Misunderstood

This week on Misunderstood, Khumo Kumalo sits down with Jaden Piper for an engaging conversation about music, creativity, and the realities of building a life around the art of DJing.Jaden shares the story of his journey into music, reflecting on how a deep personal passion developed into a professional pursuit that he approached both passionately and academically. He discusses the experiences, influences, and lessons that have shaped his growth as a DJ and creative practitioner.Together, they unpack what the life of a DJ truly looks like beyond performances and playlists. The discussion explores the many people, systems, and moving parts involved in creating spaces where music can thrive, highlighting the collaborative effort required to build environments where artists can connect with audiences and culture can flourish.The conversation also touches on Jaden's decision to spend much of the year away from regular performances. He shares why stepping back became necessary, how that period created room for reflection and development, and what he has been working on behind the scenes as he focuses on a larger creative project.Throughout the episode, Jaden offers thoughtful perspectives on the role of music in society and the responsibility of artists to foster connection through their work.As he puts it:"Music was made to include, never exclude. It is the universal language of the world, and it connects us all one beat at a time."A conversation about purpose, community, artistic growth, and the enduring power of music to bring people together.Listen now on Misunderstood.