Njelic Opens Up About How Music Saved His Life. Njelic is one of Soweto’s fastest rising Amapiano DJ / Producers. He began Dj;ing in 2002 and was resident at Backroom (now Icon in Soweto). He’s worked with big names in his career so far including De Mthuda, Kabza De Small and others and on labels including House Afrika Records, run by the legendary Vinny Da Vinci.
In an interview with Level Up Live Music Sessions, the Mzansi entertainer was asked where he came up with DJ Njelic. He replied, The name Njelic started as Njenji. My name is Tshwarelo, my surname is Motlhako, and back then, in high school, I used to play soccer while deejaying elsewhere. But now, for soccer, it is easier for you to get a name, so I was named Njenji because of Palacious.
Njelic said that one of the things that saved him and his life from the streets in music. “My love for music first started at home… I was that 5-year-old kid who would always dance at people’s request. I was sort of the entertainer of the family. I then grew up to realise that I also had a nice singing voice which motivated my decision to join the school choir. Music was for escaping all the drugs, alcohol and dodgy deals that were happening in my neighbourhood. I knew that in order for me not to fall into that trap, I had to focus my attention on something that I know best, which was music,” he said.
He also expressed that he grew up with a step-father whom he described as a good man who loved to work. The man stepped up and became a father figure for Njelic. He added, At first, I didn’t like the idea of him dating my mother, but as time went on, I noticed that this person is making m mother happy. You cant give your mother all the happiness in the world.
