Artist Profile: Djembe52 Soul Music (DSM)
Venue: The Black Power Station
Next performance: Monday 30 June 20:00
Interview
Aphiwe Ngowapi
Mbulelo Mriba, popularly known as Djembe52 Soul Music (DSM), is a 35-year-old independent percussionist. Born in Fort Beaufort, he later moved to Gqeberha to pursue his musical career and has been a performer since 2008.
The creative draws inspiration from nature, the environment, and musicians like Letha Mbuli, Miriam Makeba, Stompie Mavi, Zim Nqawana, and Bongani Tulwana. “I started music at a very young age, taping cassettes. My first instrument was the djembe drum, and I got my first one in 2013,” said Mriba.
The multifaceted artist has five brands namely: DSM (DJ, producer, sound engineering, composer, film score, arranger editor, mixing and mastering), Djembe52 (percussionist, chant guru), YuWa (vocalist, song writer), Soul Tree (music producer, composer) and Golden Brain (producer, composer).
As the artist performed, playing instruments such as the djembe, acoustic drum, horn, tambourine, crystal balls, and even two repurposed cooking pots, all while DJing, the audience ululated and danced, chanting “Hayi Djembe, Djembe hayi.”
In an interview, a Cue reporter asked the artist: “What inspired you to expand into so many different instruments and DJing?”
The artist responded that “It’s about self-love and respect, and understanding that a human being is an instrument. DJing came naturally, and I also learned from others.”
The reporter asked, “Which instrument feels most natural to you, and which was the most challenging to learn?”
“It’s the djembe drum. Yhooooo, it was so challenging! I had to learn to balance my hands to find a good rhythm and flow, and understand its essence.”
Djembe52 is a local talent who has collaborated with well-known artists and performed at big festivals like Ebubeleni Music Festival, among others.
If you haven’t experienced Djembe52’s soulful music, don’t miss his upcoming performances at The Black Power Station tonight (30 June 2025) at 20:00, at Oldies on 5 and 6 July at 20:00, and at Cool Spot on the 6 July.
