Prince Bulo’s debut studio album Good Vibes.
Born Thobeka Precious Ndaba in Durban’s infamous township of Umlazi, Tipcee is a bonafide entertainer who’s talent attributes were visible at a very young age. Tipcee attended Clarence Primary and completed her studies at Ridge Park College.
Growing up in the groovy, talent filled, iconic township of UMLAZI influenced Tipcee’s love for music and eventually her career path as every second house in her neighborhood played music LOUD, simultaneously and religiously each and every Friday; marking the beginning of the weekend and an end to a gruesome week for the working class. Not only that; but growing up, she believed that music was almost the only thing that could bring joy to most people, it was it’s effectiveness in provoking happy feelings that she found fascinating. Tipcee’s teenage years were filled with music in a very unbelievable way, so much that even the taxi’s she commuted in would blast music on her way to school and back. This she believed were some of the joys of being born and raised in the rhythmic land of Kwazulu-Natal. A life of the party amongst her friends, Tipcee has always been known for her
gimmicks and wordplay when presented with an instrumental. Her free styling made her popular amongst dancers and propelled her into a popular figure in her community.
In 2009 Tipcee marked her spot in the music industry and begin her journey in pursuit of a professional music career. She was lucky enough to meet UMLAZI born hit maker, (DJ Gukwa) a seasonal hit maker who has produced numerous hit songs under DJ TIra’s Afrotainment. After recognizing her potential, DJ Gukwa would later introduce the young Kwaito artist to DJ Tira who didn’t waste time getting her into a recording session at his famous Afrotainment studio where the 2017 “Amadada” smash hit was recorded.
Tipcee has since been featured on songs with South African prominent artists such as DISTRUCTION BOYZ on “Madness”, a song that cemented her brand amongst music lovers and proved that she was not a “fly by night” as her voice ruled the December festivities of 2017. The best newcomer of the year in her own standards, her fire could not be extinguished as she dished more hits alongside her label boss on “Iscathulo”- where she featured Distructionboyz, Busiswa & Dj Tira.
Born Sphamandla Duncan Mbambo, 16 November in Durban – Popularly known as “Skuva Maguluva” to his fans, the Mount Moriah born rapper made his mark in the South African hip-hop mainstream scene after being featured by Zakwe on a song titled “Isukile” in 2012.
The collaboration garnered him much needed traction from fans; with some if not most demanding more music from then newcomer- Duncan didn’t disappoint, delivering another sizzling single titled “Straat Sami”, in 2012. In 2013 he scored another feature with “Kasi” rap giants; the late great Prokid, Zakwe & Red Button on the song “Khayalami”, which served as a stamp of approval from industry peers and fans alike.
The year 2014 proved to be the biggest breakthrough year for Duncan when he remade and released Mdu’s “Tsiki Tsiki” as the lead single to his debut album (Street Government), released in 2014 taking South Africa by storm.
The hip-hop and Kwaito infused vernacular album won Duncan young and old fans as it enjoyed high rotation spins both on radio and television, thanks to the artist’s affiliation with the credible Afrotainment.
Dj Tira’s association with Duncan further enabled him to do a remix of “Tsiki Tsiki” featuring AKA, Professor and Mampintsha. The song topped all digital and radio charts within two days of release; earning the (Freshman) the number 10 spot on “Africa’s Top 10 Mc’s list in 2014 alongside the African continents mega stars, such as Ice Prince, Sarkodie, Casper Nyovest and AKA.
Duncan released “Mi Thata” featuring Dj Tira in 2014 taken off of the Street Government album. The song received overwhelming love from music fans across genres as it also provided a fresh twist, a blend of hip hop and house as the song sampled Dj Fishermans’s “Happy Song”. He won his first award at the 2015 Metro FM Awards in the (Best Remix) category for “Tsiki Tsiki” featuring AKA, Professor and Mampintsha. He has since been nominated numerous times at the hip-hop awards, earning recognition in categories like Best Rap Album and Best Newcomer.
In 2016 Duncan released his sophomore album titled “Balaclava”. He reached another milestone with the explosive “Ring Of Lies” series soundtrack featuring Lastee and Ngane as the song proved his versatility once more. It’s 2019 and Duncan is back with another authentic South African song titled “Sikelela” Ft The Legacy. The song is currently enjoying high radio spins across all media platforms.
Duncan has a lot more street anthems to unleash from his book rhymes; thus fans should keep their ears glued to their speaker for the Sphethu/Afro talent.
Dladla Mshunqisi burst into the scene in 2017 with the massive tune by Benny Maverick “MEMEZA” Featuring Dladla Mshunqisi hit single. The dance anthem introduced Dladla Mshunqisi into mainstream and he hasn’t looked back since; but instead he continues to raise the bar with every feature including his own single “Pakisha” Ft stable mates, Dj Tira & Distrution Boyz.
It’s 2019 and the hype has hit the ceiling, charts have been topped, his single “Pakisha” is sitting at over 3 million views on YouTube; now Dladla Mshuniqiso presents his self-explanatory debut album titled “Umshunqo”, which means, “Fun, Lit” as per South African pop-culture terminology.
The 13-track album is produced by DJ Tira, assisted by current, trending Gqom producers such as DJ Joejo whom produced (Bhampa – KOTW, Fakaza – Tipcee, Malume – DJ Tira), Cruel Boyz (DJ Vetkuk & Mahoota – Ziwa Murtu)
The album is blessed with production by Distruction Boyz and Prince Kay Bee and boasts features by some of the best vocalists in the Gqom scene, namely Busiswa, Professor, Tipcee and super Gqom Rapper Beast.
Tracks to look out for are “Thutha” produced by Spirit Banger, “Memeza” hit makers, “Izibalo” produced by Joejo and “Amalukuluku” produced by Prince Bulo, featuring Professor on vocals.
“Umshunqo” is a modern day dance album, leading the evolution of sound over unique South African drums that compliment our very own dance culture as he creatively chants relatable slogans and gimmicks that resonate with the masses, making this release a moment in the South African mainstream industry.
Afrotainment is no stranger to producing artist who go on to sell platinum albums from DJ Cndo and Big Nuz to name but a few. This album is a continuation of Afrotainment success story having produced many a platinum album with the likes of Big Nuz, Dj Cndo and others to name just a few.