It’s been said that music has the power to change the world. As clichéd as that sounds, we cannot deny the power of music and its importance to us as people. More than any other aspect of the human experience, music has the ability to bring people together, as it transcends race, religion, prejudices and politics. Music is quite literally the soundtrack to life, and everyone has their own unique soundtrack that speaks to the intricacies of their lives.
Furthermore, music’s role in youth culture cannot be understated. Music is the driving force of youth culture. The ebbs and flows of music drive the tempo of the youth culture. As much as performers capture the hearts of people through music, the role of DJs is just as important, even though they generally don’t receive the lion’s share of admiration compared to performers. If music is the soundtrack to life, DJs are the curators of that soundtrack. Their ability to mix and curate music for crowds allows us to create meaningful memories with those closest to us.
Women in the DJ scene
As is the case with a lot of other music spaces, the DJ scene is historically a male-dominated space. The rise of female DJs in South Africa has seen a progressive shift towards a more inclusive deejaying industry. Women are no longer kept on the sidelines. Rather, they are the ones pushing youth culture through music. However, the path to recognition and respect in these fields is fraught with challenges, including gender bias, unequal opportunities and pay disparities. Women’s contributions are often overshadowed or undervalued compared to those of their male counterparts. Despite these obstacles, the presence and success of women in various music genres continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations.
The She Plays programme
Play energy drink’s female DJs’ programme called She Plays is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering women in the music industry, particularly in the fields traditionally dominated by men. This innovative programme focuses on providing opportunities, mentorship and resources to female DJs by creating a supportive network. She Plays aims to break down barriers and challenge the systemic biases that have long hindered women’s progress in the music world. The programme also emphasises the importance of visibility, encouraging women to take centre stage and share their stories and talents with a broader audience. By fostering a diverse and inclusive musical community, the programme helps to shift the industry’s narrative and ensures that women’s voices are heard and valued. Ultimately, She Plays is more than just a programme; it is a movement dedicated to creating lasting change in the music industry, inspiring a new generation of female DJs to pursue their passions without limits.
LJ PEPPER
What inspired you to become a DJ?
What inspired me to become a DJ is my love for music. Growing up in a household where my dad was a big music lover, he planted that seed in me. I remember, growing up, I used to collect CDs. My parents would always take me to music stores, and I’d come back home and play the music for my family. So, deejaying became a mode in which I could expand my love for music, and I would get to share it with other people and watch them enjoy it through dance. So, seeing a DJ, be it male or female, command the stage – the power they hold in that moment – was a privilege to witness. Now I get the chance to do that, and seeing female DJs from all walks of life push boundaries and shape the sound is inspiring to watch. The thing with deejaying is that there is no limit to what one can do.
Please describe your music style as a DJ.
I play house music – mainly Afro-house music, to be specific – and it’s a high-energy brand of groovy tech house. I focus on playing music that is mainly produced by African artists. I like the way the drums are introduced to the music, which contributes to the energy of my sets.
What is the biggest challenge that you have faced in your career?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is getting my hands on DJ equipment. Eventually, I managed to get my own equipment, which has made things easier for me.
What are the misconceptions about being a woman who deejays?
One of the misconceptions about being a female DJ is that we can’t hold our own as headliners. Luckily, this is an opinion that is being constantly challenged by many female DJs in South Africa and across the world. There are females who are commanding huge national and international stages, which is incredible to watch. They are reshaping how female DJs are perceived and received. What a time to be alive!
Why do you think initiatives like She Plays are important?
Initiatives like She Plays are critical for representation in the DJ space, which was always viewed as a boys’ club. These initiatives guide and support young female DJs to grow into the brands they envision themselves to be. They level the playing field, as they provide opportunities to female DJs that allow them to become greater over a period of time.
What is the biggest lesson you have learnt in the She Plays programme?
I’ve learnt how important it is to know your brand and to be clear about what you stand for as a growing DJ.
In closing, how would you describe your X factor as a DJ?
Through my sets, I like to create a crescendo. What makes my sets stand out is how I build them. I construct them in such a way that I take the crowd on a musical journey, which is something I enjoy.
NAHLEDI
What inspired you to become a DJ?
