South Africa’s King of Remixes, Kenneth “Jay” Makopo, is quickly becoming a YouTube phenomenon. Does this pastor’s son have what it takes to have a successful song with an average of 2700 music video views on his YouTube channel? Find out what he said in order to get an answer to this pressing question.

How did a PK (preachers kid) get associated with hip-hop? What is your story with hip-hop?

I first heard hip hop in my parents’ room on a Sunday morning before we went to church. “Who’s in the House?” by Carman is the title of the song. He’s a Christian music legend. I still think that song goes in. Ever since I heard that song I was hooked. My parents were uneasy about it at first but they supported me after a while because I listened to Christian hip-hop. In grade 9 I bought a beats/recording program called HipHop E-Jay 5 and a R90 computer mic and started making my own songs. The rest is history.

Your childhood has been subject to moving from one city to another; how did this play a role in your artistry?

Yeah, throughout my life, I’ve lived in Mabopane, Magogwe, Mafikeng, Rustenburg, India, Australia, and Cape Town. Being exposed to different people and cultures has definitely given me a wide range of tastes for music. It’s also just given me a view of the world that not many people currently have.

You later moved to Hillsong International Leadership College to study youth ministry. Was ministry always the thing you wanted to go into?

Yes, but I see everything I do as ministry, not just the things I do in church. I want to be a positive influence, no matter what I do or where I am.

Do you experience any conflict with your work at church and your music choice “Hip Hop” which is often seen away from Christianity?

No… not to my face. People generally enjoy what I do no matter if I’m inside or outside of church.

Let’s talk about your YouTube videos and how you came to do those?

I’ve always loved YouTube. I think it’s better than TV. One day I just decided I wanted to participate in the YouTube community and see if people would enjoy my video. So far it’s been going well.

Do you have a team you work with?

Yeah. I have a drummer named K-beat, and a vocalist named Lee. We’re part of a crew called The Hangout. 

Are the videos bringing in a pay check?

Nah, they just bring in exposure and help me showcase my talent.

How do you decide which artist and what song you want to do a remix of?

I remix songs I like. There isn’t a specific method I use to decide. It’s also a way I show respect to the artist of the original song.

The big question everyone is asking: is Jay Makopo capable enough to release an album or a song without the shine of someone else hype?

There’s only one way to find out, right?

On that note, would you like to feature on Y-Not Culture’s promo song for youth day?

Yeah, no doubt.

The artists you’ve done remixes of their songs and the masses have been giving you good responses, has any record label, promoters or artists looking for a feature approached you?

Yeah, record labels, promoters and artists have reached out to me. The response from everyone has been a humbling experience.

Who is your SA Hip Hop top 5 artists and 5 biggest Hip Hop songs right now?

• Artists (Not in this order) Cassper Nyovest, Okmalumkoolkat, Ricky Rick, Khuli Chana, Reason
• Songs (Not in this order) Reason ft Ricky Rick – No ordinary being // Cassper Nyovest – Gusheshe // Riky Rick – Amantombazane ft. OkMalumKoolKat // RANDS and NAIRAS – Emmy Gee ft AB Crazy & Dj Dimplez // Cassper Nyovest – Doc Shebeleza

Lastly any upcoming projects?

This is actually exclusive, it’s first time I tell anyone this. I’m dropping an EP on the 16 June 2014. The EP has no name yet.