Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Bulawayo has a DJ who has been setting the city and its surrounding towns alive with music for years. From buzzing nightclubs uptown to intimate downtown venues where he has become synonymous with hosting All-white parties, he is a name that locals know well: DJ Sweeto.
Starting his journey playing free gigs, DJ Sweeto drew inspiration from legendary South African DJs like DJ Christos, who often performed in Bulawayo, as well as homegrown talents such as Prince Eskhosini and Mzoe. Over time, he has transformed into a household name and is now in demand across the city and beyond. He is also having gigs in smaller towns where fans enjoy his signature sound.
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub recently caught up with DJ Sweeto, who had just celebrated his birthday, to talk about his journey, his influences, and what keeps him spinning after all these years.
Below is the interview.
Q: You have been in the deejaying game for many years. Take us back to the beginning – how did your journey into music start?
A: My journey into music started at a young age, collecting and experimenting with my father’s music. I was drawn to the energy of live performances and the atmosphere of being in a crowd. I also played drums at church, which helped shape my musical foundation. From there, I began deejaying at local parties and events, and things gradually took off.
Q: Who were your early influences when you were starting as a DJ?
A: I was heavily influenced by DJs such as Christos, Otis, DJ Guns, Mellow T, Joe Tha OG, Mzoe, Tz, and Prince Eskhosini, among others. I admired how they blended genres and crafted unique sounds, which inspired me to experiment and eventually develop my own style.
Q: What were some of the early struggles you faced before establishing yourself?
A: It was tough securing gigs and building a reputation. I had to hustle, often playing for free, just to gain exposure. However, that grind helped me sharpen my skills and build valuable relationships within the arts industry.
Q: Which moment made you feel and say, “Now I belong to this industry”?
A: There have been several moments, but one that stands out is when I became a resident DJ at Metropolis Pub & Grill at Ascot Shopping Centre. The venue, owned by Mr R Moyo, played a huge role in my journey. Seeing the crowd respond to my sets and receiving feedback to improve my craft was an unmatched feeling; it’s when I truly felt I belonged.
Q: Which other notable places have you played at over the years?
A: I’ve performed at various venues, from local clubs to major festivals, both in and outside Bulawayo. These include Victoria Falls, Kwekwe, Gwanda, Harare, Gokwe, Chiredzi, and Filabusi. I’ve also had the opportunity to share the stage with many regional acts and the most recent one was DJ Tira.
Q: How have you developed your sound and DJ identity over the years?
A: I experimented with different genres and styles to find what works best for both me and my audience. I’ve also been fortunate to collaborate with DJ Khumz on music production, and we’re still refining and developing our sound together.
Q: What are some of the biggest lessons the industry has taught you over the years?
A: Patience and perseverance are key. You can’t rush success, and you have to be willing to adapt to changes in the industry.
Q: Have there been periods when things slowed down, and how did you stay motivated?
A: Yes, there were times when gigs were scarce, especially during the Covid-19 lockdown, which also led me to explore photography. I used that period to focus on my craft, remain patient, and experiment with new ideas. I also took the opportunity to network and build relationships with other DJs and promoters.
Q: Was photography always one of your passions?
A: Not initially. Photography became part of my journey during the lockdown when all clubs and gatherings were banned, and I had to find a new way to make ends meet. It was definitely a challenge learning a skill so different from deejaying.
I even sold some of my sound gear to invest in photography. Clients still wanted to capture memories even without loud music. Since I began, I’ve been focusing on event and portrait photography, as it allows me to tell stories through images. It was a pivot, but it worked out.
Q: What still excites you about DJing after all these years?
A: The energy of live performances never gets old; it still pumps me up every time! Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore new sounds, dive deeper into music production, and collaborate with artistes across different genres.
Q: What message would you like to share with young DJs entering the industry?
A: Keep pushing, stay true to your art, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Your time to shine will come — patience, persistence, and passion are key.
