HE has been breaking dance floors locally and throughout southern Africa including Lesotho, Swaziland and Botswana and now BlackwHole DJ member Cocoa Nela has moved to the South Coast to complete an art project. “I moved here to work on some art projects, helping out a few of the local artists, including Happy, on his upcoming album Time,” he said. Cocoa Nela who lives in Margate has lived almost everywhere in the country, but appreciates how slow and clean the South Coast is. “The South Coast is really cool. I love how slow and clean it is. I can really relax and get my work done here.”
Born Yonela Roloti, his love for music grew from school concerts and art performances in the early 2000s, a stage where he met mentor Luyanda Maduna who introduced him to house music. At that stage he drew inspiration from musicians such as MAW, Jimmy Dludlu, Jabu Khanyile, Tu Nokwe and Sade. He first experimented with deejaying with friends Bevan Godden and DJ Game of Soul Candi before later meeting BlackwHole’s Mr Cee. and#034;Working with Mr Cee helped me perfect my leadership skills which proved critical when deadlines have to be met.”
Other skills perfected and delivered through BlackwHole include licensing and producing songs for albums such as Jozi Knights by DJ Mandla (previously known as Siphiwe on Generations on SABC 1), Mmthi’s 4 DJ Tokzen, Definition of House DJ Fresh, House Flavaz Fo Sho, SABC 1 compilation, Durban’s Finest DJ Tira andamp; Sox and Electro Candi Soul Candi Crew, amongst others. To date he has released three house albums - On Another Level Unidentified Level and Electro Candi 3 reflecting his diverse style which he describes as “afro, jazzy, soulful and old school”. “Personally I find inspiration from everything musical. Often Iand#039;ll be watching a movie or Iand#039;ll hear a snippet of music which will inspire me to take a song in a completely different direction.”
