Based: Durban
BFS is a group of Producers/DJ’s from Durban; that consists of two diverse and unique individual by the names of Simphiwe Shabalala and Langalethu Cele. The name BFS which stands for Built From Scratch Productions describes each and every aspect about BFS. Who never knew anybody in the industry but struggled to make themselves known. BFS is physically involved in the process of inception to completion of every project that they are involved in, that is why they chose the name, and they decided to go with the acronym because it is easily accessible.
Their partnership started straight out of high school as they were involved in sound and lighting at Kingsway High School, they both received colours for their service and both went on to study further at Boston Media House, both studying sound engineering and radio production.
After matric they bought a pair of CDJ’s and taught themselves how to mix. They played at many smalls gigs to sustain themselves and in the process where teaching themselves how to DJ. After they had acquired the skills to perform with this equipment, they then approached many different clubs and offered their services at no cost. The road to creating brand awareness was not an easy one. Early 2007 they ventured into Producing; they would spend days in the bedroom trying to master mixing and making music. Everything they do and have thus far was all self-taught and products of their hard work and determination and are an example of the raw talent that they possess and the passion that drove them then and still drives them today.
One of their breaks came through late 2007 after a long struggle through the help of DJ Euphonik they were able to licence a track called Electric Drums on DJ Fresh’s Definition of House Volume 4. This came as a big surprise to them because it received a response that was nothing short of phenomenal. They would receive calls from people in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elisabeth and other places. This was all overwhelming and new to them but that’s when they realised that they need to keep working and that they were doing something worthwhile and the world was sitting up and taking notice.
BFS has built an impressive portfolio and they have been featured on and have licensed tracks to the following albums:
• Thabsile – ATM (2011)
• Big Nuz – Lengoma (2009)
• Bongi Dube – Go around (2009)
• Soul Candi – For the DJ’s (2008)
• DJ Bongz – Midnite Fever (2007)
• Skhova – Durban Khalatha (2007)
• DJ Cndo – Amerido and P.O.S (2009)
• DJ Sox – Beer Fest & Dot com (2008)
• DJ Twitty – Money track and Cruising (2009)
• Mzansi For Sho – House Jams Volume 2 (2008)
• DJ Fresh (5FM drive show DJ) – Electro Drum (2007)
• DJ Sgqemeza (uKhozi FM drive show DJ) – All nite eDurban (2008)
• BFS featuring Ezase Afro – Something about you
