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DJ Mzi performed some funky tracks on the Nelson Mandela Bay Fan Fest™ stage on
27 June 2010 |
Eastern Cape born and bred Kwaito King, DJ Mzi, has six years experience as a DJ under his belt and released his first album in 2009. Titled Izasemzini, it is a combination of house and kwaito. His career as a DJ was fuelled whilst still a student at Wits University, when he entered – and won – a number of competitions, including Best Campus DJ and the Ricoffee DJ Challenge on YFM.
I caught up with him after he performed some funky tracks on the Nelson Mandela Bay Fan Fest™ stage on 27 June 2010
Q. Who is DJ Mzi?
A. I’m from the Eastern Cape but reside and work in Joburg. I’m signed to DJ Cleo under “will of steel” productions.
Q. What three words would you use to describe yourself?
A. Hard working, ambitious, go-getter.
Q. Where does your musical influence come from?
A. Well, I started playing kwaito. Today, my sound is a mix of kwaito and house. It’s basically what I grew up listening to.
Q. How long have you been in the industry?
A. Since 2005, so about 5 years now.
Q. What are you currently working on?
A. I’m busy with my second album. It’s due in two months! The sound is similar to the 1st one. I’m using the same formula, making dance floor beats and living up to people’s expectations.
Q. Any plans for a collaboration or two?
A. I’m signed under DJ Cleo so it’s given I’ll work with him. As for anyone else, we’re still busy with the album so anything can happen – smiles.
Q. What’s the best gig you’ve played?
A. I think the Metro FM awards in PE. Playing at the awards really exposed me.
Q. So, would you consider that your claim to fame?
A. Yes.
Q. What do you think about the City (Nelson Mandela Bay)?
A. Friendly and I don’t have to stress about anything. I can get to the airport in a few minutes.
Q. Have you played at any of the other FanFests. If so, which has been the best so far?
A. Yes, I have. Centurion stands out for me. I played on the day of the World Cup opening match.
Q. How’s the World Cup been for you so far?
A. It’s been amazing, surprising and unpredictable. The teams are full of flare. This is really an African World Cup.
Q. With Bafana Bafana out, who are you supporting?
A. I’m not sure yet, I’m waiting for the final.
Q. Okay then, let me change my question. Who would you like to see in the final?
A. Brazil will definitely be there and it would just be right for Ghana to be there. It’s happened before in the u/20 stage I think and Ghana beat Brazil so maybe we’ll see a repeat.
Q. Finally, what message do you have for your fans?
A. Keep supporting soccer. Experience it coz it’s once in a lifetime.
Derusha Rangasamy
NMBM COMMUNICATIONS