Business-minded artists use their talent to make money

Childhood friends Masilo Maake and Eliya Leshaba said their love for music is so strong it inspired them to start a group and business together.

Both born in Limpopo, the two artists said music was always part of their lives.

“From a young age my father introduced me to music.

“He loved disco music and we would always dance together,” said Masilo.

“As I got older I also developed my own love for music, finding my own taste and style.”

Eliya said his love for music is something he developed on his own by listening to different artists.

“I grew up listening to Rick Ross.

“The way he did his music inspired me and I love that he was also a businessman,” said Eliya.

The two artists said they started writing their own music and developed a sound they love, which is in the trap/hip-hop genres.

“We loved the sound and felt that we can tell our story through music,” said Masilo.

In 2011, they recorded their first song called Strong Enough and that was the beginning of their journey.

The two decided to come to Joburg to pursue their music dream and now Primrose is their home.

“It was not easy leaving home and coming to a city where we knew no one.

“But we told ourselves we had each other and we are going to make music and run our own business,” said Masilo.

They said the journey has not been easy but they believe in their dream.

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“We have had challenges, but we always look at the brighter side of a situation.

“We have our own recording label called HH (Helping Hands) entertainment which was born as a solution to our challenges.

“Now, we do our own recording and can manage our brand at the same time,” said Eliya.

The pair said coming to Joburg was a good decision for them as artists.

“We have a fan base in Limpopo and we could have stayed and said our music is known there,” said Masilo.

“But we saw the potential for growth in Joburg and we have been growing a fan base here.

“More importantly, coming here has pushed us out of our comfort zone and allowed us to push ourselves.”

The two added that their music talks about everyday life struggles and that all young people who have moved from Limpopo to Johannesburg can relate too.

“As young people we all have challenges.

“So we want our music to inspire the youth to be positive about their lives and find inspiration to pursue their dreams,” Eliya said.

The two don’t only create music, they also have a clothing line and a recycling business.

“It was important for us to have more than one business.

“Music can be challenging financially so with the other businesses, we are able to make money and still be able to do what we love,” said Masilo.

Eliya and Masilo said that these days, we live in different times where we cannot rely on one plan.

“Young people must not focus on one thing.

“We all have things we love.

“If your love can make money for you, use it.

“But also look at how you can grow and make money in other ways,” said Masilo.