“DJ talent is growing strong in Letlhakeng”

The entertainment business is creating new career options for young people, writes Moses Mokoanene, 25, a Correspondent from Lethakeng in Botswana, who describes the life of a DJ.

Being a disc jockey is a growing talent every youth wants, and be one male or female, it does suit all.

In Letlhakeng, I managed to meet and interview current and upcoming DJs who believe their careers are income-generating and fun. Being a DJ for weddings, parties, and any organised events were mentioned by Moagi Modisaotsile, an upcoming DJ popularly known as ‘DJ Eddie’.

At 27 years young, he is a full time soldier who grew up in Letlhakeng and knew nothing about disc jockeying, but had a love of dancing to rhumba or Kwasakwasa music played by DJs at birthday parties he attended. DJ Eddie described his disc jockey love as starting in 2010 when he met a friend, Lefedile Kefentse, known as ‘DJ 2lk-v’, who taught him how to play around and mix songs using computer software.

“I did not know that a computer can play two to six songs at time using virtual DJ software, I was amazed” Moagi said.

DJ Eddie said that in 2011 he met Tlotlo Motseonageng – ‘DJ T-loo’ – to further his talent. Tlotlo was to teach him how to play using compact disc players called CDJs, which are very similar to the ones using virtual DJ software. He continued his lessons in spinning discs until 2012, when he got recognition for the sound he created with three speakers, an amplifier, a mixer and a laptop.

”I played in bars like Busy Bee Bar, played in events and parties in Letlhakeng which I got paid for. My aim was to save money to buy my own CDJs,” he added.

Most of his fans followed him wherever he would be playing with his CDJs, which he managed to buy in 2013.

“I went on to be more familiar because I recorded my mixes and participated in a show called Battle of the DJs, which I won a couple of times,’’ Moagi said.

Asked whether his talent is profitable, DJ Eddie said that he is making a lot of money out of his talent and is enjoying being popular.

“Some of my customers argue with me that my service is expensive, but I have to explain to them that my equipment is sensitive, therefore it needs more money when serviced,” he explained.

DJ Eddie managed to share the stage with Machesa, Zobas Crew and Dedcoh, and a number of popular local DJs at Ditshegwane Community Hall during last year’s Festive Season.

He explained that playing for a crowd is not easy, as you have to make the crowd dance and enjoy your songs. He said that if you are a DJ you do not play for yourself but for the crowd at the event.

DJ Eddie is now successful. He managed to create his own group, Giants Media, which is aimed at improving talents of youth in and around Letlhakeng who are interested in disc jockey careers. Giants Media is aiming at providing disc jockey lessons to interested youths, event organising and much more.

‘’We are still making and marketing Giants Media to register its DJs and show their talent during any events to better their lives,” he said.

Giants Media has taught females DJs like DJMaps (Maipelo Wakgotla) from Kanye. It is looking forward to producing DJ talent in Letlhakeng and to contributing to charitable events to give back to the community.

photo credit: Turn Tables via photopin (license)
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About me:

I am a young man who likes socialising, I worked with Ga-Motshoto Investments as a Graphic designer for two years, and started working with Information Services as a freelancer journalist in 2013.

I like exploring new places and would like to be a businessman in
future. Since I worked with Department of Information Services I have gained much experience and would like to further my qualifications in journalism or broadcasting.

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Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response.
To learn more about becoming a Commonwealth Correspondent please visit: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/submit-articles/commonwealthcorrespondents/

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