Mohalenyane Phakela
IF music be the food of love, play on, so the saying goes, and the emergence on the local entertainment scene of such talents as DJ Marvel ensure that Lesotho’s nightlife remains vibrant.
Born, Mojalefa Kitime, DJ Marvel also goes by the moniker Jazzy Jeff. The Nazareth-born disc spinner is slowly, but surely, etching his place among his peers, and becoming a household name while at it.
DJ Marvel has acquired a flair for blending House, Hip Hop, Electro, RnB and Dubstep music among other genres. These skills have seen him stand out among most of the spinners who are already in the industry.
In an interview with the Weekender this week, DJ Marvel attributed his unique skills to an undying passion for music.
“I have always been passionate about music from as early as kindergarten, but only joined the industry in 2006 when I was a first year student at the National University of Lesotho where I secured a slot at the campus radio station known as Dope FM. That is where I learnt how to blend songs into a long mix.”
DJ Marvel also revealed that he never had a mentor or tutor, with all the skills he has acquired self-taught.
His greatest joy comes from the appreciation of revellers during his sets; and the pat on the shoulder when he steps down from the decks. Like every deejay, he studies his crowd with the first two songs to assess which genre takes their fancy.
“With the first two tracks that I play, I study my audience and I believe every crowd is a new crowd,” he said.
“One of the things I try to avoid as a disc jockey is being predictable. I always make sure that I do not give my audience the slightest hint of what to expect next.
“You can play so called commercial music and still not make move.”
Asked on some of the problems he faced, he said: “My biggest challenge is that I want the people to understand the music I play even if it is not the genre they are used to, and I feel one must take them out their comfort zone and they must enjoy it.”
Curiously, DJ Marvel said he does not look up to anyone, but stressed he wants collaborate with other top musicians. He said his career has been a gradual progression and he can only look forward.
“I cannot pinpoint any specific event that I can say was a turning point in my career, but I would have to say, my mixes being played on radio and the positive feedback I receive when people hear them melts my heart.”
