DJ Qness - Biography, Career, Personal Life and Songs

Qhubani Ndlovu, widely known as DJ Qness, is a DJ originally from Zimbabwe who now lives in South Africa. He is also a music executive, songwriter, and television producer. DJ Qness has released several albums over the years. His first album, "On Cue Vol. 1," came out in 2009, and he later released a deluxe version called "On Cue Reloaded." In 2011, he put out his second album, "On Cue Vol. 2," followed by "On Cue Vol. 3" in 2013. His fourth album, "Art Of EDM," was released in 2017.

Additionally, DJ Qness released a DJ mix album called "Essential Selections." This album was released through the Dutch label Spinnin Records in partnership with Just Music SA. It was a huge success and won the Best Compilation Album at the 16th Annual Metro FM Awards.

Early Life and Career Beginnings 

Qness, born on September 14, 1983, grew up in Palm Springs, Johannesburg, in the Vaal area. He was an excellent student and stood out in public speaking and debating. It's said that Qness can't even remember when he first started making music because he began at such a young age.

At 17, he and a childhood friend wrote a proposal and approached a local bank to secure funding to set up a recording studio. They went to the bank in their high school uniforms, carrying school bags, and gave a presentation on why they needed the money. The bank officials were so impressed that they approved the loan the next day.

Career Achievements

"Fugama Unamathe" was Qness' first commercially released single and became one of his biggest hits. After dropping out of law school in 2008, Qness moved back to his parents' home in South Johannesburg. He spent many hours making music on his computer, during which he created "Fugama Unamathe." 

He needed vocals for the song and, after struggling to find the right vocalist, he posted an ad on Facebook. Mthulisi Patrick, based in the UK and managing upcoming singer Oluhle at the time, saw the ad and asked Qness to send him the music. After receiving the track, Patrick helped turn "Fugama Unamathe" into a hit. 

Qness later worked in the marketing department at Sheer Music, where he played the song for DJ QT. DJ QT then played it for DJ Mbuso, who was working on his "Phezulu Selections Vol 2" album. Mbuso loved the song and immediately asked Qness to license it for his album.

"Fugama Unamathe" became a major hit in South Africa in 2009 and helped launch Qness’s career as a DJ and music producer. His debut album, "On Cue Vol. 1," was released by Sheer Music in 2009 and remains one of his most successful albums. Although Qness initially wanted to collaborate with well-known artists like Simphiwe Dana and Siphokazi, he instead chose to work with new talent. This decision helped introduce new vocalists and artists such as Maleh, Oluhle, and Khanyi, who later became successful in their own right.

"On Cue Vol. 1" sold over 20,000 copies, achieving gold status, and featured popular tracks like "Fugama Unamathe" and "Uzongilinda."

"On Cue Vol. 2" is DJ Qness' second studio album, released in 2011 by Universal Music. The album was a big hit, just like his first one, and included popular singles like "Time," "Believing," "Imiyalo," and "I Do." Qness showed growth in his production skills and finally worked with artists he had always wanted to collaborate with, such as Simphiwe Dana and Zamajobe. He recorded the album over two years at his home in Ferndale and his studio in the Vaal.

Released in 2013, "On Cue Vol. 3" is Qness' third album, put out by Soul Candi Records. This album featured collaborations with well-known artists like Oliver Mtukudzi, Marissa Guzmann, Marie Chan, Kafele Bandele, and Moneoa. The recording took place at Soul Candi Pyramid Studios and Qness's studio in the Vaal.

Qness has also worked with M.I.A. on a remix of her song "XXXO," alongside South African DJ and producer DJ Mujava. They also remixed Kele's single "Everything You Wanted."

He is associated with artists like Dele Sosimi, Monkey Safari, FNX Omar, Lazarusman, MoBlack, Kele Okereke, Quentin Harris, Kafele Bandele, Oliver Mtukudzi, Simphiwe Dana, Zamajobe, Simi, Maleh, and Ami Faku. On August 17, 2015, Qness announced through Instagram that he would be part of the first season of Coke Studio South Africa. The show featured prominent South African acts like December Streets, Micasa, Cassper Nyovest, Donald, and Ricky Rick.

Currently, DJ Qness serves as an Executive Producer for the South Africa Amapiano Awards (2021) and Amapiano's Next Superstar (2022).

Personal Life

Qness has a son named Loyiso. He and Loyiso's mother separated before the child was born.

Discography

Albums

2009 - On The Cue Vol. 1

2010 - Uzongilinda

2011 - On The Cue Vol. 2

2012 - Time

2013 - On The Cue Vol. 3

2017 - Art of EDM

2020 - L'owe L'owe

2023 - Imithwalo

EPs

2020 - Bayethe EP

2020 - Iba Mubi EP

Singles

2011 - I Do / Imiyalo

2012 - Ematholeni

2015 - Can You Feel It

2016 - My World

2016 - Fire Lighter

2018 - Starry Sky

2018 - Amen

2018 - Babuyile

2019 - Umkhelo

2020 - Kisses (Remix)

2020 - Moyà Wakho

2020 - Falala

2021 - Berlin

2022 - Sweet Return (Remix)

2022 - Mwari (Re-Work)

2023 - Mwenye

2024 - Do It Your Self