
Who is DJ Thabithabs? Where are you from?
Born in Tembisa and named Nompumelelo Thabisile Buthelezi, I go by the name Dj Thabithabs. I’m a creative, social butterfly, passion driven and hardworking being.
• Where would you like to be in the next two years as a female DJ in South Africa?
I would like to be touring the world, performing on all the biggest gigs on the map. Creating talent based events for talented kids and grooming our future talents.
• What was your motivation for becoming a DJ and why did you choose this male-dominated industry?
I am naturally competitive and I believe intrigued as well. I danced and choreographed dances for other kids while at school and because I did boarding school in KZN I found myself transporting music between KZN and Gauteng. This then created interest in me and Djing was the next thing on my list.
• Tell us more about the Street Battle dance competion, what has been the inspiration behind it, and how the campaign enhanced your brand?
I have seen all my peers give back in other ways that made me feel a creative child is still left unattended. I figured we are surrounded by talented children who are probably going through the same issues that I have went through. I also hate seeing the young ones sitting around and not doing a thing with their lives so I created the street dance battles to move every child from the street and groom them so they can know that their talents are just as valid and they could live from it. We have a tendency of treating children who are not academically smart like nothing, I want to validate their dreams and show them that we cannot all be academically given yet we can all live a better life.
• As an individual, how would you support other aspiring women DJs?
I already teach aspiring female Djs how to play and I provide mentorship programs. I would love to do more like hosting networking sessions and hosting workshops for them. All these are my pipeline plans.
• In terms of music, do you only mix, or do you also produce? Do you focus only on house music or other genres?
I believe I do music. It has no genres but it paints my journey of where I began to where I am at and where I am going. I play music and I produce music.
• Who is your favourite DJ/ idol at the moment, and who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
I’m a huge fan of Black Coffee. I would like to collaborate with a lot of underground artists and unrecognised talents. Yet it is a big part of my wishes that I one day collaborate with Chris Brown.
• For other ladies out there who would like to be where you are or heading, what advice would you give them?
Grow a firm head. Now what you want. It’s a dog eat dog world and no one is coming to save you. Keep your eyes on the ball and stick to your goals.
• Do you think the SA music genre can change the global music scene? Why?
Yes I believe music is a universal language and music connects everyone. The music scene is already changing and I think it took us doing things differently and believing in the new sound.
• How can female DJs be supported? Is there more the industry or government can do?
The government is doing more than enough. The female DJs need to lose the sense of entitlement and go get their dreams. The industry is tough on everyone and we also don’t want to be supporting mediocre all in the name of supporting females. They must invest time in their craft and take these opportunities given to them. We all need to pull out weight. We are given all the support by being prioritised when decisions are made so all we have to do is take those opportunities.
• What would 5-year-old Thabithabs be saying if she could see you now? You are doing great, keep at it and don’t give up. Keep it going.