Refilwe Matabane On Her DJ Title, Music And What Sets Her Apart

Shika Refilwe Matabane aka Fif_laaa / 24 / Account Manager, Strategist & DJ

How did you get into DJ’ing?

I have always loved music for as long as my memory serves me. During my recovery, after being diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety, I wanted to find something that would be my personal therapy. I then decided to attend Pussy Party workshops at Kitcheners once a week and my journey literally began there.

What genre do you play?

I play underground and old school Hip-Hop. Occasionally, I play old school House music too. I also play a lot of alternative Rap and Pop. It depends on my mood or the event I have been booked for.

Biggest platform you’ve been given to play at so far?

So far, I have played at Tshwanefontein. I was also been given the opportunity to play for Budweiser at BudX The Rhythm hosted by Punk Mbedzi.

Congratulations on AfroPunk Joburg, anything exciting you’ve got planned for that?

Thank you! Right now I am planning a lot around it – so branding, visuals etc. WE GOING BIG! I just shouldn’t lose focus on putting the perfect set together, I genuinely want it to be memorable.

What do you believe sets you apart from other DJs?

I wouldn’t say that there’s much that sets me apart, however, I do try and alternate between genres as often as I can so that I don’t sound redundant. As a woman, I think I’ve taken advantage of being known for the old school music I play, considering how young I am (I have the older peeps in my family to thank for this taste and knowledge).

Top 3 items you never leave the house without?

My normal headphones, lipstick and my phone. Even when I’m on the move, there has to be music playing.

What do you love about music?

Besides many other things, it truly is a healing component. It’s spiritual and has the power to influence ANYTHING. It carries so much inspiration, emotion and variety.

Plans for the rest of 2019?

I’d like to travel more. Get more major gigs and secure more deals that align with my brand which I am currently building.

Where can people hear your dope sets and what are you social media handles?

I play almost everywhere in Johannesburg, hopefully some international gigs will be secured in the near future too.

Follow me:

Instagram: @fif_laaa

Twitter: @Fif_laaa

Facebook: Fif_laaa – DJ

 

–Bridgette Makhela

Shane Eagle On Vuzu, His Music And The Special Lady In His Life

Shane Patrick Hughes

19

Rapper/ Musician and TV Personality

What kind of a guy is Shane?

Really humble and confident, generally very easy going and patient. I’m extremely ambitious and 100% focused on my path and career in the entertainment industry. I value important things/people in my life; I’m not a superficial person.

What’s the next move after the success of your Way Up song?

Well I’ve just landed a spot on Vuzu TV as one of the new presenters. This does not mean I’ve comprised my music though, I have a few singles which are yet to be released and currently dedicating a lot of my time to an E.P. which is aimed to release soon.

Would you say Vuzu’s The Hustle put you on in a major way?

Absolutely, and I’m forever grateful. If I had not been on The Hustle, I really think it might have taken me twice as long to get where I’m at now. As a result, it has definitely opened a lot of doors for me.

The rap scene is an unpredictable one; would you say you have the staying power to continuously reinvent your brand?

Yes. Longevity is very important to me. A lot of the time, you have to conform to current trends in music in order to remain relevant with a specific era. Those trends however may not be a true reflection of your personal interests or artistic genius. I therefore think it is important that, once you get the attention of people, to then reinvent yourself according to what YOU want to do so that your brand does become more diverse. Essentially, I plan on creating music which will resonate with people for years to come, as opposed to creating something which is easily forgotten.

Any special lady in your life?

Yes, there has been one special lady in my life for 6 years.

Timbs or Air Max’s?

Timbs for sure.

What other avenues in the industry would you like to start exploring?

I’d definitely like to go more into modeling, specifically in the health and fitness department. Other than that, I’m open to any opportunity that presents itself which does not interfere with my music.

What can your fans/followers expect from you this year?

GREATNESS.

 

Follow Shane!

Instagram: @shane_eagle

Twitter: @Shane_Eagle

Facebook: Shane Eagle

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

 

 

 

DJ Doowap: Doin’ It And Doin’ It And Doin’ It Well

Khetsiwe Morgan aka DJ Doowap
YFM 99.2 Radio Host, Live Mix DJ & Conceptualist

 

What does a day in the life of a Dubstep, Hip-Hop and Bass mix DJ look like?
Everyday is wonderfully different. I wake up early, workout, have breakfast and then handle whatever is in the diary. It varies: from preparing a new mix for a gig, to shooting one of my concept videos, playing at one of the Nike training events, getting my hair done in Hillbrow (on average every two weeks), recording my radio show on YFM 99.2 or sometimes even designing outfits I would like to get made. It’s awesome that each day differs.

How was your childhood like?
I would say I have lived a charmed life. My parents are happily married so there was always fore filling love in the air, which gave me a fantastic support system for all my dreams.
My parents believed that we (my sister and I) should travel as much as possible and try as many things as possible to see what we like, what we don’t like and most importantly, what we are good at. I went to the French school Jules Verne in Morningside, where I did springboard diving for the national team, that took up a lot of my time as it was intensive training. It taught me self-discipline and “kept me off the streets”.

 

When did you decide “Okay, I wanna be a DJ”?
I have always had a passion for music, so I started studying Sound Engineering in London and partying in the bass scene at the underground clubs. I moved back to South Africa in 2012 to complete my studies and needed to make a bit of cash on the side, so I did a DJ course with DJ4Life and got my first gig at Roxy’s. I was scouted by YFM at that first gig and it’s basically just been a snowball effect from there.

Pick one: walk-in sneaker closet or music?
WOW! That’s a super tricky one. But I have understood that music is my destiny. Music will bring me the walk-in sneaker closet.

 

Who or what keeps you grounded in this industry?
My wonderful parents, sister, my love and my incredible zen manager, Preneil Pillay.

 

Do you like that ‘female DJ’ tag? If no, why?
Crisis, that’s one thing I hate the most. So I appreciate how you phrased the question. I just feel that if you badass you badass, no gender discussion needs to be involved. People often say “Oh wow you’re not just female and beautiful but you can actually play!” Like why was that even a question? Nicki Minaj isn’t getting judged as a female rapper, she has managed to break through that ceiling and be labelled one of the best rappers in the world. I would like to do that as a DJ.

 

Favourite jam right now?
Gosh, I am constantly changing favourites, I hear a lot and get bored quickly so probably by the time this is published I would be over it…But right now it’s Conduction x Notion – Felt This Way

What’s that one thing people don’t know about you?
I am fluent in French.

 

Got big plans for the rest of this year? If yes, do share…
Sooooo many BIG plans but the most exciting one that will open many other doors is the move to Berlin in June for 6 months for the European summer.

 

Follow DJ Doowap!

Instagram: @djdoowap

Twitter: @Dj_Doowap

Facebook: Dj Doowap / Khetsiwe Morgan

 

–Bridgette Makhela