From Academy Student to Academy Teacher: Jabulani's Inspiring Journey
Jabulani's journey from a young student to a dedicated teacher at the WBL Academy is nothing short of inspiring. At just 11-12 years old, he first stepped into the Academy, where he discovered his passion for DJing and the arts. Over the years, with the guidance of mentors like DJ RBI, d.painter, and Substantial, Jabulani not only refined his skills but also learned the business side of the industry. Now, at 22, he has come full circle, returning as a teacher to inspire and mentor the next generation. His story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of creative education and community support.
Jabulani’s journey with our Academy is a testament to the transformative power of creative education and community support. His story is one of growth, self-discovery and the realization of dreams, all of which were nurtured by the WBL community.
At the tender age of 11-12, Jabulani first stepped into the WBL academy. This early exposure to a vibrant and supportive artistic environment was pivotal. It was here that he began to explore his creative potential, finding his voice and developing a deep passion for DJing. The instructors, who were not just teachers but also active artists that provided a living example of what it means to succeed in the arts. Their dedication and real-world experience showed Jabulani that a fulfilling career in the arts was attainable, even if it didn’t involve celebrity status or immense wealth.
As a teenager, around the age of 17-18, Jabulani returned to WBL, this time with a more focused and mature perspective. His earlier experiences had laid a solid foundation, and he was ready to delve deeper into his craft. Jabulani states that
“WBL supported my creative dreams and endeavors, helping to not just find my artistic voice, but also providing space and opportunity to deepen my knowledge of my art, as well as myself as a brand and a business.”
Under the guidance of DJ RBI and d.painter, he honed his DJing skills and began to understand the business side of the music and arts industry. Substantial, who teaches the Business of Music & Arts class, played a crucial role in shaping Jabulani’s understanding of how to navigate the industry as a professional. These mentors not only taught him the technical aspects of DJing but also provided invaluable insights into branding and business strategies. Jabulani expressed the inspiration and importance each of these teachers and the academy community played in his career saying,
“Being a student of DJ RBI (DJing) , Substantial (Business of Music & Arts), and d.painter (DJing), really helped to chisel out my understanding of what that path of being a successful artist could look like for me, and though I'm confident I would've been able to find it on my own as many artist do, having a community in your corner to offer guidance, perspective and even throw the lob for working opportunities is almost like a cheat code in certain aspects, and makes carving that path for yourself that much easier.”
Now, at the cusp of 22, Jabulani has come full circle. He has transitioned from a student to a teacher at WBL, a role that allows him to pay forward the support and guidance he received. His journey has been marked by continuous learning and growth, and he is now in a position to inspire and mentor the next generation of artists. The community that once supported him is now a platform for him to share his knowledge and experiences.
Jabulani’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated mentors and a supportive community can have on an individual’s life. It’s a journey that has not only shaped his artistic path but has also equipped him with the tools to succeed in the competitive world of music and the arts. As he continues to grow and thrive, Jabulani’s experience at WBL stands as a beacon of hope and possibility for aspiring artists everywhere.
If you’re interested in taking a free DJ class from Jabulani or Substantial’s Business of Music & Arts class register below now.
