Online Reporter
Langelihle Dube, [email protected]
When this newspaper first profiled Hillary Taboka Bango aka DJ Smaller in 2023, he was a young DJ still finding his footing in Zimbabwe’s entertainment industry. Having discovered his passion during the Covid-19 pandemic, he spoke of learning the craft from experienced mentors and hoping that one day, his name would be recognised beyond Bulawayo.
Three years later, that dream is becoming reality. Today, DJ Smaller has become a familiar face in Bulawayo’s nightlife while also securing bookings beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. One of the biggest turning points in his career came when a promoter who attended one of his performances in Bulawayo later invited him to perform in Botswana. When the call finally came, disbelief was his first reaction.
“I was surprised. I kept asking myself, ‘Is it really me?’ It was one of those moments where everything you’ve been working towards suddenly starts becoming real.”
The opportunity saw him perform at Botswana’s Corona Sunsets Hour alongside South African Amapiano star Mas Musiq. Beyond the performance itself, the experience broadened his perspective.
“I learnt about the different genres people in Botswana enjoy and their taste in music. I also learnt the power of unity. Watching everyone work together motivated me to chase even bigger opportunities and one day be like them.”
Watching fellow performers throughout the event also inspired him to raise his own standards, reinforcing his belief that regional exposure is essential for Zimbabwean DJs seeking wider recognition.
The Botswana booking has already opened new doors.
“It has opened new opportunities for me. I’m now planning to do a country tour, maybe during summer or in December. It’s still in the planning stages, but it’s something I really want to make happen.”
His motivation remains unchanged from the day he first stepped behind the decks, the love of music and making people happy by giving them good music that matches their mood. Despite his growing profile, DJ Smaller is quick to acknowledge those who helped shape his career.
In his first newspaper interview, he credited established figures in Bulawayo’s entertainment industry for believing in him before many others did, and that gratitude remains. Among Zimbabwean artistes who inspire him, he names Ryan Synth, Nitefreak, Kotwane and DatBoiFresh, while internationally he looks up to South African stars Shimza, De Mthuda and Dlala Thukzin.
“They are the people who made DJ Smaller. They’re the ones who taught me how to use the equipment and understand the controls. Everything I know today started with them.”
Still, he believes the public often underestimates the work involved in DJing.
“People think DJs just press play, but the real work happens before anyone hears the music. Preparing your sets takes time. You have to know your audience, organise your music and think about how you’re going to control the energy from beginning to end.”
Bulawayo has long been recognised as one of Zimbabwe’s strongest music cities, producing talented DJs across genres ranging from Afro-tech and house to Amapiano and hip-hop. Asked why the city continues to produce exceptional talent, he laughs before replying: “We’ve got the talent, and we’re the best.”
Behind the humour lies a genuine concern.
“The biggest challenge is getting booked because promoters naturally want the big names. A lot of young DJs also don’t have proper equipment at home to practise and improve.”
He believes promoters can play a significant role in nurturing emerging talent.
“They should book both established DJs and younger ones. Young DJs also deserve prime-time slots because that’s how people get discovered.”
The growth of digital platforms has also transformed opportunities for upcoming entertainers.
“It has definitely made things easier,” he says, noting that social media now allows DJs to market themselves directly to audiences without depending entirely on promoters.
When asked about the proudest moment of his career, he does not mention celebrity encounters or social media fame. Instead, he reflects on something far simpler.
“Getting booked for a gig that I never thought I’d get.”
Looking ahead, his ambitions stretch far beyond Zimbabwe.
“In the next five years, I see myself doing gigs internationally.” South Africa, Botswana and Namibia are among the destinations he hopes to conquer next, although his long-term vision extends even further
