Chronicle Editor
Showbiz Reporter
Otis “Tha Flow” Fraser is set to showcase his legendary skills at The Place restaurant in Bulawayo tonight, spinning magic at the 90s Lifestyle gig. Alongside other DJ icons including Kimble Rogers, Otis will take patrons on a nostalgic journey back to the golden era of music.
Chronicle Showbiz caught up with Otis ahead of the event to explore his enduring legacy as a DJ, broadcaster, and music producer.
Over three decades, Otis has inspired and entertained audiences across Zimbabwe, cementing his place as one of the country’s most respected DJs.
Growing up in the vibrant streets of Bulawayo, Otis discovered his passion for music early on. He would often accompany his cousin, Jim, also known as The Soul Spinner, to Harare’s Circus Nightclub.
“I’d sit in the DJ box and watch him do his thing,” Otis recalled.
“The energy, the crowd, the music – it all fascinated me.”
Otis’s journey into deejaying truly took off when he learned the art of mixing from Kimble Rogers. His big break came at Bulawayo Polytechnic, where he performed his first gig.
“It was nerve-wracking, but I had so much passion. I repeated the songs I had about 10 times each!” he said chuckling.
Despite the initial jitters, Otis’s performance sparked a sense of purpose. A pivotal moment came when Otis transitioned from club deejaying to radio broadcasting, thanks to Tsitsi Mawarire, who believed in his talent.
“She believed in me, and that gave me confidence to not only mix as a club DJ but also present as a broadcaster.”
Otis’s standout gigs include the Teen Queen functions at City Hall in Bulawayo, where he mastered the art of swinging between beauty contests and dance competitions.
“It was a challenge, but it helped me develop my skills,” he noted.
Another notable experience was having the audience join him in the DJ booth, dancing and celebrating the music.
“Those moments remind me why I do what I do.”
Over the years, Otis’s presence on radio has been defined by his focus on music remixes.
“I’m more of a DJ on air. My radio shows have been popularised through music remixes, not presentation.”
His secret to staying relevant is simple. Remixing and blending.
“I love remixing and doing mash-ups, regardless of genre. That keeps me relevant.”
When it comes to collaborations, Otis dreams of working with internationally acclaimed DJ Black Coffee.
“He plays the house music I relate to.”
As a music producer, Otis finds inspiration everywhere. His creative process is driven by the desire to create something unique and captivating.
“It could be a man walking across the road, a lady selling tomatoes, or a young lady dancing in the club.”
Otis’ career has not been without challenges, but he chooses to see them as stepping stones.
“Notable setbacks or failures? I didn’t see them that way. I looked at them as points needed to get me to the next step.”
He advised aspiring DJs and producers to stay focused, persistent, and true to their passion.
Fast Facts:
– Otis’ favourite DJ software: Virtual DJ
– Go-to party anthem: DJ Fresh – Stay Real
– Dream vacation spot: Mozambique
– Favourite artiste to collaborate with: Ella Mai
– Most embarrassing moment on air: Wearing headphones and thinking the song playing on air was still playing, resulting in nine minutes of dead air.
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