"MTN Bushfire Festival Changed My Value And Respect" - Dj Sgitha

“After the festival I have been getting calls and bookings from big festivals and event organizers. I have nothing but gratitude to those that gave me a platform to explore my talent”

Interview By:

Nothando Masilela

Sometimes just imagining yourself making people go wild on the dance floor is all the push you need to inspire you to turn that imagination a possibility. DJ Sgitha shares his life behind the decks after rebranding and reaching the big stages and making his imaginations a reality.

Q. Please kindly introduce yourself to us and tell us how the name ‘Sgitha’came about?
A: My real name is Thabiso Khumalo and I grew up at ekasi KaLobamba Emcaphozini. I came to Mbabane for my Varsity education which is where I met Mbekezeli ‘Culolam’ Dlamini (Eswatini Farmer’s Market Founder) and he is the one who introduced me to the entertainment industry. The name Sgitha I had it way back in high school and I continued using it as my stage name when I got my shot in the industry.

Q. How did you get started as a DJ? What inspired you to pursue this path?
A: I was really inspired by local Deejays Supa CDQ and Zulu-D and it all began at Solanis in 2018 where I would always watch them making the crowd go crazy. Their energy, song selection and their stage presence always made me imagine myself behind the decks and making the crowd go wild. Today I can safely say I am here with a whole lot of progress in that imagination I had and most of which I owe to Deejay Bloss and Zulu-D played a crucial role in making me the brand that I am today.

Q. Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your style?
A: Deejay Zulu-D, Supa CDQ and Bloss, who all played a different role in shaping my style of play. Supa inspired being the crazy creative beast on stage, Zulu-D inspired the love of keeping the crowd on their feet the for the entire set and lastly Bloss who was always my cheer leader, one person who believed and still believes in me, pushed me to become the person that I am today.

Q: What was your biggest life changing moment that gave you a big break in your career and when was it?
A: It was definitely at this year’s MTN Bushfire Festival man. That set I played was on fire and it changed my value and respect in the industry. After the festival I have been getting calls and bookings from big festivals and event organizers. I have nothing but gratitude to those that gave me a platform to explore my talent especially Menzi aka Skhakha who was one of those who did which also played a pivotal role in accelerating my skill, so a big shout out to him.

Q: What has been the most significant lesson you’ve learned in your DJ career?
A: I’ve learnt to be humble and that more than anything else to make relationships with all the event organizers so that you stay relevant.

Q. What is your most memorable experience in all your time as a DJ?
A. It was definitely March 14, 2020 at Solanis. This was actually the last day before the Covid 19 pandemic lockdown and I had a crazy set that made the crowd go wild and I think that moment and all its feelings will be forever etched in my memory because I had finally achieved what I had initially set out for myself at the start of my entertainment journey which was to make the crowd go wild.

Q. A lot of artist were setback by the pandemic. What particular setbacks have you faced and how have you overcome them?
A. The Covid 19 pandemic crashed our upcoming stable ‘Step Up Entertainment’ with DJ Bloss. We were separated because of it and he went to SA for opportunities. I felt like everything was crashing down but I was happy for him to change the environment and with a whole lot of time on my hands, I focused on myself and started rebranding myself as “Intwana yama 2k” and slowly everything started to fall into place.

Q. Are there any collaborations or projects you’re currently working on?
A. Right now I am working and focusing on growing myself as a brand first but in the near future I would not rule that out as a prospect.

Q: If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
A: The Spring Fiesta! It is one of the highly recognized and overwhelming events in SA. It would give me a chance to show most SA event organizers that Eswatini not only has so much talent but that it only needs recognition.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring DJs just starting out?
A: Do what you want with passion and love because sometimes it is not all about money here in Eswatini but showcasing your talent first. I believe it is important to be humble and not to compete with anyone.

Q: What are your booking details and social media handles