Lwazi Janda, known best by his stage name JCrossUnlimited, is a talented South African artist and DJ who was born in the thriving hub of Bhisho, Eastern Cape in 1983. His musical journey began back in 2001 when he learned the art of deejaying and beat-matching using radio cassettes. He later pursued studies in Financial Information Systems at Tshwane University of Technology and completed an MBA with Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). Over the years, JCross gained extensive work experience in business development and traveled across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Following on from his academic careers, he achieved DJ certification in 2016 and made a name for himself by participating in the Redsquare DJ Knockout competition in 2017. His sets are known for the selection of nostalgic Afro House and Afro Tech tracks, reflecting his unique identity as an artist.
Following on from the success of his June 2023 track ‘Vuka,’ JCross Unlimited is back with his third release of the year – this one, a five track EP appropriately entitled ‘Unlimited Sounds.’
GETTING TO KNOW JCrossUnlimited
Introduce yourself and your project
My name is Lwazi Janda, and I go by my stage name JCrossUnlimited. I hail from Johannesburg, South Africa. I am a lover of musical elements and sounds, particularly those of African origin. Having spent a lot of my corporate time traveling through Africa and Europe, I truly enjoy the combination of sounds from afro house, afro tech, and progressive house. Most importantly, I love the emotional aspects that musical elements can create in a mix.
The “Unlimited Sounds EP” is my very first extensive offering in my musical journey, set to be released on my birthday, August 13th – making it extra special. This project is filled with a lot of divine energy that I feel I need to pave the way for my newborn/maiden voyage journey. Many of the sounds, words, and lyrics are my vocalist’s interpretation of the hardships in my life’s journey, but also a way to communicate to the higher powers, saying, ‘I’m here, open the way for me.’
Therefore, there’s a lot of energy and dance in most of the tracks, but I also take the stage to introduce a chilled beat for those lazy Sundays – this is something I hope to do in every project.
Explain what musical genre fits you best
I like Afro house, Afro tech, and progressive house. I began formally learning how to DJ through Amapiano before it gained prominence and became mainstream in South Africa (SA) and around the world at the moment. However, the sound that I truly connected with was Afro house / Afro tech. I received a lot of compliments from fellow DJs (and those who met me for the first time) on how passionate I am when I play this type of music.
Were you connected with music from a young age and did anyone inspire you?
In the school I attended during high school, I had music class as one of the subjects. However, at that time, I was always very scared of playing or even being anywhere close to CDJs (I have no idea why!). I even had friends who were celebrities at the time and were big in SA, but I didn’t think the time was right for me, even though I loved music growing up. So, I reconnected with music later on in life when I went through hardships, and the only thing that kept me sane was music and learning about it. So, believe me, when I’m on stage behind the decks – it’s like I’m deep in space and nothing else matters but the sounds of musical elements. I wish I could say I went to a music school to learn music like a friend of mine did, but I didn’t. Everything I know, I learned along the way and of course, the University of Google! Lol…
What kickstarted your music career?
I always knew that there was something inside me that I wanted the world to see, hear, and know. I just didn’t know what it was until I experienced a low point in my life and collided with music, as though it was waiting for me at some bus stop. So, I took the bus, and here I am! And I must say, I am enjoying the ride so far. Though it’s not easy, it’s worth it because nothing comes easy in life.
Tell us more about your sound and how it’s evolved over time
I dropped my debut single entitled “iLanga” (Sun) – it’s almost a wake-up call to say the sun is going down, another day gone, and we’re still here in this place (depicting hard times). So, we call on the one above to give us strength.
Soon after that, I dropped my second single called “Vuka”. If one looks at the lyrics (Zulu & Xhosa) which say, “vuka uzivuthulule, ungalahli ithemba”, it simply means “get up and dust yourself off and don’t give up hope”. You could very easily say I’m trying to tell a story of my life but also encourage those who need to be motivated. Many have said that the song gives them exactly that “hope”.
With this EP, I am essentially continuing the journey, though at a high-tempo, high-energy dance mode.
Any words you want to share to encourage other artists or producers?
Never give up, keep trying. You will experience many disappointments, doors shut in your face, people taking you for a ride sometimes, and almost everyone saying “No”, but just see the answer as you not being ready. Just keep working on yourself and victory will be assured if you don’t give up. It’s a matter of perspective – how you choose to see the world determines your journey. Because I can tell you now, if you give up, that’s an automatic guarantee that you will not achieve your goals.
