Introduction to Major League DJz
Full Names: Bandile and Banele Mbere
Stage Name: Major League DJz
Date of Birth: November 3, 1991
Place of Birth: Johannesburg, South Africa
Major League DJz, consisting of twin brothers Bandile and Banele Mbere, are among the most influential figures in the South African music scene. Known for their innovative approach to music and their contributions to the evolution of Amapiano, Major League DJz has become a household name in both South Africa and internationally. Their unique sound, which blends Afrobeat rhythms, deep house, jazz influences, and the infectious groove of Amapiano, has helped shape the modern music landscape in South Africa and beyond.
Family Background and Early Life
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Bandile and Banele Mbere grew up in an environment where music was an integral part of their lives. Their upbringing in one of Africa’s cultural capitals exposed them to diverse musical influences that would go on to shape their future sound. Coming from a family that appreciated both music and the arts, the Mbere brothers were encouraged to explore creative pursuits from an early age.
Though there are limited details publicly available about their early life or the specifics of their family background, the brothers’ bond is evident in their music and professional journey. Their shared passion for music and their combined talents as DJs and producers have been key to the success of Major League DJz.
Education and Early Musical Development
Major League DJz’s educational background, though not widely publicized, seems to have involved exposure to the performing arts and technical aspects of music. They attended school in Johannesburg, where they were able to connect with other like-minded young individuals who shared their love for music and culture.
Their interest in music began in their teenage years. The brothers started DJing in local clubs, and through this exposure, they honed their skills behind the turntables. Their love for music deepened as they began to understand the technicalities of sound production and mixing, leading to the development of their unique approach to live performances and studio recordings. By the time they were in their early twenties, Major League DJz was already making a name for themselves in the underground music scene.
Career Trajectory and Rise to Prominence
Breakthrough and the Formation of Major League DJz
The formation of Major League DJz was a natural progression of Bandile and Banele’s shared love for music and their desire to create a sound that reflected their cultural roots. Their early work was centered around various genres, with house music being the main influence. However, as the Amapiano genre began to take shape in South Africa, Major League DJz quickly embraced it, recognizing the genre’s potential to reach a wider audience.
Their breakthrough came when they began to fuse their knowledge of traditional house music with the growing Amapiano sound. Their sets, which featured a mix of energetic rhythms, heavy basslines, and catchy melodies, resonated with a wide audience. Their distinct ability to blend elements of Afrobeat, jazz, and house music into Amapiano helped them stand out as one of the genre’s key contributors.
Innovating with “Amapiano Live Balcony Mix” Series
In 2020, Major League DJz took a bold step in shaping the global perception of Amapiano by launching the highly popular “Amapiano Live Balcony Mix” series. This live-streamed performance series allowed them to showcase Amapiano engagingly and dynamically, allowing fans from across the world to experience the energy and groove of the genre in real time. The success of this series was instrumental in bringing Amapiano to a wider audience, both within Africa and internationally.
Each Amapiano Live Balcony Mix episode saw Major League DJz take over a balcony or rooftop venue, often accompanied by a live audience, and perform their tracks with live mixes and live instrumentation. These performances helped cement their reputation as pioneers of the genre, and the series quickly became a staple in the Amapiano community.
Major Collaborations and Success
Throughout their career, Major League DJz has worked with some of the biggest names in South African music, including Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Focalistic, A-Reece, and Burna Boy, to name just a few. These collaborations have contributed to some of their most popular tracks and have helped elevate Amapiano as a global genre.
One of their most notable collaborations was with Focalistic on the track “Ke Star,” which became an anthem for both local and international audiences. This track was a critical moment in their career, as it achieved chart-topping success and is often cited as a turning point in the mainstream popularity of Amapiano.
Additionally, their work with Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, two of Amapiano’s leading figures, further solidified Major League DJz’s position as one of the most influential duos in the genre. Their contributions to projects such as “Amapiano Live Balcony Mix” and their involvement in the compilation albums of Amapiano music have been essential in shaping the trajectory of the genre.
Musical Style and Influences
Fusion of Amapiano, Afrobeat, and House
The musical style of Major League DJz is an intricate fusion of Amapiano, Afrobeat, deep house, and jazz influences. Their sound is marked by heavy basslines, soulful melodies, and intricate percussion, elements that have become synonymous with Amapiano music. The duo is known for creating energetic sets that blend these elements seamlessly, engaging listeners through intricate layers of sound and rhythm.
Influences
Major League DJz has drawn influences from a variety of genres, which they have skillfully integrated into their sound:
- Amapiano: As pioneers of Amapiano, they have been at the forefront of the genre’s global rise.
- Afrobeat: The African rhythms, melodies, and energetic vibe of Afrobeat have been a key influence on their music.
- House Music: The duo’s roots in house music have shaped the way they create their mixes, adding deep, groovy basslines and smooth, soulful melodies.
- Jazz: Jazz, especially its improvisational qualities, has contributed to their ability to create live sets that feel fresh and exciting, even in familiar settings.
Their eclectic mix of influences has made Major League DJz one of the most versatile acts in the South African music scene, while also allowing them to appeal to a global audience.
Notable Albums and Discography
- “Amapiano Balcony Mix” Series (2020–Present) – A live mix series that showcases their musical versatility and contribution to Amapiano.
- “Major League Gardens” (2021) – An album that features collaborations with various artists from the Amapiano scene and highlights the duo’s ability to blend multiple genres.
- “Siyathandana” (2021) – A project that features a combination of house, Amapiano, and Afrobeat, displaying their continuing growth as artists and producers.
The “Amapiano Live Balcony Mix” series, in particular, stands as one of the most iconic releases in their career, illustrating not just their skill as DJs but also their ability to innovate and create new experiences for their audience.
Awards and Recognition
Major League DJz has been nominated for and won various awards in the South African music industry. Although they have not yet captured the biggest international awards, their influence within South Africa and across the globe is undeniable. The duo has been recognized by their peers and fans alike for their role in popularizing Amapiano and for their work in bringing South African music to international stages.
Some of the significant milestones include:
- SAMA (South African Music Awards) Nominations: They have been nominated in various categories for their contribution to the South African music scene.
- International Recognition: Their performances at international festivals and collaborations with global artists such as Burna Boy and Davido have expanded their reach beyond South Africa.
Challenges and Controversies
Like many artists, Major League DJz has faced challenges, particularly as they navigated the rapidly evolving landscape of South African music. The rise of Amapiano has led to increased competition, with numerous producers and DJs entering the scene. However, Major League DJz’s ability to innovate and consistently create high-quality music has allowed them to maintain their relevance and continue to push boundaries within the genre.
Despite their success, Major League DJz has also faced scrutiny from some quarters of the music industry, particularly regarding the commercialization of Amapiano and their collaborations with mainstream artists. Nevertheless, the brothers have continued to evolve and adapt, ensuring their place in the annals of South African music history.
Personal Life
While Major League DJz is relatively private about their personal lives, they have shared glimpses into their lifestyle and personalities through their music and social media platforms. The brothers’ bond is central to their identity as Major League DJz, and their ability to work together seamlessly is reflected in their music.
They are also known for their deep appreciation of African culture and the global influence of African music, often highlighting the rich musical traditions that inform their work.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Major League DJz has played an instrumental role in shaping the Amapiano movement, both in South Africa and around the world. Their innovative approach to music, coupled with their dedication to live performances, has made them one of the most significant contributors to the genre. Their rise to prominence symbolizes the global rise of African music, as Amapiano has found fans across continents, from Europe to North America.
