Shaun Stylist swaps being an influencer for music

Shaun Stylist, known for his extravagant fashion sense and living it up on social media, is well on his way to revamping his brand from an influencer to being a musician.

In doing so, he has recently released his debut single titled Oskae Beya Fatse, which was influenced by an uncanny situation that he didn't see coming.

The rising star, real name Shaun Naki, attributes his current success to the power of social media and says his rebranding has everything to do with his personal growth and that he will forever consider the Mkhize family as his own. 

What influenced the song?

I was booked in Pretoria for a gig and this white gentleman was carrying my luggage bag to my room. As soon as we entered, he was about to put it down on the floor and involuntarily I said, 'no, no, no, oskae beya mo fatshe’. And I think the fact that I was in Pretoria influenced me saying it in Sotho, whereas I am a Zulu- speaking man. So, when I was working at the club later, I just kept singing this line over music to the host and he would respond, and I really saw a song right there and then. 

But also the song also alludes to people not putting themselves down and loving and appreciating themselves as if they are expensive bags. 

Was music ever on the cards for you?

I have always loved music because I wanted to be a DJ, but I didn’t think that it would get to a point where I could make my own. In the past year or so, through the power of social media and my own enjoyment of the art, I have been able to make other people's music trend when I repost the songs. These would include the likes of Ulele by Oscar Mbo and C-Black, which I made number one; Kabza De Small and Maphorisa’s Abalele and even Master KG’s Dali Nguwe. So, I thought if I am able to make other people’s music trend, why not make my own and that is when I took it seriously.

I have just done a song with Daliwonga and I am currently working on a song with Master KG. People within the music industry are calling me to work with them, which is reaffirming. 

What does this rebranding mean? 

It’s just an outside expression of my inner evolution. I was first known as a stylish person who styles people for such a long time and then moved to being an influencer and working with Andile Mpisane. Now I want to be known as a professional. 

How did you get associated with the Mkhize family? 

Because I am big on posting my clothes and work as a stylist, uMa (Shawn) found me first on social media and asked that I style Andile. But over the years that relationship has grown into a family relationship because I am considered as a son or brother and I take them as my family too. 

Where is Shaun from? 

I am actually from the East Rand and went to live in Durban. I went to Zamani Primary School and then Phulong High School. I am hardcore kasi boy. People must not be fooled by the glitz they see.

In the past five years, how has your life changed? 

Immensely. The welcome that that family has given me has changed my life in so many ways and I am forever grateful for that. And I think because I have been loyal to the family, they have also accepted me. 

Will there be more music from you? 

I will be releasing another single later this year before I release my EP by next year. I really want to cement myself as a musician and not just an influencer. Music is a really special feature in my upraising and a special feature in my life. I am just excited to take people on this journey with me.