Zim DJ wins award in Cyprus

Tafadzwa Zimoyo Entertainment Reporter
Cyprus-based Zimbabwean disc jockey Simon Chitekeshe, popularly known as DJ  SimonSayz, raised the country’s flag high when he clinched an award recently.
The 22-year-old DJ who is studying architecture at Cyprus International University was voted best African DJ at the African Students Awards. It was his second time to win the award after scooping it for the first time last year.
Chitekeshe is in the country on holiday and also auditioned for the Big Brother Africa Season 9 over the weekend.

“I am so happy that Zimbabwean music is fully appreciated in Cyprus. When I am on turntables I will be in control of everyone. I have won two awards consecutively in 2013 and 2014 as the best African DJ. I am on holiday and just thought of trying my luck on BBA,” he said.

He said he has played at Davido, 2Face, Fuse and Ice Prince concerts among others that were held in Cyprus and got appreciation from the international superstars.
“I can say Cyprus is full of Nigerian students and when I performed on Davido Concert some people thought I was Nigerian but were later shocked  (to hear that) I am from Zimbabwe. Those concerts have been the highest points in my career because it was my dream to perform on such platforms. I am much inspired by Jay Z and Kanye West,” he said.

The third year student plans to be established in Zimbabwe when he completes his studies.
“Home is best and when I finish school I will be fully established here. So far I have major parties that I have been invited to perform this weekend in Harare. I can urge other DJs to be original not imitate what they see on MTV or what, because it pays to identify yourself with your roots. I mix some local songs and you will be surprised to see how some white people dance to the tunes,” he said.

He said his expertise will change the face of Harare if given a chance.
“It is all about passion that can change the world. I have seen some DJs that lack creativity. Music is just like food, prepare it well and you enjoy the good music and tunes,” he said.

The award winner said he chose to be a DJ out of passion.
“During my high school at Prince Edward School we used to have a group called Kronic with my friends, were we used to rap before branching out in 2011 and focused much on deejaying. I love, eat, smell and talk deejaying and it’s on my fingertips.”