MJ DA VOCALIST

MJ Da Vocalist is a passionate acoustic vocalist artist full of bright tones and organic tunes that bring hope, balance, restoration, and selfempowerment to people seeking to be their truest self in life.

“I truly believe that music can change someone’s world, as music has shaped me into the person I am today. Music has always played a huge role in my life, allowing me to make sense of all of life’s hardships and triumphs and I truly hope to help and inspire others through my music.

Mzokhona Justin Shabangu (born 12 November) better known by his stage name MJ Da Vocalist is a vocalist, performer, producer, event organizer and marketer, also a song writer signed under Lingas Entertainment( Pretoria South Africa) MJ developed the love for music and performances at a very young age. He has taken an interest in music during his Sunday school as well as his high school years and received positive feedback and encouragement from his church, fellow learners and educators. He lead the church choir and participated in most of events and entertainment at school. His charismatic personality and passion for entertainment drew positive response from the audience.

SMJ Da Vocalist recently released his latest single, “Umngani owu bae

” featuring Leon Lee & Da Ghost and has some more information to tell us about himself.

INTERVIEW

Q

Can you tell us about your career to date?

A

I started singing when I was 8 years old and I started playing piano and writing songs when I was about 16. Music became a way for me to express myself in a way that brings me closer to others. It is, in fact the “universal language. ” Songwriting is a very important aspect of my life. It has shaped me into the person I am today and constantly helps me deal with and manage life’s peaks, valleys and intricate emotional situations. I have performed on shows around Durban (KZN) and Pretoria and I recently found out that I have lot of artists who want to do collaborate with me, which is extremely inspiring! Also, my new single, “Mngani owu bae” came out on 3th February 2021 then I did a music video shoot on 4th March and I’m so excited about it. Everyone involved in bringing this song to existence worked so hardI’m talking about GNS Media, Leon Lee, Percy Sledge and Da Ghost. I’m so happy that it’s out and people are enjoying it!

Q

What inspired you to write songs?

A

When I started writing songs, it was never anything serious. I wasn’t a great writer, but I kept going. It wasn’t until I was about 18 that I started taking songwriting seriously. The process was simultaneously magical… I got so fascinated and fell in love with it. I have managed most of my triumphs and disappointments through my songs. I think a major part for me was listening to music. I started listening to Zola, Mafikizolo, Professor, Nathi, Busiswa, to name but a few- I think that was the moment where it set in for me that songwriting was an actual thing that a boy could pursue in life.

Q

Can you remember the first time you wrote a song?

A

I remember sitting on my desk at school and writing my first song, scribbling lyrics in my notebook and singing melodies. My songwriting abilities have definitely come a long way since then!

Q

Who did you play the early songs for?

A

I always have and always will play new songs for my family, friends and also people close to me. Any time I write a new song, I send them a voice memo!

Q

What’s the best advice you have ever been given?

A

I’ve received a great deal of amazing advice in my life. One thing that always sticks with me is Facebook friends telling me to “keep going. ” As simple as that sounds, hearing that from someone I look up to as a person and as an artist is so encouraging.

Q

What was the song that influenced you to start a career in music?

A

DJ Tira influenced me to start a career in music. Before I discovered his music, I had an undeniable love for music, but it wasn’t until I came across his production particularly that made me start to believe music is something I could do professionally.

Q

Which song you have written is your favorite and why?

A

My current favorite song that I have written is my new single, which is called “Mngani owu bae (friends with benefits). I’m so proud of this song and I really hope people are enjoying and relating to it!

Q

If you could record with any music star, who would it be?

A

If I could record with any artist, it would be DJ Tira, Busiswa, Blaq Diamond, Dr Malinga. As previously mentioned this artists that aided me an understandingwhat it means being an artist and a singer/songwriter as a career that I could pursue. I have always wanted to be an artist and the fact that I have created music and been able to put it out and have people listen to it and tell me they love it is astounding. I really cannot put that feeling into words. They continue to inspire me today and I will forever be in awe of everything they have created in their careers.

Q

Who gave you the support to keep writing in the beginning?

A

My family and people I was close with at that time have always supported me, through everything. You really never know where it’s going to go with music and the fact that my family was supportive and encouraged me to chase my dreams is everything to me. Writing has always been one of my greatest joys and I could not imagine my life without it. I’m so grateful to have the support I grew up with.

If you want to know more about MJ Da Vocalist don’t hesitate to follow him in all social media platforms, search (MJ DA VOCALIST)