I have always had a huge love for music, and I am constantly listening to music. Growing up, there was always music playing in my house, so you could say that my love for music led to me deejaying. In 2020, during lockdown, I realised that the degree I was studying at the time didn’t resonate with me. Around the same time, I started trying out different hobbies and I stumbled upon deejaying. I started off on VirtualDJ and I quickly realised that I was actually kind of good at it (deejaying). In short, I was inspired by my love for music to start deejaying.
Please describe your music style as a DJ.
I would describe myself as a multi-genre DJ. I play hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeat and a Kaytranada type of house, which is future beat and bounce, along with deep house. My music style is based on the music that I listen to and the music that resonates with me. Overall, I would describe my music style as fun and fluid. The only genres that I don’t play are amapiano and gqom.
What is the biggest challenge that you have faced in your career?
I think the biggest challenge I have faced in my career thus far is being underestimated. In the beginning, people would be sceptical about my versatility but, once I was done playing my set, the same people would appreciate the skills I possess. Now that I have built a solid foundation for myself as a DJ, it doesn’t happen as much.
What are the misconceptions about being a woman who deejays?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that people think that women are not as technically skilled as their male counterparts in the industry. I feel like that stereotype can lead to people not taking women as seriously or underestimating them, as I mentioned earlier. I think we are moving into an era where, regardless of your gender, you can be a brilliant DJ. I think that the more women become successful DJs, the less prevalent the misconception will
Why do you think initiatives like She Plays are important?
I think initiatives like She Plays are important because they provide a platform for women to support each other and showcase their talent. It also provides us with access to support systems or resources we might not have been exposed to, had we chosen to do it alone. I think of the quote: “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, then go together,” and I feel that the She Plays programme is an embodiment of that. I say that because the programme was conceptualised by a woman and we are all women who are empowering each other. The She Plays programme teaches us how to approach our own brands as well as how to approach the music industry as a business. It is an amazing support system that is unmatched.
What is the biggest lesson you have learnt in the She Plays programme?
I think the biggest lesson I have learnt from the She Plays programme is that your network is your net worth. I have found myself in a position to network with the right people and that has led to opportunities that I would not have been exposed to otherwise. The programme has also taught me how to work in a team and how to better support and empower others. It has honestly been a life-changing experience and I think that, above all else, I have learnt that support is everything.
In closing, how would you describe your X factor as a DJ?
I think my X factor is being a multi-genre DJ. Over time, people try to understand you and try to associate you with one genre. I love how I can play hip-hop on a Friday, house on a Saturday and R&B on a Sunday, because people will never know what to expect when I’m behind the decks. So, yes, being a multi-genre DJ is my X factor.
EL SMOKE
What inspired you to become a DJ?
I would sum it up as my love for music, but my journey into music was not conventional. When I was 14, going on 15, I had no idea what a DJ was, but I had a very good friend of mine, a best friend you could say, who came to me and expressed that he wanted to learn how to deejay. For some reason, I told him that I would find someone to teach him, even though I didn’t know anyone who could deejay at the time. I am probably exposing my age here, but it was around the time when Mxit was still a thing. I put up a status that my friend was looking for someone to teach him how to deejay. Someone on my contact list, who I didn’t know, reached out saying that they had equipment and that my friend and I should meet up with him. I met up with the person who reached out, but my friend wasn’t with me, so he assumed that I wanted to learn how to deejay. At the time, he used vinyls to deejay and that was pretty much how I got my start in deejaying, and I just fell in love with it.
Please describe your music style as a DJ.
My style of music is very eclectic and it is inspired by a variety of things. I would consider myself to be a multi-faceted DJ and I don’t like to be boxed into one category. I have a variety of tastes in music and I enjoy music that is different from the norm, which is why I would describe my style as eclectic. I am also an emotional person and I love to tell stories through music. I enjoy curating sounds that make you feel like you are in a living movie. Whenever I curate a set, I want to make people feel some type of way. How everyone else interprets the music is up to them. Obviously, this is challenging to accomplish in a club setting because you are trying to make people dance but, again, I would say my style is eclectic like that. It’s multi-dimensional and multi-faceted. It’s all things in one.
What is the biggest challenge that you have faced in your career?
