adminTOP Zimbabwean wheel-spinner, Prichard “THA PROF” Mapondera, is making a name for himself in Botswana.
The disc jockey has broken onto the Botswana deejaying scene and has set a goal to spin the decks across many borders.
H-Metro’s Nyasha Kada (NK) caught up with the 34-year old entertainer, known as “Dj Professor” on home soil.
He has since rebranded himself to THA PROF (TP)
NK:When was your first gig in Botswana and how was it?
TP: It was March this year at a premium joint called PRIMI located in Gaborone Central Business District. The response was amazing because my style of playing was unique to what they are used to.
NK: How is deejaying in Botswana different from Zimbabwe?
TP : Botswana is mainly a deep house, tribal house, Afro tech house and of late Amapiano loving community.
Although I am a versatile DJ who can easily adapt, l am inclined more towards Afrobeats, RnB/Hip hop and dancehall. So, when playing these genres, the song selection has to be on point as the crowd quickly judges you as a wheel-spinner if you are playing any other genre which is not in the house category.
NK: Which one would you prefer of the two countries?
TP : Both countries actually and my aim right now is to go beyond these two, so, I have been transforming myself from just being a mix DJ but to add an element of proper scratching techniques so l can fit into other markets. It’s a five-year plan and l hope to get it right.
NK:What challenges are you facing as a foreign Dj?
TP :People here in Botswana are very receptive by nature. However, the biggest challenge is to introduce yourself to fellow entertainers in the industry that you are one of them.
They don’t know you and at times you play once they don’t want you back because you are a competition/threat to them. These are problems in any industry but with my experience, I will definitely find a way around them.
NK: How have you been received by the Botswana audience?
TP : I think what made me to be received easily by the audience is I quickly realised that there is a gap in terms of Djs who can play the Afrobeats and old school RnB/Hiphop.
So, every time I am jamming the crowd loves the break they will be getting from the usual genre of house music. I have released a few mixtapes as well for them to get used to my Dj hand and that is working well to spread my name.
NK: How often do you play in Botswana?
TP : Weekly, I play once or twice as a person who is still breaking into their market and also to balance with my day job
NK: Are you now based in Botswana?
TP : Yes. Since January 2021. However, I also visit Zambia and Zimbabwe frequently as well. So l can say l have been rotating among the three since January 2021.
NK: Where do you feel more appreciated of the two countries?
TP : I think since I’m quite new in the Botswana industry, I’m still finding my feet but the appreciation is massive.
As of Zimbabwe, the love has always been there since day one. I always do mixtapes to keep them entertained and as a sign of giving back the love.
NK: A brief history of your deejaying career?
TP: I started deejaying around 2008 under Roughmix Entertainment with the likes of Godfatha Templeman, Ms Smuffet, Flevah, Garry B, Winky D, Guspy Warrior, QueTip, Blue Ice, among others. That was at the KFC Balcony in Harare.
Then, I also had an old school session at Chelsea Restaurant, which helped me to grow as a DJ.
I took a break around 2011 for a year but l was still doing DJ battles. I won all of them.
Of note is the Smirnoff DJ Battle and then Miller Dj battle, where I beat the mighty Garry B in the final. Then l came back 2012 and was doing gigs at Londoners, this is the place which l made my name (Thanks to Ms Mubi).
I played there for three years then moved to Centurion. I was now well-established and the place was amazing. I have also played at various places around the country and big events like Fiesta Fiesta, CookOut, Lake July, Capleton welcome back party at Circus, Black Supremacy at Londoners, Ginimbi’s house warming with Dollarbill entertainment, to mention a few. I have over 100 mixtapes to my name and l will keep on doing more.
I have since rebranded from the name Dj Professor to now THA PROF
NK: Your future plans?
TP : Looking forward, I’m working on a plan to be a touring Dj so l can share my talent with the world.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter