Tenyeko Johannes Sibanyoni, known to the world as SLYJAY, is a creative force hailing from the heart of Winterveldt and the bustling community of Soshanguve, Pretoria. Born on April 26, 1988, SLYJAY’s artistic odyssey commenced in the hallways of middle school with the composition of poems, laying the groundwork for his future in the music and arts scene.
The year 2004 marked a pivotal moment as SLYJAY, then a Grade 10 student at Soshanguve Technical High School, ventured into the rap scene. Overcoming the financial barriers to studio access, he ingeniously set up a home studio in his kitchen. With a dynamic microphone and stockings as a makeshift pop filter, SLYJAY and his crew produced music that was genuine and resonant. His choice of tools, Fruity Loops Studio 3 and Cubase SX3, were at the cutting edge of music production technology.
Identifying a niche in artist management, SLYJAY transformed his home studio into a record label, a move that foreshadowed his entrepreneurial flair. Post-high school, he pursued Information Technology while continuing to fuel his passion for music and dance as a choreographer.
SLYJAY’s entrepreneurial journey led to the creation of NEXT PRODUCTION, his first record label. Despite its dissolution in 2013/14, his determination did not waver, and in 2015, Slyjaynext Multimedia was born. This venture produced the film “The Curse,” written by Mpho Mokatile, and introduced the 1me Clothing line, which gained recognition on SABC 1’s “Mi Kasi Su Kasi.”
As a DJ and filmmaker, SLYJAY has directed music videos for a diverse range of artists, partnering with Big Boss Entertainment, DJ Tira, Malungelo, Nokwazi, Tbos, Aymos, Afrotraction, Mitlo, Blaklez, Mapara A Jazz, and Pencil.
SLYJAY’s musical journey has been one of continuous evolution. His discography includes the single “Se Siyafika” featuring Heart Beats & Kha-Ching Vocals, released on December 5, 2022, and an Amapiano EP on March 31, 2023. The comeback single “iThemba Lami” featuring Nokwazi was released on July 14, 2023, followed by the EP “Amapiano Tunes and Bacardi Beats” on March 29, 2024.
Upcoming Releases:
• Motho Waka ft Sdiksa & Leon Lee - Set to captivate audiences on June 7, 2024.
• Uthando ft Dj Drika & Nosy Lee - Promising another hit, releasing on August 09, 2024.
SLYJAY’s trajectory in the entertainment industry is marked by his dedication to his craft and his connection with his audience. With new projects always in the works, SLYJAY is a name that resonates with innovation and authenticity.
Stay connected with SLYJAY through his social media and streaming platforms to be part of his ever-expanding musical universe.
Social Media Handles: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok: @SLYJAYNEXT
Artist Links:
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/3pCZEL45QPWJSnze19lzAK?si=Bv_212i4TleeTFnd9jm0pQ
Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/us/artist/slyjay/1563220358
YouTube Music : https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCiFgLyH9wkc6LxBnrD6R4kw
YouTube Channel : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVXK4dydTY62h5G3tSoer6Q
Website : https://www.slyjaynext.co.za/slyjay/
TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@slyjaynext
