Meet Nontokozo Dieketseng Malinga AKA Keiisy, a steady rising house DJ and professional model, preparing for one of her significant performances to date, a debut set at Unleash the Wolf (UTW). But behind the rising profile is a story of self-doubt, healing and a determined return to self.
Keiisy recently picked up DJing in mid-2023, guided by DJ Sixo. She shares that the start was not easy but because of the strong support, combined with a deep love for house music, she kept going.
“There were times where I felt like giving up because I felt it wasn’t working out, but I have a strong support system, my mom, family, friends, my fans and some of the DJs I work with.”
Behind the Decks
Two figures have shaped her journey in a significant way: Naidoo, a deep house DJ who she describes as “one of the best” and who has played a big-brother or even father figure, and Citizen Sthee, a DJ and producer who introduced her to him.
“Both of these men have helped shape a bit of my career, l’ve worked with them a year back and they have both introduced me to DJs that I look up to and never thought I’d one day be able to work with and be close to. And they both believed in me when I couldn’t even believe in myself.”
Keiisy plays deep house, a genre that is still largely male-dominated. Her answer to the pressure is simple: give everything, every time.
“As a female I feel the need to constantly push myself even harder to prove that I belong too, I pour my heart out in every set, no matter the time I’ve been given to play be it 14h00 or 21h00, because someone in the audience will remember me and my set.”
A Return to Self
Her debut set at UTW carries personal weight.
“A few months back, I lost myself and a very special piece of me, on my healing journey I said to myself, this is a return to self. When the call from UTW came, the timing felt significant., literally I screamed and almost cried because it felt like I’ve been given an opportunity to prove to myself that I really do belong and what better platform to do so!”
Beyond the personal meaning, she wants the music to connect.
“I just want people to feel as connected as I do to the music I play,”
The Runway
Before the music, Keiisy is also a professional model.The career took her abroad, dressed by top designers on international runways, and landed her a booking at one of Pretoria’s biggest shows after working The Fix, also one of her biggest paid gig yet.
The crossover between the two crafts is not accidental.
“The experience I have in modelling taught me how to be confident, how to handle criticism and how to handle being in the public eye without losing who I really am.”
Quick Fire- bite size QnA
Song that made you fall in love with deep house?
Julian Gomez -Love Story.
Producers inspiring your current sound?
-Deep Essentials
-Fatso 98
-Citizen Sthee
-Dustihno
-Virtousouls (SD)
Go-to songs to reset your mood?
Deep Essentials-It’s That Groove
Expo sz- Luna
Fatso 98-Bad Girls
Most memorable gig?
I think it’s going to be UTW! But before that, Deep House Is Back, a show curated by me and my team.
If you could play anywhere in the world?
South Africa: Addicted 2 House (A2H) and Bread 4 Soul
Locally: MTN Bushfire and House Music Fest
Ibiza in a few years, that’s for sure.
A moment behind the decks you’ll never forget?
Valentine’s Day this year. Someone came up mid-set, told me he was loving it and gave me a tip. It was my first time being tipped.
Venue you prefer playing?
Club events with my whole heart. Private parties too. Done one corporate function, enjoyed it and the pay was good.
Upcoming Swati DJs / producers to watch?
-Taiiro (deep house and afro)
-Miny Tee
-Jay Lock
What would you tell your younger self?
“Dear me,
All those nights you went out to practice, make connections, sometimes play for free, they’re paving a much clearer way. Don’t forget to pray.”
Three things people would be shocked to know?
-I’m a bookworm
-I’m actually a good cook
-I don’t know how to swim. Tried a few times. It’s not for me.