For me, my biggest challenge comes on a more personal note, which is my lack of social skills. Networking is incredibly difficult for me because I am socially awkward. I know that I don’t have the best social skills and I come off as very stand-offish as a result of that. People either say that I always look sad or angry or they say that I have an unapproachable resting face. For someone like me, it is tough navigating an industry that is so heavily dependent on relationships to get gigs. Sometimes, my personality contradicts itself and that can be confusing for some people. At the end of the day, I understand that I am a weird character and I love and accept that about myself. It’s challenging but it makes it quite interesting to manoeuvre in this industry with my type of personality.
What are the misconceptions about being a woman who deejays?
The biggest misconception is that women who deejay aren’t skilled DJs and they only get booked because they have pretty bodies, but I beg to differ. It’s actually more difficult for us to get booked because we have to consistently prove that we are just as talented. I have come across different female DJs who are incredibly skilled at what they do and they can hold their own behind the decks. There is also a narrative that women only deejay because it’s a trend. Nobody says anything when every other boy wants to be a DJ but people have so much to say when girls want to be DJs. All in all, the misconception is that we (female DJs) are in the positions that we are in only because we are women.
Why do you think initiatives like She Plays are important?
I definitely think that initiatives like this are important for the mere fact that they are focusing on women. They are showing that it doesn’t matter whether you are a man or a woman when you are talented. I have heard people say things like: “An all-women lineup would never hold,” and here we are, holding down a lot of events just as us girls. Programmes like She Plays are very important in normalising women in the space and showcasing the talent that often goes unheard. They are giving us a platform and opportunity. Platforms like She Plays are important, and I hope there will be more programmes like it to come.
What are the biggest lessons you have learnt in the She Plays programme?
For me, a lot of my learning goes back to what I was saying about socialising. I have learnt about the importance of networking and relationship building. I have realised how much of an asset being sociable is. On the other end of the spectrum, I have learnt the value of being self-reliant. It’s important to know how to start things on your own and do things for yourself. The programme has also taught me that I shouldn’t be afraid to push boundaries and be different. People may not understand it at that moment but, one day, they will catch on. When I started out, I was scared and insecure about myself as a DJ but, the more I worked the programme, the more I realised that I am skilled at what I do. I have developed the ability to recognise the dopeness in myself. I have built up a lot of that confidence through the She Plays programme.
In closing, how would you describe your X factor as a DJ?
I think my X factor is the fact that I am the same person when I walk into any room. The ability to do that is a result of the subtle confidence I have built up. Admittedly, it’s not where it should be but it is getting there and I love it. Above all else, my self-acceptance allows me to express my art and deejaying is one of the forms I express myself in.
MBALIVIBES
What inspired you to become a DJ?
Initially, I was just a child who was in love with entertaining people. Whether it was art or performing art, it didn’t matter. All that mattered was making people happy. Anything that had to do with dance and music was associated with me. As I grew up, I gradually became more interested in dancing and, after seeing Slenda Da Dancing deejay, I realised that it’s possible to combine two crafts and turn them into something authentic and unique. I then put dancing on hold and started my journey into deejaying.
Please describe your music style as a DJ.
My music style is amapiano. It is a very vibrant, organic and authentic music style. I picked that music style because it really blends well with my brand. It’s in my name – I’m Mbalivibes. ’Piano is all about happiness and vibrancy, and those aspects of amapiano align with my brand.
What is the biggest challenge that you have faced in your career?
The biggest challenge I have faced in my career is having to find management. When you are a young female or an upcoming artist, you are more likely to be open and available to any opportunity you are given, as long as you get your name out there. The challenge of finding a new manager has led to me doing more research and reaching out to people who have the capability to turn me into a bigger brand.
What are the misconceptions about being a woman who deejays?
The misconception around being a woman who deejays is usually that women are just becoming DJs because it’s trendy right now. Another misconception is that women are in the field of deejaying for money and fame rather than the passion for the craft.
On another note, a woman’s deejay skills are generally under scrutiny. I have been to gigs where the resident DJ would approach the decks just to see if I was playing a pre-recorded mix because people think that female DJs can’t play. Women are just as skilled and well educated in deejaying, and, most times, females play better sets than those who underestimate female DJs.
Why do you think initiatives like She Plays are important?
Initiatives like She Plays are important because they give female DJs a platform to prove themselves in a very male-dominated industry. Initiatives like She Plays help tackle and eliminate certain misconceptions that people have about female DJs. The programme gives us the opportunity to stand tall as female DJs and be proud of the work we are doing.
