Cedeea

Occupation: DJ and lecturer
Favourite artist/song: Mpho Sebina, No Evil
Likes to play: Feel good music; kwaito, R&B, Old School and house
A must-play during her set: Botswana artists and songs
Fun fact: Loves to eat sweet and savoury all at once like eggs and jam.
Cedeea, formally named Tshegofatso Tlhalerwa, is a sibling to DJs and her inspiration to become a DJ emanates from her brothers who are DJs, one of them being DJ NTBase. Naturally for brothers, they did not want their only sister to follow them and often would not give her a chance to learn.
“In 2017, I asked my other brother NTBase to show me the ropes but he referred me to YDJ Academy where I then enrolled and learnt the craft,” said Cedeea.
To Cedeea, it is a challenging industry especially when one is new with not much circle of network. She said it was not a case of the industry being male dominant, but like any industry, one needs already experienced people around them who will give them a chance. She said a few women DJs were doing well although most were not yet polished, and this resulted in women not getting enough gigs like their male colleagues.
The DJ industry, Cedeea noted, had exceptional talent which according to her was at par with neighbouring countries. She said the only difference between local DJs and those in other countries was that most local DJs were not yet into producing their own music, but rather played other people’ music.
“I would one day want to produce my own music without having a producer to do it for me,” she said unapologetically.

 

Regalo Zawadi

Occupation: Dj
Favourite artist/song: Kabza de Small, Why Ngikufela
Likes to play: Amapiano or Afro tech
A must-play during her set: Shona & Dj Fresh, Lose You
Fun fact: Loud person and strictly a sneaker person
Growing up in Mochudi, real names Dimpho Motswasele, Regalo Zawadi’s love for music started at 12 years.
“I grew up in a home where there was a shebeen and every weekend I would play music from our Kenwood radio using cassettes and CD,” Regalo Zawadi noted.
A mother of one, Regalo Zawadi’s journey as a DJ started in 2018 when she enrolled with YDJ Academy, eventually playing during picnic sessions. According to her, the industry was still treating her well considering she only just started two years back.
A product of Molefhi Senior School, Regalo Zawadi said women’s representation was not enough since they were not booked like males. She played in almost all gigs from picnics and corporates and it was important to be trendy as a DJ in order to be relevant.
She said when playing for an event, a DJ needed to be abreast with new music and keep the people dancing. “Right now we are playing Amapiano, and the genre has always been there with no attention,” said Regalo Zawadi. She said Amapiano will still be playing and dancing to even this festive season and in future.
An aspiring music producer, Regalo Zawadi said she would love to one day produce her own therefore, she would be enrolling for a production course at YDJ Academy. Her advice to young women; follow your passion, unleash your talent and be cautious, do not be distracted and make money!

 

Lerato Modiega

Occupation: Currently Radio presenter at Yarona FM, Dj
Favourite artist/song: Ari Lennox
Likes to play: Afro tech
A must-play during her set: Any song by Benny T or Black Motion
Fun fact: Used to be backup dancer and theatre actress
The 27-year-old Lerato developed love for djeeying on the job. Her programmes manager then gave her a break and she was sent for mentoring. She started as a radio DJ and eventually proceeded to clubs.
“It has been a learning experience for me and I have realised that men are more excited to teach women,” said Lerato. She said there were more women in the industry, but were not given the same opportunities as men.
She said women found themselves competing with their male counterparts and ultimately resulting in the public not being aware of their existence.
Despite obstacles, Lerato stated that she intended to focus more on her career as a DJ.
She said she was eager to learn production with a goal to one day produce her own music.
Lerato said more women should use the already availed platform for them.
“Although the industry is male dominant, unfortunately, we cannot force promoters to use women, but women need to put more effort,” she said. ENDS