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

Reabetswe Mooketsi On Public Relations And Founding I BAR PUBLICITY

Reabetswe Fortune Mooketsi aka “Rabi” / 26 / Founder & Director at I BAR PUBLICITY 

 How have you contributed to the industry so far?

Wow, it has been an interesting journey for me. PR really found me, in 2016 on a random day I got a call for my Mavin records (Nigeria) and they asked me to assist Tiwa Savage with PR, just a year later I was employed by Sony Music Africa as a PR intern – the greatest foundation ever! Having worked on the biggest projects; Dj Maphorisa, Riky Rick, Kwesta, Jabu Hlongwane, the list goes on and on! Six months later, I found myself at Universal Music as a Coordinator for the local division, 2018 releases had to become my babies; from Nasty C’s “Strings & Blings”, Lady Zamar, Prince Kaybee, Mafikizolo, DJ Ganyani, Kalawa Jazmeee, Dr Tumi, Khaya Mthethwa, I could literally go on. But I can confidently say I was truly blessed having worked with a quarter of the South African music industry and made a great contribution to that!

What does a typical day consist of for you?

My day consists of a lot of emails, long phone calls and seeking new opportunities! Re-Introducing myself, taking care of existing clients and ensuring that all is still going well.

What’s the one thing required when working with artists and celebrities?

Being selfless; having worked with number of artists has taught me to put the client’s needs first, and making sure their dreams come true!

Describe Public Relations in one word… 

Exciting.

Who’s got the dopest brand/image right now according to you?

Riky Rick! What an Influencer!

What’s the secret to a successful event?

Planning and dedication.

One item you can’t survive without?

My phone!

 It’s not easy working your way to the top, advice for upcomers? 

Stay true to who you are, don’t break but just crack and get up! Be open to learning, be humble, don’t be scared of introducing yourself! With each opportunity you get, whether it’s a paying or non paying gig, take it as an experience and give it your all! It’s okay not to know, just ask! Make mistakes and learn from them!

Where can people reach you?

Personal: @RabiMe on Instagram & Twitter

Work: @ibarpublicity on Instagram & Facebook

 

–Bridgette Makhela

Kyle Deutsch On Music, Collaborations And The Industry That Idols Exposed Him To

Kyle Colin Deutschmann / Doctor / Chiropractor / Artist

Did you ever think you’d end up in the music industry?

To be honest, I never thought I’d be in the music industry to the extent that I am in now. I always thought a little talent would get me in, but not to this extreme. I guess sometimes we underestimate ourselves. It wasn’t until about three years ago that I started recording my music, this happened after injuries prevented me from continuing my football career professionally, I then decided to continue with a Chiropractic/Health business and the Music.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

The first thing I do when I wake up definitely has to be, checking my phone. Mainly for the time but then to go through anything I may have missed whilst sleeping.

Your latest offering, ‘Can’t Get Enough’, in a nutshell is about what?

Can’t Get Enough is a song that describes a feeling of desire and passion, created by a moment that you are infatuated with. A moment that blocks out the world and feelings that surround you. Its your muse.

What did your journey on Idols do for the musician that you are today?

Idols was a show that taught me a lot about the local music industry, introduced me to people in the industry and exposed my brand to the country. It taught me to be more comfortable on stage and in front of a crowd. It taught me to believe in myself and that I had/have what it takes to make it in the industry.

How do you balance out work and play?

This is a tough question because in this industry the two overlap very often. These days I prioritize my spare time for family and loved ones. The rest of the time is work.

If you could change one thing about your journey so far, what would it be?

I wouldn’t change a thing thus far, I’ve been very happy with the journey thus far.

Can fans look forward to future Kyle and Shekhinah collaborations?

Definitely.

Is there any special significant other in your life at the moment?

There is indeed.

What makes you happy?

I love good company, witty conversations, music, and good food.

Your most memorable moment in the industry so far?

In the brief year and a half that we’ve been releasing music the moments keep getting better and better. From Back To The Beach going gold, to performing to over twenty thousand people at MTN BushFire Festival and Joburg Day. No one can explain the feeling of having that many people singing along to your own music.

Follow Kyle!

Instagram: @kyle_deutsch

Twitter: @kyle_deutsch

Facebook: Kyle Deutsch

 

–Bridgette Makhela