Online Reporter
Langelihle Dube, [email protected]
At the star-studded Harris Music Festival held in Bulawayo last month, Gweru-based DJ Crocx was among the standout performers, commanding the decks with a set widely described as one of the night’s highlights.
In an industry where trends shift rapidly and new names emerge almost overnight, remaining relevant for over a decade is a notable achievement. For DJ Crocx, born Simbarashe Chingwena, who has performed at various venues in Gweru and various other cities, the journey has been driven less by the pursuit of fame and more by consistency, adaptability and a deep understanding of music culture.
His story begins in an unlikely place.
“I started DJing around the age of 16. Growing up in a very religious home, my first connection to music actually came through gospel music. Later on, I developed a love for R&B, even writing and composing songs though I never recorded them.”
That early exposure planted the seed, but a chance encounter became the turning point.
“The real turning point came when I used to visit a friend I played chess with. He had DJ software on his laptop and was into mixing and making beats. Watching him sparked something in me.”
What followed was curiosity turning into commitment. Despite early hesitation influenced by his upbringing, Crocx fully embraced the craft.
“At first, I was a bit hesitant because of my background, but I became curious, tried it out, and picked it up quite quickly.”
Early mentorship helped sharpen his skills. A local DJ, Bennie, guided him through the technical foundations, setting him on a professional path.
“That’s when I started taking it seriously,” he said.
His first gigs were modest afternoon sets and small local events, but they proved instrumental in shaping his confidence.
“They helped me build confidence and understand how to connect with people.”
Growing up in Gweru played a defining role in his development. In such an environment, excellence was not optional.
“It’s a smaller city with limited opportunities, but that actually pushed me to focus more on perfecting my craft. There weren’t many platforms, so if you wanted to stand out, you really had to be good. Being surrounded by other talented DJs and creatives pushed me to work harder and become more versatile,” he said.
By the time DJ Crocx completed his O-Levels at 17, a shift had already taken place.
“That’s when I realised this could be more than just a hobby. As I improved and started getting opportunities, I saw the potential to build something long-term.”
However, the journey was not without challenges. One of his biggest struggles was internal.
“One of my biggest challenges was accepting and fully owning the fact that I was a DJ, especially coming from a religious background,” he said.
There were also practical limitations.
“Another challenge was not having my own equipment. I had to borrow from other DJs, which wasn’t always easy.”
Still, those obstacles became fuel for growth. A key breakthrough came with his first residency at a popular nightclub in Gweru, Downtown, a platform that expanded his exposure.
“That experience taught me how to play for different audiences and really helped shape my versatility.”
Today, DJ Crocx is known for his ability to seamlessly move across genres including Amapiano, Hip-Hop, EDM, and Dancehall without losing his identity.
“Being able to play across genres comes from that background of playing for different types of crowds. Over time, I’ve built a strong understanding of music.”
He said preparation and instinct define his sets.
“I usually already know the direction I want to take, I just add a few new elements to keep things fresh.”
Reading a crowd has become second nature.
“That has become instinctive for me. It comes from understanding energy, knowing when to switch things up, and when to stay in a moment.”
For him, greatness lies beyond just playing music.
“A good DJ can play music, but a great DJ creates an experience, grows consistently, and connects with people beyond just the set.”
His sound has evolved with the industry itself.
“I started off more into R&B and Afro-house, but as the scene changed with the rise of Amapiano and Afro-beats, I adapted. I still stay true to myself, but I also understand that the audience evolves.”
That balance between authenticity and adaptability has defined his longevity.
“What has kept me relevant is consistency and the mindset of always wanting to improve. I don’t focus too much on competing with others, I focus on being better than I was before.”
He emphasised the importance of originality for emerging DJs.
“One mistake I see young DJs making is focusing too much on copying trends instead of building their own identity. Trends come and go, but what makes you stand out is being unique.”
Beyond the decks, Crocx has expanded into music production, event promotion, and brand building.
“I see myself as a curator of experiences. Whether it’s through my sets, my music, or my events, I enjoy bringing people together.”
His experience in event promotion has deepened his understanding of the industry as it has helped him understand the business side of things; what works and how to build something sustainable. This has enabled him to diversify his brand.
“I’ve worked on building my brand through events, music releases, partnerships, and my clothing line. It’s important to have multiple streams.”
With experience has come maturity in decision-making.
“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is to separate ego from business. Making decisions based on pride can cost you.”
Despite industry pressures, quitting has never been an option.
“I’ve had challenging moments, but I’ve never really felt like giving up. This is something I genuinely love.”
To maintain balance, he prioritises rest and recovery.
“The industry can be demanding, so I make sure to take time to rest and recharge.”
His definition of success has also evolved.
“In the beginning, it was about getting opportunities. Now it’s about growth, impact, and building something meaningful that lasts.”
For aspiring DJs, especially those from smaller cities like Gweru, his advice is simple but grounded in experience: “Stay consistent, be patient, and focus on building your own identity. Don’t wait for opportunities — create them.”
He also challenged misconceptions about DJing.
“People think it’s just about playing music, but there’s a lot that goes into it — preparation, understanding people, and creating experiences.”
From club residencies to major stages such as the Harris Music Festival, DJ Crocx has steadily built a national footprint. Looking ahead, his ambitions extend beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
“I see myself growing beyond borders and reaching a wider audience internationally. I’m also focusing more on production and exploring different sounds.”
Ultimately, legacy remains at the heart of his journey.
“I want to be someone who contributed positively to the culture and inspired others to believe that it’s possible to grow and succeed from where we come from.”
