DJ Jonape Nape
Rivonia
DJ Jonape - BIO
South African DJ Jonape, was born in the Township of Soweto, Mapetla. He discovered his flair for house music early on and at the young age of 11, this local South African lad’s dream of becoming a professional DJ was born.
As a young boy, listening to various local and national radio stations and DJ’s, inspired Jonape to try his hand at live mixing. “I would sit and wait for songs to play and then record them on cassettes live from the radio. I would then play them to my friends. In my heart I was already a DJ.”
Jonape continued to make his name around Johannesburg where he played for family, friends and at house parties. His confidence, popularity and skills were growing and whenever he turned up at a party (unbooked) – he would always be asked play at set.
In 1998, Jonape enrolled with African Media Institution to study Radio Production & Presentation. He completed the course and 6 months practical experience. By this time he was producing shows and show elements for the SABC, Y-fm, Highveld Stereo, Kaya fm and 702 to name a few.
Jonape relocated to UK in 2002, hoping to pursue his deejaying career. He met a musically like minded friend, the late DJ Stacoli.
The two of them began to collect vinyls at a local HMV store in Norwich – UK. But they didn’t have anywhere to play them.
After saving enough money they bought their first belt drive turntables and a mixer. That was when everything started to fall into place.
The duo quickly started to make some serious noise across UK, especially at South African parties.
They were getting bookings across the country. Some of the biggest places they played in UK includes; Club Afrique – London, Millennium Club – London, First Slick management boat party – London, Guildford – Surrey, Leeds, Manchester, Bradford, Southampton, Mojo Night Club – Norwich, Mustard Lounge - Norwich to name but a few.
In 2005 the duo was on a weekend tour with DJ Cleo playing in London, Bradford and Southampton. With passion he developed for radio, Jonape got involved with ICR (Ipswich Community Radio) in 2003. How did this happen? He was contacted by Dalu Moloantoa to enquire if Jonape would be interested in Radio presenting. The opportunity was a great one, so Jonape grabbed it with both hands.
After six months with the radio station he moved to Norwich permanently where he met DJ Andy James. Working with Andy, it was clear that Jonape wanted to progress his career in the music and radio industry. He recommended that Jonape gave Future Radio (www.futureradio.co.uk) a try.
“I arranged a meeting with the station manager, Tom Buckham; and suggested that I host a South African Show.” The idea was well received and the Mzanzi Show was born. The show helped him to extend the platform of promoting South African music in the UK.
http://www.thesouthafrica.com/entertainment /kwaito-sound-on-uk-radio.htm
“Jonape worked and interviewed some of the biggest musicians and celebrities in South Africa and abroad on his show. Some of the artists featured on his show are Black Coffee, Vinny Da vinci, Culoe De Song, Oskido, Kelly Khumalo, Dr. Irvin Khoza (Orlando Pirates Chairman), Robert Marawa (Metro fm), Manoo (French based) Boddhi Satva (Belgium based), Louie & Anane Vega, Low Deep T(London based), DJ Rocco…too many names to mention.
His love of deep afro house, soulful House, Funky House or in nutshell, Mzansi House made him believe that he can take South African music to another level overseas. Although it was not easy, Jonape brand was finally established in UK and South Africa.
I want to contribute more to promoting South African music abroad and his mix tapes can still
be heard on Future Radio every month.”
Jonape shared the stage with some of the biggest names in South African music industry while in the UK and abroad, the likes of DJ Cleo, DJ Cndo, Black Coffee,Revolution, Oskido and the list go on. He recently shared a stage with DJ Vetkuk vs Mahoota and DJ Ganyane in Mozambique you will continue to hear and see Jonape’s name all over South Africa. His mix tapes have been featured on some of the national radio stations in South Africa and his mixes still feature on Future Radio every month.
You can find them at:
http://soundcloud.com/djjonape
www.mixcloud.com/jonape
http://podomatic.com/profile/djjoenape
http://www.mio.co.za/article/mzansi-music-making-waves-in-the-uk-2009-07-15
Music Style:
• Deep House & Deep Afro House
• Soulful House / Mzansi House
• Funky House
For bookings:
Email: bookings@jonapeproduction.co.za
Mob: (+27) 71 500 8627
DJ Jonape’s tracks
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