Azile Azolay Nesi Interview
At age of 26, Azile Azolay Nesi is truly an inspiration to the whole Mzansi. He is in charge of his dream and the success that comes with it. His talent for music has inspired him to start his own recording company which is known as Inkunzi Records. In this interview he gets to share his journey as an Entrepreneur.
YV: Tell us about yourself?
Azile: A 26 years old Musician, Co – Producer, Song Writer, Record Label co – owner and a Development Practitioner.
– Azolay was born and grew up in Motherwell Township in the Nelson Mandela Bay on the 30th July 1986.
– He began his music career at the age of 11 years old, while he was still in standard five (5).
– This young musician’s music is influenced and inspired by what is going around in his life time; such as Drug and Alcohol abuse, Teenage pregnancy, Good times of our lives, HIV&AIDS, and positive living.
– Azolay has shared stage performances with the who’s & who’s of the South African music industry; the likes of: Mandoza, DJ Sbu, Mapaputsi, Mzekezeke, Mzambiya, Kabelo, Jub-Jub, Jazel Brothers, Revolution, Zola, Ismael, Jozi, Senyaka, Elvovo erange, Big Nuz and many more.
– Azolay believes that the Eastern Cape is rich with talent and is still untapped in terms of industrialization of this talent, which gives the province the edge to grow independent of the mainstream culture of drugs, sex and alcohol.
‘Eastern Cape music is rich in content, that can actually be cultivated from here without migrating to the so called greener pastures to maintain the influence within the youth right here
YV: What made you fall in love with music?
Azile: Azolay learned his musical skills from Thembani “Mambush” Xakaxa; who was his fellow class mate back in the days and within no time it was evident that music was not just part of the growing up stages in Azolay’s life, rather talent.
YV: Tell us about Inkunzi Records?
Azile: Inkunzi Records is small growing Record label (Owned by Azile Nesi) that has signed 5 artists namely: Azolay, Lefty, Rasko, Dj Kelvor and Dj Sader. This label was formed in 2008 with a view of assisting struggling artists from Port Elizabeth to make a living out of their talent and help them to be known country wide, through our connections, partneships and network we have established in various parts of South Africa. Azile (who is the CEO and a Kwaito Artist at Inkunzi Records) has worked worked for a record label called Kubo Records which is one the prominent record labels in Eastern Cape owned by Ex-Umhlobo Wenene FM DJ (DJ Mozent) and also has close relationship with Mr. Sakhele Mzalazala who works for Vibezone (who manages artists such as Zonke, Theo Gosinkwe, Stimela and Bongani Chang from Malaika) and other prominent music Industry Producers and Mentors such as Vincent Frazer and Loftuz Khoza (who mentor Azile on his operations at Inkunzi records).
YV: What motivated you to start Inkunzi Records?
Azile: Just love of music and Business and my eagerness to help other artists who are struggling in the Eastern Cape.
YV: Running a business can be challenging. What are your daily challenges? And how do you overcome them?
Azile: Changes within the music industry constantly pose challenges as you have to constantly modify your operating strategy and approach, put I enjoy challenges as they help me to grow. Whenever I am faced with challenges I stay calm and face my challenges and pray to God to assist me get over those stumbling blocks.
YV: How long have you been running your business?
Azile: For 5 years now
YV: What businesses have you owned/managed/worked at before opening Inkunzi Records?
Azile: Inkunzi records was my first company when I left varsity with My Junior Degree, however one is growing within the business arena, to date I also established a logistics business called (Amawele Logistcs) named after my Grand Parents which were twins. I dedicate my hard work to them for raising my parents who in turn brought me in this beautiful earth and I also run a consulting company which specialises in studies with social impact, called Nesi and Associated Development Consultants.
YV: And what did you learn from those experiences?
Azile: That hard work, respect, commitment, willingness to learn and innovation will constantly grow one’s potential and capacity.
YV: You being an artist yourself, you know at times artist needs sometime in a studio to perfect their song. How do you know when the artist is ready for studio recording?
Azile: Creativity and talent says it all and sometimes fans will demand one to record.
YV: Who is your musical icons?
Azile: Oskido, Dj Sbu and Kabelo Mabalane are the guyz that are doing it for me.
YV: What is your advice to someone just starting a business?
Azile: Clearly define what you all about, consult if necessary, understand what you need to put together in order to reach your ultimate objective, play by the rules, stick to your plan, accept positive criticism and be willing to learn.
