Queens in the Mix

Source : Kutlwano

Author : Lucretia Chima

Location : Gaborone

Event : Interview

 

Yes, the music industry, particularly deejaying is among the most segregated fields of work.  In fact movies such as Girls Gone Vinyl were released to expose the pros and cons of being a female Dj in a hitherto male dominated industry. For years women have always eyed jobs that could allow them to carry just their designer handbags laced with perfectly done manicure.  The thought of carrying a hard music CD or vinyl cases never crossed their mind it would appear, as it was associated with masculinity.

In the past female radio presenters would skin one alive for calling them Djs as they felt debased.  However, today it is evident that more and more women are beginning to find their love in this still male-dominated field. They are not ashamed of mixing the turntables anymore. For many years female Djs were known to come from the United States and Europe, with some holding their own against their male counterparts. If one happened to visit the US, names such DJ Rap or DJ Heather, are likely to be mentioned among night crawlers, as they are some of the most entertaining and successful female DJs in the world. In the UK, names such as DJ Lisa Lashes, a Hardcore House DJ, also deserve mention. Of late, South Africa has joined the craft with the likes of DJ C’indo and DJ Zinhle, among others. The emergence of DJ C’ indo and Zinhle in particular, has contributed to the growing number of sensational female DJs in Botswana, such as Ms Kels, DJ Lady Luck, and DJ Jam’n-I, pronounced Gemini, to mention a few. These women do not only rock their fans but have also earned themselves respect from their male counterparts. While some women pay to get entertained especially by male DJs, these women get paid to send music lovers scampering for more on the dance floor.Although local female DJs have been up and about doing their thing, less is heard about them, save for night crawlers who talk endlessly about this unique breed of women.

Kutlwano caught up with Kabo Magetse, aka Jam-n-i in entertainment circles. The mixing beauty who is in her 20s, says she grew up as a music baby.  Her late mother, she says, used to play a lot of music for her, which obviously explains her love for music. As a young girl she used to sing at social events as well as in church, she says. As it turned out, singing helped her overcome her shy nature, she says. Like other unemployed IT graduates, she had to find something to make ends meet.  She says being a reserved person, deejaying was the next best option, particularly because it requires the use of hands and less talking. “I love my music and standing behind the turntables gives me joy,” says Jam-n-i.

Although she finds her job fulfilling, she says deejaying, like any other job, has countless challenges especially when people doubt her skills just because she is a woman. “People are always quick to criticise me just because I am a woman. I let my work define me. It is part of life and nobody said it will be easy but it does get a bit too much and overwhelming at times,” she says. Knowing that opportunities do not come by as often as one would like, when they do, she ensures that she unleashes her potential to get the appreciation she deserves. She affirms that deejaying in Botswana, like any entertainment job in the country is not as lucrative as in other countries, because of a limited market. The mixing queen hopes that recent government initiatives aimed at assisting young people economically will open opportunities for entertainers as well. Her fondest memories will always be her birthday gigs, Illusive Jam-3 which she uses to test her strength. Her mantra is “If God so wishes, it shall happen” which gives hope that the DJ has a brighter future. Then we met Ms Kels who needs no introduction in entertainment circles. Keletso Ramputswa aka Kels has made her mark locally and in neighbouring South Africa.

The turntable beauty, whose parents hail from Molepolole, says she was born and bred in Gaborone, which led to some people calling her a GC girl. After she completed her high school at Maruapula Secondary School she moved to Rhodes University to study Bachelor of Social Sciences in Politics and Law in 2006. She says that opened a new door of opportunity for her. She says it all started with DJ Roger Goode, a South African Electro/Dance album dubbed Saturday Surgery, which stirred the mixing spirit in her. She just fell in love with House music and that led to her joining the campus’ radio station.  It was a blessing in disguise as she started getting jobs in clubs and parties around Grahamstown. Her prowess behind the decks saw her managing club Lounge Around as events coordinator. That was besides the two radio shows that primarily played house music.

The exposure she enjoyed earned her bookings from the Eastern Cape and other parts of South Africa, she says. Some of the events she has featured in include Grahamstown Arts Festival - three years in a row, alongside the likes of Dj Fresh and Euphonik, Sox, Fisherman, Kent, Fistaz, C-Live, Cleo, Roger Goode and many others; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Bash- Port Elizabeth-alongside prominent Djs such as Black coffee, Lulo Café and Craig De Sousa; The Best of Both Worlds- alongside Dj Fresh and Dj Milkshake; and The Divas bash- alongside Dj Cndo  to mention a few. In 2010 she says she left an impression among the youthful station listeners after her first premiere on Yarona Fm alongside Mr. O during his show, The Dance Experience. For her, being a Dj has nothing to do with one’s sexual orientation but love for the ‘art’.

Ms Kels has two degrees under her belt - a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Politics and Law. She works at Service Bridges as a research coordinator and while she is running around with her day job, her manager, Thabiso Blak Mashaba, handles her Dj dealings. Her motto is “breaking the barriers and the impossible”. There is no doubt about it as the arguably hottest and upcoming turntablist managed to work extra hard to combine it with working on two degrees. She has proved to be a force to reckon with by being in the corporate world and also doing gigs across the country. “Hard work and passion are what fuels my love for my career, music is my catalyst.”

Although female Djs’ integrity is often put under the spotlight, she asserts that even their male counterparts have their own challenges.  “The industry is too small in Botswana as there are few clubs to get booked and we both have to do what we can to stay relevant,” stresses Ms Kels.  With DJ Fresh as her role model and mentor, she says the sky is the limit. Some of the big names she has rubbed shoulders with include Dj Roland Clark and Nick Holder. Her favourite beat is Dj Zinhle’s My Name is and Sabastian Ingrosso and Alesso- Calling.  She says has been working with organisations such as Black Audio Fire, an events and artist management company. Their contribution at the house saw the premier of Botswana’s first House symposium alongside herself Mr. O, Jason Fieber (Soul Candi), Dj Fresh (5fm) and International Dj Roland Clark took part in the promotion of house music. Aware that for one to succeed they have to have their heart in business and their business in their heart, there is no doubt about female DJs also have future. ENDS

Teaser:

While some of women pay to get entertained especially by male DJs, these women get paid to send music lovers scampering for more on the dance floor