I get up early, 5 am, and get dressed in my infamous, kinda worn-out, but still functional black Dickies delela and matching Chuck Taylors. By 7 am, I meet up with Waves at the Cell C container.
Mr. Mahlangu arrives around 8 am, as expected. He checks if everything is working fine and that nothing was stolen overnight. Everything checks out. Mr. Mahlangu is out of our hair by 8:45 am.
We immediately close up shop as soon as he leaves and then catch a taxi to town.
Halfway there, Waves clutches his stomach for dear life. “Eh, Gadaffi, I have the bubble guts. I am so scared. What if Mr. Mahlangu returns early?!”
“Chill, bro. Everything will work out just fine. Don’t stress.”
Waves sinks into his seat and stays quiet for the rest of the way.
We get to town and catch a fast-moving blue Siyaya to Secunda.
We easily locate the Upload Records offices and head straight to the receptionist with our heads held high.
“Good morning. I am Thembinkosi Mndebele. I have an appointment with…”
The receptionist cuts me off. “Yes, we’ve been expecting you. I am Angel. You’re Gadaffi and Waves from ‘Rova, correct?”
Waves and I smile. “Yes, ma’am!”
She nods. “Gentlemen, please follow me. The big man is ready for you!”
Angel leads us to the end of the hallway. We walk into a huge corner office with glass windows and a view overlooking the park.
DJ Casino sits behind a huge pine desk, fiddling with paperwork, not paying the slightest interest to our presence in the room.
Angel clears her throat. DJ Casino looks up. “Oh, sorry, dear. So, these are our next big stars. Here at Upload Records, we produce only the finest. Let’s start with you, Gadaffi. You’re a kasi rapper. I find that intriguing. May I have your demo?”
I shake my head. “Eish, Mr. Casino! I am afraid I don’t have one. In ‘Rova, it’s hard for artists. Those who have equipment overcharge. You get a single beat for R350 or an hour of recording session. I may not have a demo, but I can spit for you here, right now, live.”
DJ Casino leans back in his chair. “Well, go on now…”
I take a deep breath. “Nangu Gadaffi, uphume ‘Rova, uphushi ‘Rova…”
DJ Casino claps slowly when I finish.
“Okay, Gadaffi, I see you’ve got what it takes. Upload Records would like to sign you. Let’s get you in a studio.”
There are butterflies in my stomach. It’s a dream come true, and it’s my first professional record label. This opportunity is one in a million. “Thank you, Mr. Casino.”
He reaches for a fist bump. “Please, call me DJ Casino.”
He turns to Waves. “Waves, do you have a mix?”
Waves nods, then reaches into his pocket and produces the CDs.
DJ Casino is excited. “That’s my boy! We will definitely listen to these. But now, Angel and I are off to attend a meeting. We will call you with further updates. Cheers!”
Tell Us: When was the last time you were so excited about something that you couldn’t sit still?