#ICYMI: Musical duo takes township dreams to world stage dominance
JOBURG – "Through growth and experience, it will be a matter of time until we see our label being one of the powerhouse labels ever to emerge from the dusty streets of Alexandra."
From the streets of Alexandra and Tembisa townships, there are two musical talents who are moving in silence, making waves beyond our oceans.
Reginald Ndou, known as DJMreja and Thabo Maluleka, known as Neuvikal Soule have quietly been hard at work for the last few years, focusing on mastering their craft. They’ve been enjoying success from the love and support that goes beyond the streets of Joburg or even the continent of Africa, reaching the United States.
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DJMreja and Neuvikal Soule met in 2011 through a mutual friend and since then their relationship instantly grew into something they didn’t expect.
“Even though we had met and knew each other way back under different circumstances, the timing couldn’t have been better. After meeting each other we spent most days and weekends sharing ideas and tips on the little knowledge we had and mostly producing music,” said Ndou.
In 2016 the pair officially started their own record label which led to a whole lot of greater opportunities and also resulted in them officially working together as a duo.
They have enjoyed incredible success already, such as receiving recognition from international record labels and also having their music featured on very prominent platforms within the music and entertainment industry.
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“One of our composed remixes, titled Real Love was compiled for release during this year’s #MiamiMonth by Deep Obsessions Recordings,” said Ndou.
They have also received support from one of the world’s biggest DJs right now, our very own, Black Coffee. Their song, titled Open Door was featured in a number of Black Coffee sets during his summer tour around the world in 2016.
On radio, the song debuted at No 1 on the #Hot99Dance Show aired every Friday on YFM hosted by DJ Candii.
“Our work has been featured in a number of entertainment shows, including Selimathunzi (SABC 1) and Turn Up as well as daily soapies such as Rhythm City and Scandal. One of our compositions was also featured on a compilation by Aluku Records, titled Aluku Records Various Compilation Volume 4, which is currently available on all digital stores worldwide,” said Maluleka.
As if that is not already impressive enough, the duo currently have projects out, including an EP, titled Ritual Sounds, which is out under DM.Recordings (London) and Replik Vaults under Seres Produções (Luanda, Angola).
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“Our upcoming release consists of more tech sounds compared to these current releases where more electronic sounds are brought together with our raw edge Afro tribe sounds, which will surely introduce a new atmosphere to grasp into our music,” said Maluleka.
With the recently opened record label, the duo has dreams of being recognised across the globe and compete internationally in bringing forth the African sounds – which defines the dynamic South African culture of music – and sharing them with the world.
