Self-taught producer Gift of Africa rises through perseverance and family influence to make waves in the global deep house scene. Picture Credit: Gift of Africa (Supplied)
By Duncan Mnisi
MPUMALANGA – Hailing from the dusty streets of Acornhoek in Mpumalanga, Gift Russell Selomi, popularly known as Gift of Africa, has carved a remarkable path in the world of music.
Gift of Africa began his music career in 2012, diving into the digital realm with FL Studio, then known as Fruity Loops. “It took me a while to master the software, as I am a self-taught musician,” he recalls. Over time, his dedication paid off as he developed a unique sound rooted in deep house music.
Before venturing into music professionally, Gift of Africa lived what he describes as an ordinary life — but his lifelong aspiration to become a musician kept him pushing forward. “Before music, I lived an ordinary life, but I always wanted to be a musician,” he explains.
Family played a crucial role in shaping his journey. Growing up surrounded by music enthusiasts — including his older brother Majola, who played the keyboard, and his half-brother Selomi — he found consistent inspiration. “Music runs in the family. Watching my brother Majola playing keyboard really inspired me,” he shares.
The road to success, however, was not easy. It took more than seven years of relentless practice and self-education before he released his first official song. “It took me over seven years to master FL Studio while consulting my brothers for music advice,” he admits.
His breakthrough came in 2019 when he was featured on a deep house track by his brother Majola. “That project marked a turning point. I gained confidence and never looked back,” he says. His distinctive style, heavily influenced by DJ Fresh, emerged from his deep passion for deep house music.
Gift of Africa’s rise continued with his brother’s debut EP, Mwariwangu, released in June 2021, which introduced him to a broader audience in the music industry.
International recognition followed in 2023 when he collaborated with UK artist Darles Flow on the track Memories of You. “Setting targets is what really led to my international breakthrough. I don’t just make music for myself; I make music that resonates with many,” he explains.
His discography includes several impactful projects. His first EP, Spiritual Calling, was followed by the 10-track album Teknology in 2022, which also featured the Inaugural album. His biggest hit to date remains the track House Music from the Teknology album. His latest work, a five-track EP titled Tales from the Jungle, continues to showcase his evolving artistry.
Gift of Africa’s story is one of perseverance, family influence, and unwavering dedication. As he puts it: “I make music to connect with people, and my goal is to keep inspiring others from my community and beyond.”