How do you nurture your industry relationships?
Staying true to yourself, never taking anyone for granted, and always standing up for what is right. Personally, I work better in a team; perhaps the corporate world has greatly influenced this.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank who’s been crucial to your journey?
Firstly, my kids, because I want them to know that nothing is impossible. Secondly, my friend Thabo Mavimbela, who used to take me to gigs when I was out of pocket. Thabiso, also known as Mastercue89, who first taught me how to DJ, and the Numark DJ academy – I’m a certified DJ, yo! The Next Level crew of DJs, singers, and producers I work with at DSM Entertainment and Rootkey Entertainment – meeting these guys changed my life.
Name 3 songs you love and what they mean to you + YouTube links
- JCrossUnlimited – “Vuka” (ft. Jaypsoul and Zitulele):
This song is very close to my heart because it really motivates me when I feel weak and frail. It gives me the nudge to keep going.
- JCrossUnlimited – “iLanga” (ft. Jaypsoul & Ceekeys) –
- JCrossUnlimited – “Mvelinqange” (ft. Zitulele):
This song was made the same day as my “Vuka” single but was only released in my EP. The energy in the studio on this day was just amazing, so it remains close to my heart.
What’s your favourite piece of studio equipment or software?
It’s my keyboard & MIDI – though I’m not a pro at it – it’s a process, lol. It’s just one of the instruments I can use to convey a lot of emotions. Also, the fact that I can connect plugins that sound like I’m playing a guitar, marimba, cello, etc. It can be anything you want it to be.
Name your favourite club or festival and how it makes you feel
In South Africa, Ultra South Africa festival – the vibrancy here is amazing. Different cultures, diverse backgrounds, and ethnicities coming together in celebratory mode. I have never played here, so one day I would love to be booked to participate from the other side of the stage. Ibiza in Spain – I would love to play here one day like my idol Black Coffee.
Name an outlandish rider request?
Usually, I expect standard riders that help me do my job best to be provided. But if I were to have one, I’d request a very beautiful lady to keep wiping off my perspiration and giving me water during my sets, like I’ve seen Steve Harvey (US) when he shot Family Feud in South Africa.
Favourite clubbing memory and who or what did it involve?
It was when I played at John Legend’s after-party in SA. I was assisting a fellow DJ friend of mine. John Legend’s entire band was there, and we danced together. It was amazing, and I had a good time.
What famous quote represents you best?
“It is a quote by T.S. Eliot: ‘We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.’ This is so profound for me as a person who has been on a journey of self-discovery and spent a lot of time doing things for others in my life, never really focusing on myself. I’ve been close to the top in corporate but fell down. When I reach my successful vantage point through music, it’s going to be beautiful, and I can’t wait to say just these three words: ‘It is beautiful.'”
If you could play at any venue, where would it be and why?
For me, it’s not so much about venues but events like Boiler Room in the UK. Why the UK? The country has been so open and accommodating to Africa, much like South Africa has been with their borders to the rest of the world. I feel a lot of similarities there. And of course, the UK English accent! I love it!
Music is….. (explain more)
My life. At the worst time of my life when I didn’t think I had any will to go on, the only thing that made sense was music and gave me perspective over everything else.
One song you really couldn’t live without and why?
Aretha Franklin – “Ever Changing Times”. I get very emotional when I listen to this song as it takes me on a journey throughout my life, from childhood that most times I can’t remember. When this song plays, it’s like I’m rewinding my life on Netflix where you can actually see the visuals. I get to have a clear pathway of where I’m going. I want to make it in the music industry to understand the true essence of life itself.
Name drop your favorite 5 artists or DJs (past or present)
Black Coffee, Zakes Bantwini, Blanka Mazimela, Carl Cox, Cairo.
What was your first music memory and how did it fuel your fire?
It has to be when DJ Tira played in East London back, I think in 2012, at the Buyele Khaya music festival. How he came in at 4 am in the morning and got people who were walking out of the stadium to literally come back and dance throughout his DJ set. For me, that was the power I wanted to have.
Tell us more about your plans for the future
After the release of this EP, I plan to release two singles and start working on my second EP close to the end of the year. During this time, I would like to be a resident at a major club in JHB and hopefully get bookings worldwide. I’m also not shying away from being signed by a record label.
JCrossUnlimited – Unlimited Sounds E.P is Out Now!
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