Global Intentions: Stayela’s Music Always Marks 200 Episodes and Five Years
Soweto-born DJ Sibusiso “Stayela” Mzolo celebrates 200 episodes of Music Always as the music platform prepares to mark its fifth anniversary on 28 November 2026, continuing to create space for DJs, producers and local creative talent.
What began with a childhood love of music, shaped by his father’s cassette and CD collection, an uncle who constantly played ZCC music, and radio stations such as YFM, Metro FM and Ukhozi FM, would eventually influence Sibusiso “Stayela” Mzolo’s musical taste and inspire him to build a platform that more South Africans are becoming familiar with.
The Soweto-born DJ and founder of Music Always has recently celebrated the platform’s 200th episode and will mark its fifth anniversary on 28 November 2026.
Music Always started as a personal project: a space where Mzolo could freely express himself through music, sharing his unique taste and perspective. Over time, he opened the platform to like-minded DJs and producers, transforming it into a growing community of selectors and creators.
With new episodes dropping every Monday on YouTube and Apple Podcasts, Music Always continues to give local talent a platform to reach audiences beyond South Africa.
Where It Started: Stayela’s Early Musical Influences in Soweto
Mzolo’s love of music took root early in Soweto, where he was raised by parents who, while strict, gave him the freedom to play music as loudly as he liked.
“Music has always been around me, it captivated me from a young age,” says Mzolo. “I used to record songs from the radio and make mixtapes, tapes which at least once a week I’d get to play for my kombi driver and all the kids in the kombi. I must have been 11 or 12 years old.”
His early collection was filled with dubbed cassette tapes, alongside a few original compilations, including House of T-Bose Volume 1. By his own admission, he also recorded over a few of his father’s gospel tapes.
By his teenage years, Mzolo was already attending ama’bash, long before turning 18. These early experiences helped shape his relationship with music and the foundations of the musical identity he continues to develop today.
Building Music Always Into a Platform for DJs and Producers
That early curiosity shaped the way Mzolo approaches his craft today. His process involves precise preparation, anticipating the mood of the room and combining it with what he wants to present to the audience on the day.
He also credits a few Soweto natives as major influences on the music he currently has in rotation.
Mzolo describes Music Always in three words: intensity, necessary and messenger.
He says he draws his inspiration from the future, taking parts of his past and present and “mashing it all up” to create something different.
He is also fascinated by people who push beyond their natural limits to achieve exceptional results, a quality he hopes Music Always will bring out in the creatives featured on the platform.
What’s Next for Stayela and Music Always?
With 200 episodes under his belt and a fifth anniversary approaching, Mzolo’s ambitions for Music Always continue to grow.
What started as a personal outlet for musical expression has developed into a platform connecting DJs, producers and creative voices, with an opportunity to reach a wider audience through its weekly episodes.
Looking ahead, Mzolo has an even bigger vision for what the platform can become.
“Music Always will be a mass enabling platform for creativity and the business thereof,” concludes Mzolo.
As Music Always celebrates five years and 200 episodes, Stayela’s journey reflects the influence of musical upbringing, the importance of creative platforms and the potential of South African talent to connect with audiences around the world.
Follow and explore Music Always: YouTube – Music Always ZA
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Frequently asked questions Stayela and Music Always
Who is Stayela?
Stayela, whose real name is Sibusiso Mzolo, is a Soweto-born South African DJ and the founder of Music Always.
What is Music Always?
Music Always is a music platform and podcast founded by Stayela. It provides a space for DJs and producers to share their music, creativity and perspectives with a wider audience.
How many episodes does Music Always have?
Music Always has recently celebrated its 200th episode.
When does Music Always celebrate its fifth anniversary?
Music Always will celebrate its fifth anniversary on 28 November 2026.
Where can you watch or listen to Music Always?
New episodes are released every Monday on YouTube and Apple Podcasts. The platform’s YouTube channel is Music Always ZA.
Where is Stayela from?
Stayela is from Soweto, South Africa, where his early musical influences helped shape his taste and approach to DJing.
