Behind the decks with DJ Mark Vusani

Entertaining guests and bringing life to the stage is an art mastered by only the most skilled DJs. This week, our spotlight is on legendary “DJ Mark Vusani,” whose real name is Vusumuzi Ndlovu.

A seasoned entertainer, he has been in the game since his teenage years and is currently a resident DJ at Olympus Lounge in Bulawayo.

Beyond his deejaying career, he is also a grain milling entrepreneur broker and a multimedia mass communications practitioner.

Below is his interview with DJ Prince Eskhosini:
Q: How did you get started as a DJ, and what inspired you to pursue this career?
A: I’ve been collecting and living around music since I was four years old. Growing up in Nkulumane (Bulawayo), I was surrounded by a vibrant culture of theatre and dance. I won dance competitions and eventually got involved with PA system operators. With my extensive cassette and CD collection, I began playing at friends’ and relatives’ birthday parties. I never looked back since. My inspirations come from artistes like Paul Ndlovu, Chicco, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, 2Pac and Peter Tosh, as well as actors like Bruce Lee, David Hasselhoff and Clint Eastwood.

Q: How long have you been DJing, and what experience have you gained?
A: I started in my late teens and officially broke into the scene in the CBD at 19. My experience comes from years of adapting to different working patterns, mastering skills, setting trends and continuously refining my craft.

Q: What genres of music do you typically play, and how would you describe your unique sound?
A: I am a multi-genre DJ, but I have strong roots in Hip-hop, RnB, Afro, Dance and Adult Contemporary. Recently, I have developed a liking for Private Skool and Amapiano due to my exposure to diverse musical sounds.

Q: How do you select tracks for your set?
A: The mood and atmosphere of the event determine how I structure my set.

Q: What’s your approach to engaging with the crowd and do you take requests from them?
A: The energy in the room dictates my approach. A balance of tastes is essential to creating a memorable experience every time I’m on the decks. I do take requests – it helps me understand what the crowd wants. Every performance is a chance to create a lasting memory – I even record my sets for future sharing.

Q: How do you stay updated with DJ technology?
A: I have worked with various DJ equipment, including Vinyl, CDJs and controllers. Being adaptive has helped me navigate different gig environments with ease. Staying updated requires constant research and adaptation through the internet, radio, TV and social media.

Q: How do you navigate the business side of DJing, including booking gigs and managing finances?
A: It has been a hustle-and-flow journey, but the goal is to establish the business side of DJing in a structured manner.

Q: What’s your take on the DJing industry and where do you see it heading?
A: The industry is thriving with emerging and established talent, but there’s too much copy-and-paste redundancy in music selection. More innovation and meritocracy are needed. DJs should be able to earn and thrive in a well-structured system.

Q: What challenges have you faced in your journey?
A: Financial constraints, industry gatekeeping and inconsistent support have been major hurdles. The lack of proper industry structures has made success harder to attain.

Q: What are your biggest highs and lows in the industry?
A: The highs would be an industry where creatives can express themselves freely and be rewarded fairly. The lows are exploitation and gatekeeping, which hinder growth. There’s enough space for everyone in this industry to work, earn and succeed.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring DJs?
A: Get an education, pursue your passion and stay focused. Consistency is key – there are no shortcuts to success. Hard work always pays off.