10/06/2024
JEFE Magazine
Unveiling the Maestro: A Deep Dive with Dope Legeza
By Rovero Makhathini
In the pulsating heart of South Africa's vibrant music scene, one name reverberates with unmatched fervor: Dope Legeza. This dynamic artist, hailing from Klerksdorp, North West province, is setting new standards in the industry. We had a chat with Dope Legeza to delve into his journey, inspirations, and future plans. Prepare to be captivated by the story behind the music.
Rovero Makhathini: Please introduce yourself to those who might not know who you are and what you do.
Dope Legeza: I am Xolani Jiya, known by my stage name Dope Legeza. I'm an artist from Klerksdorp, North West province, and I make music.
Rovero: You share the same surname and town as the songstress Ayanda Jiya. Are you by any chance related? And are you keen on working with her?
Dope: Yes, we are related. Ayanda and I are cousins; our parents are siblings. I am very keen on working with her, but I don't see it happening anytime soon.
Rovero: You once posted that Oray Tha Don(, your fellow label mate at In The Building Empire (ITBE), introduced you to ITBE. Can you tell us more about how that happened?
Dope: Oray Tha Don was my college roommate, and we both loved music. He found out that I could sing and got me to write and record my first chorus for a hip hop song. ITBE heard me on the song and invited me to the studio. I attended more sessions, and the team welcomed me. It was history from there. Today, In The Building Empire is family to me.
Rovero: Your first body of work, "Digital Matekisi," which you dropped in 2018, was very refreshing and different from what we’re used to, especially locally. What inspired the style of music for that body of work?
Dope: What inspired the style of "Digital Matekisi" were the life stories I came across from different people and the influence of artists I was listening to, such as Mashayabuqhe Ka Mamba, Aka, Sjava_ATM, Msaki, Okmalumkoolkat, and many more.
Rovero: Production-wise, you’ve worked with a lot of different producers like Adiss , Miko Universal, K-Tasso, DJ President, and Kilo. Why the diversity, and what’s the importance of working with a lot of different producers? Which producer(s) would you like to work with?
Dope: The diversity helps me grow and learn more about the elements and sounds different producers create. Music is an endless journey, and I discover more gems along the way while creating or even absorbing. It opens up a room for more knowledge about music. I would like to work with Zocci Coke Dope, Ruff_atm, Kel P Vibes , TEKNO, and Kabzadesmall_.
Rovero: In 2020, you gave us the "Skhalo SeYano EP." That EP is amazing from start to finish, and the interview and performance you did with TshegoOnAir (Tshegofatso Letsie) was incredible. Who came up with the concept for that EP, and how long did it take to finish the project?
Dope: The concept for "Skhalo SeYano" was made by me. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Amapiano was the more dominant genre in South Africa. I took popular songs and reconstructed them into my own style. It took me about a week or two to complete the project.
Rovero: You did a tribute song for Poul Nguzo Ghost Ndamoyi titled "Viet-Qaeda (Tribute to Ghost)." Weren’t you skeptical about dropping a tribute song for a gang leader, and weren’t you afraid that you might be a target?
Dope: I wasn't skeptical at all. I felt the hood needed a tribute song for our legend. If anything, I was more excited than scared because this song would not only mean something to me, but it would mean a lot to the people of Jouberton. Yes, he was a gang leader, and we've heard of the things he's done, but that doesn't mean we should take away how good-hearted Ghost was to the community. People felt protected, and others were helped by Ghost. The community at large respected and loved him because, to those who knew him, he was a star and a real good man. At some point, yes, I kind of had the attention drawn to me, but I was never afraid about the release. I was forced by friends and family to stay indoors for some time until the streets were calm.
Rovero: On "Skhalo SeYano EP," there’s a song called "Vietnam," for which you also dropped an amazing music video. What inspired that song and the music video?
Dope: "Vietnam" is an organization of young and old men coming together to end poverty and violence in our streets. I was inspired to make the song because I grew up in front of them, seeing their movement become something we never imagined. Vietnam took troubled young boys and gave them direction on how to hustle without any form of violence or crime. Hence, the video has men from different walks of life breaking bread together.
