BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE- It’s high time the relevant ministry and associations sing one voice and assist local DJs by regulating the pay for DJs at gigs.
DJ Bloss-SD has also called for the industry to regulate the industry to guarantee that DJs are paid for their work in the country what they deserve.
The DJ has released two Extended Playlists (EPs). The first one is titled “Somnyama,” and the second one is titled “In the Jungle. We caught up with the DJ, who is currently based in Pretoria, and he shared his story with us. Born Blessing Gama shared with this publication that he started deejaying back in high school. He has performed at Propaganda in Pretoria, 012 Lifestyle in Pretoria, The Establishment in Soweto, and many more. This is what he said about his journey.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Mpolonjeni with my great-grandmother and mother. I then moved to Corporation in 2010 when I was attending my high school at Ka-Boyce High School to stay with my grandfather.
I recently changed my surname to Gama from Masuku. I am currently working on changing my documents to have the Gama surname.
When did you fall in love with the craft?
I started deejaying back in high school when I was using a virtual DJ. I recall a moment where I was the DJ at a speech and prize-giving day. It went on even after high school, and then in 2016, when I started to be a professional DJ, I used to watch my uncle DJ using a virtual DJ. I got interested in the craft. I would always try practising by myself when he wasn’t around until he found me trying. He then taught me how to go about the software. It was after high school that I met DJ Castle, who introduced me to CDJs. We had a few sessions, and then I managed to master it by playing regularly at Solanis as a resident DJ.
Which stages have you played at?
I have had the blessing of reaching stages I only dreamed of. I have performed at Propaganda in Pretoria, 012 Lifestyle in Pretoria, The Establishment in Soweto, Cafe Baku in Jozi, and Rhythm Lounge in Vaal. The list goes on and on.
What is your most memorable performance?
There was a time when I was on stage and SK Khoza came and asked my name, then he spoke on the mic and introduced me to the crowd.
Who have you worked with in the industry?
I have worked with amazing people. One outstanding one is Mozaik (Muti), the producer. I have also worked with Maye, with whom we are currently working on some amazing projects.
I would still love to work with Mhaw Keys, Felo, and Zed Nxumalo.
How is the competition in the industry?
The competition is tough. Very tough. Especially because there’s a lot of us. So it’s really tough. It is also motivating, though, because you always have to be at your best.
It’s quite hard to survive by just deejaying. I don’t think our country values the arts at the level it is supposed to.
What can you say about Uncle Waffle’s success?
What Waffles has done is a one-in-a-million thing. I don’t think there’s a DJ from Eswatini who dreams of getting that far. Not because we’re not dreamers, though, because we are.
Everyone has his or her own journey. I strongly believe that we have good DJs who can compete internationally.
Are our local DJs paid enough?
I don’t think DJs are paid enough. I also think that the consumers of the craft aren’t willing to support it unless there’s an international act.
A lot needs to be done. Especially in the money-making part of the industry. We are lacking. Yes. We have to regulate the industry. Nothing is functional without rules and regulations. If we want a positive outcome in the near future, we need to regulate how things will be done.
