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Ngoni Dapira
IN life there are some exceptional inspirational people that make uncommon things appear admirable because of how they do it with a ‘‘Midas’’ touch. While being a club disc-jockey or an entertainer are some of the careers that most parents never wanted to hear their children speak about, Mutare’s Brian Mavhiza, popularly known as DJ Styles, managed to change the way of thinking of his parents and has successfully grown in the industry over the years.
DJ Styles, who has been in the entertainment for the past 10 years since 2004, is currently on top of his game in Mutare as one of the most-sought-after hip-hop and R&B club DJs.
He has a large following among the up-market revellers and currently has turned-up the heat every Friday and Saturday night at the new exclusive club, Bar-Code, where he plays as a resident DJ.
DJ Styles, who was in 2011 selected by Delta Beverages Miller brand to become the Miller Brand Ambassador for Mutare along with Harare DJs like Chucky Aisha and DJ Dean, said music was and has always been his life.
Growing up in the high-density suburb of Dangamvura, DJ Styles said he got his designate from his friends who said he always had swag and decided to call him Styles.
From 2004 when he cut his teeth in the entertainment industry as a resident DJ at the then popular up-market night club Gullivers, Styles made a name for himself as a top notch hip-hop and R&B DJ.
He said from around 2008 his popularity had shot up and he was on demand during private shows and house parties, but this was against his contractual commitments at Gullivers, so he decided to go solo and has never turned back since then.
“Going solo was the best move I ever made because it made me bold enough to build my own career as a DJ rather than just make it a hobby.
“I noticed that some people wanted variety and exclusive gigs in Mutare and I started offering just that, organising house parties and gigs at different venues.
“I have been doing this ever since and I am grateful to God it has been successful and I actually earn a comfortable living from it,” said DJ Styles.
DJ Styles, who tries to keep his private life a secret, is, however, not difficult to miss in Mutare.
While most people expect club DJs to be living in down-trodden areas, DJ Styles lives a comfortable life at an up-market garden flat in the city centre and drives a pimped Toyota Altezza vehicle.
However, what is most striking about him is that he does not and has never tasted alcohol nor smoked cigarettes, which is very unusual in the entertainment industry.
He said the trick to his success was always being determined and aggressive.
“I am always determined and aggressive to achieve my goals. Apart from organising gigs or being a club DJ, I play at weddings and parties on the sidelines to make extra money. So I really work hard to stay on top and that is what is needed in the entertainment industry to make it,” said Styles.
Styles added that social media had played a central part in marketing his shows as he puts all his calendar events on WhatsApp and Facebook.
He also produces mix-tapes which he distributes out for free to transport operators and friends to promote his product.
The 33-year-old DJ said plans were underway to open his own night club and would also want to venture into radio disc-jockeying.
“I love music and music is my life. I hope community radio initiatives will soon get on track and give us local DJs opportunities to play to a bigger audience.
“I know the economy is tight right now, but I also hope beverage companies like Coca-Cola, Delta and Afdis, to mention a few, will revive sponsoring DJ battles which were always a good platform for DJs to showcase their skills,” said Styles.
Online Reporter