Langelihle Dube [email protected]
BULAWAYO-based DJ and producer DatBoiFresh is looking beyond the city’s borders as he seeks to establish himself on the wider Southern African music scene.
His nomination for Outstanding Club DJ at this year’s Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) has given him a welcome boost, marking recognition of his work and growing influence.
For the DJ, whose musical journey began with experimenting with beats on a laptop, the nomination is more than an industry accolade. It is a sign that his sound is reaching people.
“Honestly, I was grateful and a bit humbled. I started out tinkering with beats on a laptop, so seeing my name in a Bulawayo Arts Awards category feels like the city saying it hears me,” he said.
DatBoiFresh began experimenting with music production and DJing at the age of 13, using FL Studio. He was initially drawn to deep house with jazz influences, elements that continue to shape his sound.
A major turning point came after high school when he met Zulu Da Housemaniac, whom he credits with helping him move from making music in his bedroom to pursuing it professionally.
His association with fellow Bulawayo DJ and producer Kotwane Hikwa, who is also nominated in the same category, further influenced his growth. He later formed DNAMusiQ alongside AkhonaMP, marking another important step in his career.
His musical catalogue includes Isimanga, a collaboration with Dearson and 8nine Muzique, and the J A Z Z Y album project, which he says played an important role in shaping his artistic direction.
Describing himself as a storyteller through rhythm, DatBoiFresh says his music draws on African influences, blending soulful house, Amapiano, lounge and elements of hip-hop.
“For me, feeling comes before technical complexity. When I play, I prepare a musical journey but let the crowd’s energy steer it,” he said.
He counts Kelvin Momo, Black Coffee and Kabza De Small among his musical influences but remains focused on developing a sound of his own.
Reflecting on Bulawayo’s entertainment scene, DatBoiFresh believes the city’s DJing culture has grown considerably. Platforms such as Garden of House, The Market Place and HiNDE have given emerging DJs opportunities to develop their skills and connect with audiences.
However, he believes local DJs still need more performance opportunities and better financial rewards for their work.
“Not yet, not fully. The talent is here, but opportunities and fair pay often lag behind the quality of work,” he said.
He called for more local DJs to be booked for main-stage performances, greater media coverage and stronger links between Bulawayo’s entertainment industry and regional markets, particularly South Africa.
He believes awards should go beyond recognition and translate into practical benefits such as bookings, collaborations and sustainable income.
His nomination alongside established DJs is also an opportunity to showcase the depth of talent coming out of Bulawayo.
Rather than viewing the awards as a competition, he sees them as part of a collective effort to raise standards and grow the city’s music industry.
Looking ahead, DatBoiFresh is working on new collaborations, mixes and original productions as he sets his sights on bigger stages beyond Bulawayo.
“My legacy would be proof that you can come from Bulawayo, build something emotional and original and take it far, while opening doors for the next generation the way my mentors did for me,” he said.