The She Plays platform took us because they saw the determination that we have, and they want to help us reach new heights in our careers. The She Plays programme achieves this by introducing you to people who have the capabilities to help you grow and develop your brand.
What are the biggest lessons you have learnt in the She Plays programme?
One of the biggest lessons I have learnt in the She Plays programme is learning how to engage with people. The programme showed us the importance of establishing relationships with people because you never know who might play an important role in your career. I have also learnt the importance of humility and consistency in my journey.
In closing, how would you describe your X factor as a DJ?
What makes me unique is how I mix. I don’t just play amapiano. I also play Afrotech and gqom, and I enjoy mixing these genres because it helps me accommodate everyone in a crowd. Additionally, there are certain effects I play around with, and I incorporate those effects in the three genres I play. I would say that those are the elements that make me stand out, and from time to time, I enjoy stepping away from the decks to show my audience that I am in the moment, and I do that by dancing. Another technique I use is filtering, which is basically when you lower the music. I do that so that I can hear how the crowd engages with the music. That moment between the crowd and the music is everything.
BINNZ
What inspired you to become a DJ?
What inspired me to start deejaying was my desire to curate the vibe in a club. Sometimes you go out to the club, and whoever is playing music isn’t playing the type of music you enjoy. I felt I had to take it upon myself to curate the vibe I wanted to experience in the club and include songs I wanted to hear. The role of a DJ is to put people onto new music, and being able to share music that I feel deserves to be heard is also what inspired me to start deejaying.
Please describe your music style as a DJ.
I’m a hip-hop and R&B DJ, but I mostly play hip-hop in the club. I would say that my style of music is for the girls, and my attention is focused on pleasing the girls in the club. I feel like, as a woman, I understand other women better than a male DJ. I know what makes girls tick because I am a girl’s girl myself. I feel like my style is basically making sure that the girls feel good. I want to play their favourite songs and give them the opportunity to sing their favourite song bar for bar and have a good time.
What is the biggest challenge that you have faced in your career?
I would say the biggest challenge I have faced is having to deal with promoters directly. My experience with promoters is that they are shady. I must say that my experience with them is not exclusive to me. I know a lot of people go through that, but I feel that when you are a woman, you deal with it more. As someone who has never had a team behind her, I literally have to deal with the promoters myself, and things can get very tricky when dealing with them
What are the misconceptions about being a woman who deejays?
I think the misconception around being a woman is that people think women deejay for attention and that they are not really good at it. People think because you are a woman, you probably aren’t as good as your male counterparts. People trust male DJs more… people book male DJs more. The general consensus is that women are in it for the wrong reasons and that women aren’t as talented.
Why do you think initiatives like She Plays are important?
I feel like a programme like She Plays is important because it highlights female DJs in the country. For instance, if people experience the She Plays DJs and they are blown away, that builds a bit more trust in what a female DJ can do. There are a lot of talented female DJs out there, but they don’t have a spotlight on them, and I feel like the She Plays programme gives you that platform to be like, “I’m good at what I do, and I am good enough to be on certain platforms.”
What are the biggest lessons you have learnt in the She Plays programme?
The biggest lesson I have learnt from She Plays is that we can do more together. You can do a lot by yourself, but there is power in community; there is power in pulling in one direction.
In closing, how would you describe your X factor as a DJ?
I would say my X factor is that I understand girls a lot more than other DJs. If I’m at home, I might hear a song that makes me feel a certain way, and I will include it in my set. To see the girls have the same reaction I did is just amazing.
SIKE THEE DEEJAY
What inspired you to become a DJ?
DJ Kent is one of the people who inspired me. I used to listen to his ultimix on 5FM. I was inspired by his ultimix because it was different. No one was doing it like him at the time. I was also inspired by Euphonik, Bazy B, Stylo and Stakev. They also inspired me to become a DJ because of how they used to mix songs. I loved the way they used acapellas on different songs, and they were all really creative.
Please describe your music style as a DJ.
I am an open-format DJ, but I specialise in hip-hop and R&B. I specialise in those two genres because I feel that they offer more opportunities to be creative in your sets as you can play with different acapellas and effects. I am not hating on other genres, but I feel as though hip-hop and R&B offer more avenues for switch-ups and other transitions.
