Inspiration drives NKO

Local DJ Nkosinathi Sikoti, affectionately known as NKO is doing it all; from playing in clubs, running a label, to creating his own clothing line.

How did you get into DJing? Was this something you aspired to as a child?

A: My first interest growing up was music production and record labels from the early ’90s. I would pay more attention to what happens behind the scenes in record labels. I listened to and collected a lot of hip-hop, reggae, kwaito, RnB and other genres growing up. In 2003 I finished my IT diploma and the following year my father was retrenched from the firm where he was working. I requested my parents to buy me a computer and I started my own printing and photocopy business. It is during this period that I took the decision to also start a record label and worked with guys I grew up with from the neighbourhood and released music. It is also during this period that I became closer to DJ Starmula as he was already DJing in parties and local tarvens. DJ Starmula was always asking for new songs I produced so that he can have new stuff on the weekend, I later decided to join him during his gigs. That is when I started DJing and soon met a lot of other guys like Herbert Delaney, Lynch, Mzobhana, Sharkeeedo and Lord Normz, to name a few. Later with DJ Starmula and Lynch we started a record label called SNH (Sound N Harmonics) and released three compilation albums to date.

What makes one an exceptional DJ?

A: One that manages to get people talking after every set.

Does one have to attend every party happening in town?

A: It is up to the individual, but the way the East London entertainment is lined up now it makes it very difficult to keep up.

You are the chairman of the United East London DJs Association, tell us more about the organisation? What does it do?

A: It was started two years ago by DJs from East London and surrounding areas. The main objectives of the organisation is to help each other grow in the industry, have unity and share ideas and experiences. We also have an annual event in December, which we use to showcase the talent we have inside the organisation. The proceeds go towards a charity event that we do in February, where we visit a primary school to donate uniform and clothing to underprivileged pupils.

What would you say to aspiring DJs, who wish to be where you are today?

A: Polish your craft all the time and stay disciplined. Although we have many DJs in East London, there is still room for more because there are more events and people want variety. One must identify what makes them stand out from those that are already there.

You have a clothing line, how did that come about? What do you offer?

A: One word to explain my clothing line is “humour”. We do a range of humour T-shirts, with the first one to be released being ‘Andikuva Noba Uthini’ (I can’t hear a word you are saying). One of the talents I realised towards my final years in high school was that I could draw cartoons and people really laughed at them. Because of work, music and other commitments I slowly neglected this talent. One thing my close friends and neighbours kept on telling me was that the choice of words terms I use when talking they are actually very funny. As the years went by and with the arrival of social networks some of these “terms” I used trended a lot, and my partners at SNH advised me to try doing a few T-shirts to check the response, there was no turning back after that. Our ranges include: Andikuva Noba Uthini, Ndidlakadlaka (I’m torn apart), Libele iWallet Endlini (I forgot my wallet at home), I buy my Own Drinks and Cimba Fansba (You think you’re all that). They come in T-shirts, vests, caps, etc, and we also have a kiddies range.

What has the response been like since you started the clothing label?

A: The response was more than I could have ever imagined. The products are now sold in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Grahamstown, King William’s Town, Mdantsane, East London, Joburg, Butterworth and Mthatha.

What are your future plans for it?

A: To get distribution, which will make it available in major shops for easy access to the customers.

How do you make sure everything is balanced between DJing, your line and label?

A: I have a strong support base from my family, Bravo and SNH teams, which are always available to assist. I also have always been someone that manages to do a lot of things at one time. When I was still in high school after school I would go to the salon, where I was an assistant.

Apart from making music and clothing, how do you relax?

A: I enjoy watching music documentaries, and these days I spend time out with the family and watching cartoons with my daughter.

Who or what inspires you?

A: Everyday life inspires me. I’d look at someone doing a garden and get inspired, I’d look at a pastor preaching at church and be inspired, I’d also look at someone hiding under the bed from ooMashonisa (loan sharks) and be inspired.

Anything you'd like to share with us?

A: Thanks to everyone that supports me on all the many things I do. People can get my clothing line at E.D.D Fashions Mdantsane City or visit the page “Andikuva Noba Uthini” on Facebook for contacts. If you think you are talented submit demos on the page “SNH Productions” also on Facebook. To see some of my cartoons visit my Facebook profile Nkosinathi Sikoti and open the album ‘Cartoons’.