JEFFREYS Bay hip-hop music producer and beatmaker, Leolin Jeggels, hopes to inspire the Pellsrus-youth to stay away from negative elements and instead chase their dreams – just as he did.
Jeggels (24), who is also known as Oakley 808, began making beats when he was just 16-years-old after his cousin introduced him to the music production software FL Studio 10.
Once he had become familiar with the software, he started giving out free beats to anyone willing to listen in order to make a name for himself.
“Since I started making beats I’ve just been learning, growing and finding myself as a producer. I’m most dedicated and focused on becoming a better version of myself every day,” said Jeggels.
After hard work and dedication, his breakthrough-song as a producer and beatmaker was Twisted Brains 2, performed by Tedical and featuring Jayhood, which was released in April 2019.
The song aired on various radio stations, such as Metro FM and Vow FM.
Jeggels also co-produced a song by Sango titled #NgifunaWena. The official music video debuted on Trace TV last month – his first TV Placement.
He is the lead producer on Tedical’s highly anticipated mixtape labelled ‘97’, which will be released soon and features artists such as Jayhood, Mass The Difference, Mia Liyah and many more.
Of the 14 songs which will feature on the mixtape, Jeggels produced nine.
Even though he focuses mainly on Hip Hop beats, he does not want to limit himself.
He therefore is always willing to try new beats such as Boombap, Afropop and dancehall beats.
He said he was inspired by famous producers like Kanye West, Metro Boomin, Swizz Beatz, 808 Mafia and a lot more.
In the South African music industry he enjoys music produced by Wichi 1080, 808 X, Zoocci Coke Dop, Cokayn beats and Tweezy who produces music for well-known rapper AKA.
“Initially I tried to copy sound by famous producers while learning to make beats. Then eventually my production transformed into my own style,” said Jeggels.
In 2019 he was labelled the ‘most fastest growing producer in South African Hip Hop history’ by the New Wave, which is a South African Hip Hop Facebook page.
He also made it on number six on the ‘Hottest Upcoming Producers’ list in 2019, which was also posted on the biggest hip-hop site in South Africa, HYPE Music.
Jeggels said one of his goals for this year is to go platinum and to win the award for the producer of the year and King of the Eastern Cape at the SA Hip Hop Awards.
He said many young people in his neighbourhood are focused on drugs and gangsterism, but he would like to prove to them that there is a better outcome if they work towards their dreams.
“I would like to inspire the younger generation and show them that anything is possible – if you work hard and believe in yourself, said Jeggels.