What is the biggest challenge that you have faced in your career?
The biggest challenge I have had to face in my career is the fact that I don’t fit the mould of a traditional female DJ. I feel as though there is a standard that has been set for what a female DJ “should” look like, and I don’t fit it. I get overlooked because I don’t fit into the stereotypical image of a female DJ. People would much rather pay for a pretty face than a skilled DJ who can read the crowd. That has been the biggest challenge I have faced in my eight-year-long career.
What are the misconceptions about being a woman who deejays?
I know a few misconceptions, but I will only mention two. The main issue links back to what I was saying about the biggest challenge I have faced in my career. One of the misconceptions is that as a female DJ, you have to wear heels and have a weave to be taken seriously. You don’t need to look a certain way to feel comfortable being a female DJ. We should be seen as equals to men. There shouldn’t be a difference between the two.
Another misconception is that women play pre-recorded DJ mixes that have no cohesion, and I have had people express this sentiment to me. To be fair, my mixes didn’t have cohesion when I started out, but that is something all DJs go through, not just female DJs.
Why do you think initiatives like She Plays are important?
I feel that initiatives like She Plays are important in the male-dominated field of deejaying. Programmes like She Plays help in breaking down the stereotypes and narratives around female DJs. Women shouldn’t feel like they have to look a certain way or do things they aren’t comfortable with to get gigs. Initiatives like She Plays teach female DJs about the industry and the importance of networking. She Plays is also an empowering movement because you receive opportunities that you wouldn’t have had otherwise.
What are the biggest lessons you have learnt in the She Plays programme?
The first big lesson I have learnt is that you won’t get gigs unless you go out and pursue gigs, and that doesn’t mean only going out when you are performing. Sometimes you need to network with people by showing up for events. I have also learnt about the importance of social media. When you approach a promoter, the first thing they look at is your social media. If you think about it, your CV is your social media account. In addition to how you present yourself as a DJ, you also need to think about posting about other different content to solidify yourself as a well-rounded brand. You also have to know how to network, and admittedly, that is an area where I have lacked. I have been a DJ for eight years, but I have only now learnt the importance of networking from the greats in the industry.
In closing, how would you describe your X factor as a DJ?
I think what separates me from other DJs is that I am an ultimix DJ. An ultimix DJ plays with acapellas over different songs and incorporates edits into the song. So, I am very creative with my sets, and I never have a normal set. I always have something to surprise you.
SMALL BABES
What inspired you to become a DJ?
During COVID, I really wanted to learn a new skill, and my brother already had all of the equipment, so it was a natural progression for me. Having had our movements restricted at the time, I would listen to a lot of hip-hop, R&B and alternative, and I would just think about how it would be great to hear that music outside.
Please describe your music style as a DJ.
I would describe my music style as quite diverse. When I think about R&B and hip-hop on a larger scale, I realise that I appreciate every facet of it, from neo-soul all the way to trap. Every single aspect is so important. That appreciation for every facet of music has led to me being a versatile DJ. You can put me on at brunch when there aren’t too many people, or you could put me in the club. Having that range in what I listen to has informed my versatile DJ style.
What is the biggest challenge that you have faced in your career?
As cliché as it sounds, being a woman has been my biggest challenge because I feel as though a lot of people are incredibly sceptical when it comes to booking female DJs as a whole. It also doesn’t help that I chose to be a hip-hop DJ because it’s extremely male-dominated. It’s difficult to somewhat convince people that you are actually a good DJ, but it’s something that we can overcome.
What are the biggest lessons you have learnt in the She Plays programme?
The She Plays programme really puts you through your paces. They teach you so many vital things that you might not have thought about before you joined. My biggest takeaway is how I portray myself online versus how I present myself online. I think that I am very good in the streets, but I need to work on presenting the same version of myself to people online and those I interact with face to face. I acknowledge that it is going to be a process, and it’s something that I am definitely working on. Another aspect of my brand that I am working on is identifying where I want to play. For example, I don’t think that corporate spaces are my strongest suit, and that’s okay because that might be someone else’s passion.
In closing, how would you describe your X factor as a DJ?
My X factor as a DJ is that I am not afraid to play new music. I know it can be daunting, but somebody has to do it. Also, I truly believe in South African R&B and hip-hop. So much so that I feel the need to share it with people through my sets.