What’s up Si Sessioners…we are back again with a hot artist spotlight that we feel you need to get to know. So prepare yourselves… and warning, our latest spotlight beams with passion, so get whatever you need for this read and brace yourselves for this Durban based DJ and producer as he intends on capturing your hearts and minds. So ladies and gents allow us, with a heavy drum roll to introduce Lungisani Motekase Ndlovu, who is better known as AfroNerd!
Getting to know AfroNerd…
The Afro House producer and DJ describes himself as “Hardworking, Smart and Talented” and based on how he pushes himself and his brand, it is an easy description to believe. He absolutely stood out to us and we felt obligated to do the Lord’s work and tell you all about him.
Let’s start with the basics…AfroNerd is Joburg born and bred but currently resides in Durban. He’s earth-day is the 11th of August, meaning he belongs to the Leo zodiac; and now that we think about it, his hardworking, smart and talented nature may just be the lion in him. AfroNerd enjoys the traditional meal of inyama yentloko nophuthu (sheep/cow head meat with pap) as his favourite go to meal and when we asked him what an interesting fact about him was that he could share with us was…he said “I’m an introvert”, which surprised us because you don’t expect entertainers to be introverts now do you.
Into the Musical heart & mind of AfroNerd
Now that we're done with the basics, it’s time to jump into AfroNerd the musician. AfroNerd has been actively pushing his passion for music as a DJ for 14 years and as a producer for 8 years now. He describes his sound as a sound that knows no religion, race, belief or colour, a sound and style that moves the world! We have had the pleasure of experiencing and enjoying his energetic and vibrant sets and let us tell you, he definitely is a mover and shaker. When we asked AfroNerd why music he answered…”everything I’ve been doing connects to music” which is clear because he’s involvement in the music industry is multi-faceted, not only as a DJ and producer, but as a sound engineering lecturer and as a record label owner. He further adds “The music industry for me is one of those careers that are fun and you can only be in it if you’re really passionate and are in love with the craft itself”.
The industry has its perks and...not so perks…so we asked AfroNerd what the best and worst thing about being in the industry is for him. He starts by saying that he enjoys seeing people connect with his music, and that our brother is a feeling that is out of this world! He seconds by mentioning that he enjoys seeing people that he started hustling with succeed because it means he is also succeeding. Now, the worst thing he says is the pressure of being a public figure in the music industry and says one is always trying to act perfect yet we’re all human beings who make mistakes. Well said sir! Supporters ya’ll need to take it easy, musicians as artists are human beings, they are sensitive about their art too.
Let’s dig a little deeper into AfroNerd’s musical heart…we asked AfroNerd about his highlights, lowlights and challenges since he has been in the game. He says that his lowlight was when he couldn’t show up for a show he was booked for but highlights rocking 3 cities in India as his biggest highlight.
He further adds that there are many challenges that one faces as a musician, he mentions not having a manager and the importance of self-discipline. He also adds not having the knowledge you need is a big challenge. These are issues that most young musicians can relate to. So how does AfroNerd overcome these challenges? He shares something which most musicians can also apply, that being…firstly, you have to show up for yourself! We agree sir, because no one is obligated to show up for you. Secondly, that it's important to equip yourself with music industry related knowledge especially when it comes to contracts and understanding them. He then shares another key secret…that he made youtube and google his friends to equip himself on necessary information.
So what does AfroNerd think about the SA music and entertainment industry... “South Africa as a whole, I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied living in it as a musician till our career is taken seriously and supported more by the government”. He goes further and says that musicians should have plenty of opportunities that there is no need for gatekeepers. We see no lies here ladies and gents. Facts only!.
So what’s the plan for 2023 and the future for AfroNerd?
So what’s the plan for AfroNerd? “The plan is to continue to drop timeless music“ and he hopes to start running his own school, workshops and events. Here’s wishing you all the best with all your future endeavours brother. In the mean time, go ahead and listen to his latest EP “AfroNerd To The World”, which is released under Touch Africa Records & SolarHouseMusic Records.
AfroNerd signing out
We like our Spotlighters to sign out with their favourite quote…so take it away AfroNerd, “Don’t wait for opportunity, create it” .