“It might sound like a cliché, but its not, one needs to hustle. Go out there, knock on those doors and if you believe that your music can stand the test of time, then someone will appreciate it.” This statement seems to be the theme for, Neo De Jenero and T Beats, the duo called Jenerik Soulz. The two cousins have been knocking on different doors for a number of years asking the who’s who of the African Urban house music scene to license their songs. The journey has not been that easy but because they are dedicated and have the perseverance to finish what they have started; things are now falling into place!
Jenerik Soulz journey erupted just after a millennium when Neo De Jenero started DJing. De Jenero’s passion and love for music grew from just messing around to taking his ability seriously. He then hooked up with his cousin, T Beats who was at that stage more of a hip hop producer. After De Jenero listened to what his cousin was busy with, he liked the idea of being a producer. He then asked T Beats for some production lessons. This would see the birth of Jenerik Soulz…
Having secured a notable licensing deal, it is clear that if the two boys continue to do their bit, the world will eventually open up for them. With both guys very much in touch with the changes that house music is going through, each of the two have their own field of Excellency – with De Jenero on the beats and T Beats as the melody man. But wait, even though the duo have been lucky enough to get some of their material licensed, what is their next step? “The priority at the moment is to get our music to as many compilations, so we can continue to build Jenerik Soulz brand,” said De Jenero.
Coming to how they approach getting their songs licensed, he said Jenerik Soulz believes in their music and that gives them the nerve to approach anyone and ask for a possible deal. Thus far, the duo have successfully managed to get some of their songs compiled on DJ T – Chill Soul Frequency Session, DJ Kabila – Believe, Capitol House Kollective V2 and DJ Fresh – Definition of House 4.
Talking about De Jenero’s DJing ability, he said DJing is so much part of him and he is not intending to quit. How he prepares for a gig? “I am a guy who really prefers to build up the party or end it because the music I play is melodic and is not the kind of tunes that one can rock with during peak time.”
It is not even a joke that since we rolled into the new millennium, there has been a huge turn over of those who want to be the next big DJs. Having so many wanna-bees, the brother said according to his understanding of the DJing world, what makes a good DJ is being able to offer your service to the best of your ability. “You are a DJ because whoever booked you wants to listen to good music and they don’t want to play music for themselves. If you know what music to play according to the mood and the place, and you can do that skillfully and you can interact with the people, then you are on point.”
He also said that DJing is about technique as well. According to him, DJing is not only about playing good music, it is also about the timing, beat matching and playing songs that the crowd can sing along to, now and then. “As a DJ, you need to have a good ear for music and know what is selling at that time because DJing is about selling your ability since your job is to please the people.”
