Choosing the right career is a crucial decision with far-reaching consequences. It shapes your future, making it essential to make an informed choice.
The African Reporter engages with businesspeople, professionals, and other key figures, focusing on a different career each week to provide guidance to younger readers navigating their career paths.
This week, we shine a spotlight on the career of a disc jockey (DJ). Musa ‘DJ Kayos’ Mbhele has been a DJ for the past three years and says he was inspired by the word “chaos”.
“I believe wherever I go in the music industry, I cause chaos, and you cannot help but have fun. For me to be in this industry, I was just playing around with my friend’s laptop in the Virtual DJ section.
“My friends noticed that I was good at it, but I didn’t take it seriously because I had never imagined myself becoming a DJ,” he said.
Encouraged by his friends to give it a try and earn some extra money, Mbhele decided to take the leap.
“They truly believed I would make a great DJ. So I decided to try it, and it worked. I started making money. As I grew, the demand for my services increased, and booking me became more expensive,” he said.
Musa Mbhele is a DJ. Photo: Musa Mbhele
What is a DJ?A DJ is someone who selects, mixes, and plays music for an audience using equipment like turntables, mixers, controllers, or software.
What does a DJ do during events or performances?A DJ controls the music, reads the crowd, mixes songs smoothly, keeps the energy going, and creates a vibe that fits the event.
What skills do I need to become a successful DJ?You need rhythm, creativity, good listening skills, music selection ability, confidence, and understanding of mixing techniques.
What type of interests and knowledge are helpful for this career?A love for music, interest in different genres, understanding of beats, interest in technology/equipment, and curiosity about entertainment trends.
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Where can I study or take courses to become a DJ?You can learn from YouTube tutorials, online platforms like Udemy and Skillshare, or by practicing with DJ apps and affordable equipment. Some people also learn from other DJs or join DJ workshops.
Which high school subjects can help me prepare for a career in DJing?Subjects like music, computer applications technology (CAT), business studies, and tourism can be helpful.
What soft skills are important for a DJ to have?• Communication• Confidence• Time management• Creativity• Discipline• Teamwork and the ability to read a crowd
What hard or technical skills should I learn to perform professionally?Beat matching, mixing, using DJ controllers or turntables, sound equipment setup, understanding DJ software, and basic audio editing.
How can I keep improving and advancing in the DJ industry?Practice regularly, study other DJs, stay updated with new music, and attend events, network, release mixtapes, and keep learning new techniques.
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Where do DJs usually work or perform?Clubs, parties, weddings, radio stations, festivals, corporate events, restaurants, and school events.
What are some challenges DJs face in their line of work?Late working hours, crowd pressure, equipment costs, competition, unpredictable gigs, and keeping up with new music.
What advice would you give to young people who want to become DJs?Start small, practice often, be patient, learn from mistakes, be open to different genres, and build your unique style.
What are the advantages and disadvantages that come with the job?• Advantages: Fun environment, creativity, meeting people, flexible work, good earning potential.• Disadvantages: Late nights, inconsistent income, physical tiredness, carrying heavy equipment, and high setup costs.
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