DJ, producer and storyteller Philani Manyoni, popularly known as DJ Mpiloz, is turning a turbulent chapter in his love life into music as he shifts his focus back to his musical career.
The US-based KwaZulu-Natal artist, who was previously engaged to UK-born Abbey Gelsomina, has called off the engagement, saying the relationship had become imbalanced and that they differed on important issues, including having children.
Mpiloz had proposed to Abbey in Washington, D.C., where he has been based while building his international music career. At the time, she was described as an important source of support as he expanded his work beyond South Africa.
But the relationship eventually came to an end.
“She was so controlling and as you know a man has to be leader in the house or relationship and she didn’t want children so I love family a lot I still need children if it happens,” he said.
Mpiloz said the experience has also made him reflect on the kind of relationship and partner he wants in the future.
“But now I prefer my own South African women who really know what the man is, not these American women who think they can talk any how they want and tell a man what they want because I’m America men are used to such treatment,” he said.
“I’m a typical traditional man but when people looked me from distance think I’m a cheese boy. I really believe in respect so someone I want as my wife is someone who really must have respect and respect my wishes too.”
Turning personal pain into music
Rather than allowing the end of the relationship to define him, Mpiloz says he has channelled the experience into his latest release, Yimi Nawe.
The song is a collaboration with Tebza De DJ and vocalist MissTwaggy and introduces what Mpiloz describes as a cutting-edge 3-Step sound.
For him, the track is about more than a relationship. It is about holding on to love and hope despite the pressures that can come with life, money and heartbreak.
“After all what happened in my love life and finding someone new that I love that made me realize that I can just do a song that will give me hope and make people love again specially in this world when money is more important than really love,” he said.
“But all in all help them and motivate that despite the high and lows of love life, people can find someone who they can understand, love and respect.”
The producer believes the song could become a major December anthem if it receives the right support.
“I’m hoping this will be the song of the year maybe we may not hit number 1 but I promise you if we get good airplay will hit top 2 this December,” he said.
A familiar creative partnership
Yimi Nawe also reunites Mpiloz with MissTwaggy, with whom he has previously worked.
The pair previously collaborated on a song titled Emelika, and Mpiloz says their creative chemistry made another collaboration a natural choice.
The new release follows Pholisa, his previous hit featuring Buhle Nhlangulela, as he continues building momentum around his music.
From Loskop to the international stage
Born Philani Manyoni in Loskop, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpiloz has developed a career spanning music production, DJing, graphic design and storytelling.
His musical journey dates back to his 2013 debut single Club Dance, which helped introduce his work to audiences beyond South Africa, including listeners in Kenya, Qatar and the United States.
His work has often combined dance music with social commentary, while his international base has allowed him to develop connections outside the local music industry.
The artist has also continued exploring business opportunities back home, recently launching a shisanyama in his home province.
Despite expanding into business, however, music remains central to his identity.
A new chapter
For Mpiloz, Yimi Nawe arrives at a time when his personal and professional lives are both undergoing change.
The end of his engagement has forced him to reassess what he wants from love, while his latest music gives him a way to turn those experiences into something listeners can connect with.
Rather than presenting heartbreak as the end of the story, he wants Yimi Nawe to offer another message – that love can survive difficult moments and that people can still find meaningful connections.
With the December season approaching, Mpiloz is hoping the track can move beyond his own experience and become a song for people navigating their own highs and lows in love.
