Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
VETERAN DJ Joe Da OG is a living archive of Bulawayo’s nightlife — a keeper of memories, music and culture whose influence has shaped the club scene for more than two decades.
As he turned 50 on 11 December, the milestone has given fans, fellow DJs and industry players a moment to pause and reflect on a journey that has defined entertainment in the City of Kings.
For Joe, the celebrations go beyond candles and cake. They symbolise survival, a blessing he attributes entirely to divine favour.
“Being alive is God’s will. If I look back and reflect, worse this year, we have lost many talented friends and colleagues along the way, including my long-time friend Babongile Sikhonjwa. So, to be here at the age of 50, it’s not because I’m clever or whatever. It’s God’s grace, which is why I’m planning to celebrate a golden jubilee of my existence with a massive bash, which I’m looking forward to celebrating with my friends and loyal fans.”
Looking back at his journey in the arts scene, his love for entertainment was evident early. In high school, Joe founded a rave dance group that went on to win the 1994 Mega Dance competitions, an achievement that gave him a glimpse of the spotlight.
“In that same year, I launched my first promotion, ‘Miss Mpopoma All Schools’, which was an overwhelming success,” he recalled.
It was during this era that his passion for music deepened, nurtured by the hours he spent recording songs off Radio 3 and tuning into classic TV shows.
“I remember, my Saturday evenings were devoted to watching shows like Coke on the Beat and Music Soul Train, which further fuelled my passion for becoming a DJ.”
Joe attributes much of his professional rise to the legendary duo known as the Black Boys, DJ Gqwetha and Bongani, who dominated Bulawayo’s nightlife in the 1990s and early 2000s. Their influence opened the door to his first break behind the decks.
By 1999, Joe had co-founded Blaktroop Entertainment with DJ Simmy, who is now UK-based, marking the beginning of his formal presence in the entertainment scene.
“I started out my professional career as a DJ at Visions Night Club, and over the years, my exciting sets from there propelled me through various venues including Walkers, Windermere and the popular Jock and Saddle,” he said.
Today, he holds fort at Cosmopolitan VIP Club, where he sees himself as a guardian of nostalgia.
“Even after over 25 years in the game, I still stand tall as a rock, as I am operating at the Cosmopolitan VIP Club, where I’m responsible for making sure that despite popular culture and secular music, Old Skool remains known in the city as it has a massive following,” he said.
But the journey has not been without struggle. Joe is candid about the economic and cultural shifts that have transformed Bulawayo’s nightlife.
“The nightlife industry was once a thriving sector, where even employment was actively created, and money circulated better. Even the DJs were paid far better than now. Club owners used to make good money as well,” he said.
He notes that the traditional nightclub experience has dwindled as patrons gravitate toward lounges and restaurants.
“The culture has changed. We used to make our money from gate takings, but now entrance at every place is free, meaning that income has reduced and everyone has to be paid from bar sales.”
The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated this shift dramatically.
“Covid-19 also shifted a lot of things, as a new culture emerged, with many people’s preferences and lifestyles now more about content creation than the actual entertainment. Some even prefer drinking from their cars, meaning that there are fewer people at clubs now,” he said.
Still, hope remains. As someone who has curated major events such as the Summer and Winter Carnivals, Joe remains optimistic that Bulawayo’s nightlife can be revived. His upcoming celebration, the “All White Grand 50” gig on 20 December at the club where he is resident, is designed to be more than a party. It is a tribute to unity, legacy and the culture that raised him.
A rotating roster of veteran DJs will honour his milestone. Among them are Morris Touch, UK-based DJ Gqwetha, Emity Smooth, Phat Joe, Lyle Dash, Davis Mugadza and new-age talents such as Nospa, Teflon, Eugy and Keezy AM.
As Joe Da OG turns 50, his journey shows the power of dedication. He has not just played music; he has created memories, mentored young talent, influenced culture and helped shape Bulawayo’s nightlife. And on 20 December, when the decks light up to celebrate his golden jubilee, the city will dance once again to the sound of a man who helped define its nightlife story.
Bongani Ndlovu