POLOKWANE – Solly Maluleka goes by the stage name Dolce la Sol and is the founder of Faith Records, a record label which represents more than just making music but also a new start backed in Christianity. The former DJ and hip-hop artist had been through several obstacles before deciding to turn to God for change.
“I decided to change my life and become a Christian earlier this year. It was not an easy decision to make because I was initially worried about what people would say when they saw me carry a Bible to church every Sunday. I came to the conclusion that it was my life and I desperately needed the intervention, I should not care what anybody else thinks,” he explained.
After his new found faith, he founded the record label where he currently manages C Trax and Mark Lane. He now works behind the scenes and focuses on artist management. He shared that it has not been easy as he had to do a lot of research and speak to industry greats to have a feel of how everything works.
“I have come to an understanding that artists do not know how the music industry works. They are all about chasing popularity rather than focusing on honing in on their craft,” he said.
Dolce la Sol explained that his change of lifestyle has not affected his drive and passion for music but he has had to alter some of his habits such as drinking and partying.
“I also do not listen to certain artists anymore. I work with music which is clean as I will not promote music with profanity,” he said.
He has also become stricter with the image of his artists whom he encourages to respect their place of work.
“You cannot perform at a pub and stay to drink, it is wrong. Partying should be done elsewhere, not where you want to be taken seriously as an artist,” he added.
He plans to sign two more artists before the end of this year and aims to become one of the biggest independent record labels in the country.
He released a single from his final EP, My Musical Testimony, Praying for better days, before he officially bowed out as an artist.
