eMalahleni– In a city where the nightlife is fueled by vibrant rhythms and passionate crowds, two names stand out: Bozo and Chefgravel.
These two DJs, who have been close friends for years, have carved their own paths in the music scene while consistently supporting one another along the way. Though they aren’t a formal DJ duo, their friendship has shaped their individual journeys, creating a dynamic presence in Witbank’s ever-evolving music landscape.
Bozo, whose real name is Nhlanhla Mahlangu, started his journey in 2015 after growing up in eMbalenhle and moving to Witbank. His rise wasn’t instant. He began by playing at local taverns for free, walking home late at night with empty pockets but a heart full of ambition.
His breakthrough came when he won the eMalahleni Colour Fest DJ Competition, which put him on the radar and opened doors to perform at major events like the Mpumalanga Spring Party and Mpumalanga All White Music Festival.
Known for his creative use of acapellas and seamless genre-blending across Amapiano, Afro House, Deep House, and Hip Hop, Bozo’s unique style keeps crowds dancing until the early hours. His residency at Die Heuwel Tshisanyama has only solidified his status as a local favorite.
Meanwhile, Chefgravel, whose real name is Hleketani Ishmael Nkuna, moved to Witbank in 2011 from Giyani, Limpopo. Initially, he wasn’t even considering a career as a DJ.
His love for music stemmed from collecting a wide variety of genres and vibing to different sounds. But when a friend introduced him to Virtual DJ software, Chefgravel’s casual hobby quickly transformed into an all-consuming passion for mixing and performing. His musical influences, ranging from legends like Oskido to DJ Cleo, shaped his eclectic sound, which now blends Amapiano, Deep House, Old Skool, and Afro House into an irresistible groove.
Chefgravel’s big break came when he was booked to perform at the Emalahleni Colour Festival in 2018. That performance catapulted him into the spotlight, securing him residencies at key spots like Cappelo Witbank, Legend Pub, and Die Heuwel Shisanyama. Like Bozo, Chefgravel also found a home at Die Heuwel Tshisanyama, where the two friends continue to captivate audiences.
What sets these two apart is not just their individual talents but the bond they share. Bozo and Chefgravel, though not a formal DJ duo, frequently collaborate on mixtapes, host events together, and even have a joint partnership with 013 Gin.
Their combined creativity has led to a string of popular mix tapes, and they continue to turn heads with their residencies and performances across Mpumalanga and beyond.
Their friendship runs deeper than the music they spin—it’s a brotherhood built on mutual respect, shared experiences, and a love for the craft.
With both DJs set to host more events and release new projects, the future looks bright. Whether they’re working the decks individually or supporting one another behind the scenes, Bozo and Chefgravel are undeniably two of the most exciting figures in Witbank’s music scene, and their story is just getting started.
