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From playing instruments during church services in her youth to making nightclub patrons “lose their heads” in her adult career, DJ Sifiso, born Sifiso Yolanda Sibanda, has always believed in the universal power of music. No matter the crowd or setting, she knows how to connect through sound.
Her career has seen her performing at a range of venues in Bulawayo, from nightclubs and music festivals to more intimate settings like lounges, bars and private events. Billed to perform at the upcoming Bulawayo Shutdown gig, DJ Sifiso is well-known for her electrifying sets at Bulawayo Exclusive Events.
She takes us through her inspiring journey, sharing how her love for music has evolved from her early days in church to becoming a celebrated DJ today.
Q. What pushed you to the music industry?
A. I ventured into the art industry so I can be able to express myself and also my passion for music was the driving force.
Q: Do you recall any moments from your childhood that reflect your passion for music?
A: One of my favourite childhood memories of music comes from my time at church, where I played music during services. Those moments taught me the power of music that brings people together and create a sense of community. I also explored virtual deejaying, experimenting with software and beats. This combination of live experience and virtual creativity really ignited my passion for deejaying, showing me how music can resonate in both physical and digital spaces.
Q: Who do you consider to be your inspiration in the music industry?
A: My biggest inspiration is definitely DJ Kotwane. My dream is to elevate my skills and reach even higher levels than he has. His journey serves as a constant motivator for me, proving that it’s possible to evolve and adapt in this ever-changing industry.
Q: Which DJs have you shared the stage with?
A: I have shared the stage with DJs like Kotwane Hikwa, DJ AshT, Nizhe De Soul, Ryan Synth, Mellow & Sleazy and Leemckrazy.
Q: What special skills do you possess that make you unique from others?
A: One thing that few people know about me is that I have a deep fascination with sound design and the technical aspects of music production. This background influences my approach to deejaying, enabling me to incorporate unique elements into my sets such as custom edits and sound manipulations. I believe that DJs are not just performers; we are also artistes and I strive to bring that artistry into every performance.
Q: How do you manage to balance your career and personal life?
A: I maintain a strict and professional lifestyle to balance my creative pursuits with personal relationships and self-care. While networking is crucial, I ensure I uphold my values and morals to protect my brand’s integrity. I keep my personal life separate from my professional endeavours, as many DJs can slip into a cycle of excess that leads to burnout. I want to build a lasting legacy, not just experience fleeting moments of fame. Staying grounded and keeping my vision clear help me avoid losing my way in this wild scene.
Q: What would you consider to be your highs and lows?
A: My highs include successful gigs, collaborations with other artistes and the opportunity to connect with a diverse audience. In contrast, the lows are struggles with self-doubt during performances, navigating a male-dominated environment and facing criticism.
Q: Looking back at your career, what advice would you give yourself?
A: If I could go back in time and offer advice to my younger self just starting out in deejaying, it would be to stay true to your vision and not rush for the spotlight. Focus on honing your craft and understanding what makes music connect with people. In the beginning, I was eager to become known, but I now realise that taking the time to develop my unique sound is essential for longevity in this industry.
Q: What should your fans expect from you?
A: Besides deejaying, fans can expect some exciting projects from me in music production. I’m aiming to craft experiences that highlight the artistry of music in all its forms. Whether it’s live shows or workshops, I want to enrich the musical landscape and share what I’ve learned along the way. Stay tuned for some fresh and innovative content coming your way!
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