Rovero: The name Dope Legeza – how did that come about?
Dope: The name came up during the time of Boyzn Bucks and their famous taxi driver dance, their lingo, the lifestyle, and the mini quantums they drove around in. I imagined myself to be part of them, so I came up with Dope Legeza because my style is dope, and I like the hustle and spirit of taxi drivers in our country. Crazy, I know, but I hope you get the explanation.
Rovero: "Toxic Thando" is a dope song. What inspired that, and can we expect a similar sound for your upcoming body of work?
Dope: "Toxic Thando" was inspired by the things I had been going through in my relationship with my current partner. Distance was an obstacle for us, and there was a lot more. The body of work I'm dropping this year has many different sounds and languages, so expect nothing but a beautiful project that Dope Legeza has never imagined making.
Rovero: You dropped "Digital Matekisi" in 2018, followed by "Skhalo SeYano EP" in 2020, and now it’s 2024 and your management said you are dropping a new body of work. Why do you take years before you drop a body of work?
Dope: Don't look at it like taking years to drop music. Look at it like taking my time with the craft so that before it gets to the people, I am first happy and in love with it. Since my last body of work, "Skhalo SeYano," I haven't stopped making music. I got about three projects complete and ready to be released, but I felt it wasn't time yet for those to be heard and experienced. I then recently worked on the project I'm dropping now about four months ago, and I'm totally excited about it and giving it to the world.
Rovero: You have shared a stage with the likes of Dj Maphorisa, Mlindo The Vocalist, and Marcus Harvey. How was the experience?
Dope: To be honest, it's nerve-wracking to share a stage with such big names in the industry. But because we're all on the same poster, I step on stage and give it my all. I leave a mark, whether it's a big event with superstars or an event of local acts. There's no difference for me because I give the same energy for all my performances.
Rovero: Who would you like to work with, either on a song or a body of work, and why?
Dope: There are quite a few artists and producers I'd like to work with, but if I have to mention one, I'd say right now I'd like to work with Anatii . He's an amazing producer and songwriter, and our different styles and writing would create a powerful project.
Rovero: You’ve taken a lot of inspiration from other well-known songs and incorporate it beautifully with your own style. How do you come up with a song, and who is your favorite musician right now?
Dope: I cannot tell how I come up with a song. Sometimes it's what I see happening in the community or in my family. Sometimes it's my own personal experiences that make me come up with a song. Everyday stories make me create songs. My favorite musician right now is HENNYBELIT. I love how he writes; his melodies and flows on songs are amazing, and his beat selection is out of this world.
Rovero: Can we expect an Amapiano song or project from you?
Dope: Yes, definitely. I've been currently practicing the sound and started writing for some beats as well. Maybe three Amapiano songs this year from Dope Legeza.
Rovero: Besides artists and producers under In The Building Empire, who is doing it for you, and who would you like to work with and why?
Dope: Right now, I'm not really tapped in that much because I listen to myself a lot, but who's doing it for me right now is NewKiid. He is coming up really good, and working with him would be nice because of the different audiences we cater our music to.
Rovero: Besides the music, what does Xolani do? Do you work or study?
Dope: Xolani is currently unemployed but always on the move, hustling to better my life with any opportunity that comes my way.
Rovero: What is one thing or two that people might not know about you?
Dope: The one thing people don't know about me is that I am not easy to work with. Although I'm such a cool and open guy, I can be really hard to work with.
Rovero: Since you are signed under In The Building Empire, does that mean they also manage you? What does your team look like?
Dope: In The Building Empire is my home. I could have never been where I am today with this talent and gift if it wasn't for them. Yes, they manage me, and my team is assigned by God. Si khokelwa nguye phambili (We are led by Him forward).
Rovero: Anything you would like to add or any advice to the up-and-coming musicians?
Dope: Just keep going. Don't stop, whether you're going slow or fast. Your time will come. It's a hard journey full of evil, but never give in to it.
Dope Legeza’s journey is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the power of community. His story is one of many that remind us of the rich tapestry of talent emerging from South Africa, ready to take on the world. Stay tuned for his upcoming projects – they promise to be nothing short of extraordinary.
