Blackwhole’s AeroIt is amazing when you hear a hit song playing on the radio or in a club. All that people are interested in is hearing brilliant musical sounds.But a few snap questions run through your mind, don’t they? Who wrote the song? Where is he/she based? Which record label is he/she signed up with? One of my thoughts is to understand how the track was composed and produced, in detail. Yes, in detail!
Okay. Let’s get to know more about DJ Aero!
Eric “DJ Aero” Manyelo, is a young, talented DJ and producer, born in Limpopo 22 years ago and presently based in Thembisa, Gauteng. Sorry but I can’t say much about his private life and background just now because I just want to rush straight to the music before I forget the tunes!
Eric’s passion for house music began back in the 90s when he used to listen to the likes of Vinny Da Vinci, Fresh Compilations, and other well known South African DJs. His first PC was handy because he always wanted to produce music. He proceeded to write a couple of tracks and sent them to a record label. “Soul Candi” was one of them and, luckily, the recording company didn’t ignore Eric’s innate talent.
“When you listen to it you’re like…..What! And he’s going to tell you that it’s a demo”
“They heard my production and they told me they would give me a bursary to study sound engineering with them because they recognized my talent…..”
In 2005 Aero was distributing his “Mexican Girl” song to numerous DJs.
“Even if I didn’t know them, I just wanted to hear them playing the song” Aero explained. He didn’t know that the song would become a hit track. It has done enough damage to the floors of South African clubs, and clubs elsewhere. In addition the track has enjoyed the number one spot on the YFM 9@9 slot.
Most people first heard the song on “Oskido’s House Grooves 7” but how did the track end up at Oskido’s?
“He heard the other DJs playing the track in Upington, Kimberley, and he asked where the song came from. The guy playing it told him the song was created by DJ Aero from “Black Whole Entertainment.” Oskido called us and requested the song for his latest compilation. Ah, my man, Oskido!”
DJ Aero has just released his anticipated debut album “Still Black” (April 2009). The album is already big in Malaysia where he will be playing in two week’s time. One of the tracks to look out for is “My Prayer”. The Mzansi Show described it as the “new DJ Mujava Township Funk”. It has been voted the hit track for 2009 by British listeners. Expect to hear this track on British radio stations! Watch this space!
We have heard so many stories about music artists, how they came up with their ideas for making the music we love. The Black Whole Label producer and DJ, Aero, shared his story with us about how he make his music.
“To be honest with you, I don’t work in the studio” DJ Aero revealed. “I don’t get any more ideas when I am working in the studio than when I work in my bedroom! The only time I go into the studio is when I am doing the mixing and mastering, but the original composition comes from my bedroom.”
Most South African music lovers agree about one thing. House music in this country has grown incredibly and to such an extent that even the Godfather DJ of house music, Christos, is tempted to claim that South Africa is becoming the capital of house music.
“I think he is right. Most of the guys are producing massive tunes. Just imagine! You go to a club and there is this young boy giving you a CD. When you listen to it you’re like…..What! And he’s going to tell you that it’s a demo. That shows how big South Africa is growing when it comes to house music.”
- DJ Aero is currently remixing the hit song “Fugama Unhamathe” by DJ Qness ft Oluhle.
- Listen to Dj Aero’s Full Interview on The Mzansi Show website.
