Music is DJ Tears PLK’s life
DJ Tears PLK fell in love with music at the age of 17 and because he never got to attend university, most of his skills are self-taught
POLOKWANE – With a name that was derived from the emotional music he produces, DJ Tears PLK said he overcame challenges in the industry by using alternative sources of knowledge.
The Seshego-born DJ and producer, whose real name is Phillip Amos Manaka, told BONUS that he fell in love with music at the age of 17 and because he never got to attend university, most of his skills are self-taught.
“The name stuck with my first record label that put my music on a digital platform in 2013. I started in the industry in 2008 and was inspired by my uncle who also loves music,” he said.
DJ Tears PLK became a producer in 2010 after the need to improve not only himself, but his skill set too. His genres are deep, African and soulful house as well as neo soul and it took him two years to learn the tricks of the trade. DJ Tears PLK’s live sets are more deep-house focused and he has worked alongside Chymamusique, God Fathers Of Deep House, Leehleza (Umshove), House Victimz, Prince Kaybee and DJ Christos. “I have also featured with artists such as Kaylow, Rona Ray and Tiffany Rosebud,” he contributed.
Other challenges he faced in the music industry were people exploiting him for his work and being led astray from his true goals.
He also thanked Mr Mike, Lulo Cafe, Judy Jay, DJ Lovers (Lesedi FM), Tim White (House Afrika) and Botshelo Moate (RadioKC UK) for giving him a chance to start his career.
