Can you tell us a bit more about yourself - age etc?

Well not much hey. I'm the dj for Brasse Vannie Kaap(BVK) also member of Cape Flats Beat Bangaz alongside Ready D which is a turntablist group promoting the art of hip hop deejaying or turntablism through mixshows, mixtapes or when we rock a club. I am also the deejay for an underground group called ANCIENT MEN who will be making much noise this year. As for age, well a couple of earth years...

What does it mean to you to be regarded as one of South Africa's most talented hip hop djs?

For me it just means that I am doing something right which serves as motivation to continue what I'm doing. It's just a blessing.

How and when did you start djing?

Well I'm involved in this culture since '84. I was always fascinated with scratches when I heard it on tapes which used to go around in Mitchell's Plain. At that time I didn't really know who it was created but when I saw a video on Tv2 by WORLD SUPREME DJ's I thought to myself this is what I want to do. What further inspired me was hearing Rockit by Herbie Hancock at the time cos I was a bboy and was like a bboy anthem. The cuts were and is still dope. Thereafter somebody told me about the BASE and I went and saw D (Ready D) do what I've on tapes and only seen on tv live and it was a trip. But on the real I've only been deejayin officially since '92.

Do you have any favourite artists?

There's such alot! Stevie Wonder, Thelonious Monk, Maze, Earth Wind and Fire, Pete Rock&C.L Smooth, Main Source, 2Live Crew, Kalahari Surfers, ZION I, People Under the Stairs.....Too much to mention!

How often do you practice?

When I started out it was like up to 6 hours in practice but as of late I'd be lucky if I get in two. I have other priorities like studies, work and projects so I'm constantly busy but it doesn't deter me to keep the skill level up.

What is more important in your opinion when it comes to djing - passion or skill?

A combination of both. I've seen lotsa deejays with skill but they only do it was a fad or 'cos it cool. If you don't have the passion you won't be able to take it to the next level I think that counts for everything in life. On the other side of the scale passion isn't simply enough 'cos you only get good at something with practice. So I definitely think it's a combination of both.

What is your opinion of the dj scene in Cape Town and in the rest of South Africa?

Well I think it's growing and that it's good. We definitely have our own flavour but we still have a long way to go. Not just the dj'ing side of thing but the business side of things as well.

What in your opinion is the reason why South African djs have not made an impact on the world scene?

The historical factors of our country's past is definitely a reason. We haven't been that exposed to how things are run, set up on the business side of things as well. But you know deejays in Mzansi are making moves as of late.I think with all the resources we have today like internet it's up to ourselves to create our own hype, make our own "superstars" for foreign export.

What are your top five tracks of all time?

Black Steel in the hour of chaos-PUBLIC ENEMY 
Nature of the threat-Rass Kass
Rockit-Herbie Hancock feat Grandmster DST
Cape Crusader-P.O.C.
Bells of Jerico-Hijack

Do you have any advice to up and coming dj's?

Stay true to what you do and don't bite. Innovate don't imitate!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

There's such a lot of personal goals that I set out for myself so I 'm not gonna rave about accomplishments or future goals that I want to reach. The most important thing is that I hope is that I can look back and say to myself that I have made my contribution to hip hop.

Would you ever consider playing any other type of music besides hip hop?

Yes I do. At some events I play 80's pop mixed hip hop stylee.You know like Prince, Depche Mode, Tears for Fears, etc the good stuff. It's good to open minded and to be able to play a broader spectrum of music.

What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you while you were djing?

A girl coming up to me and thanking me for the vibe created and then suddenly showing her breasts off.

Are their any local or international djs who have influenced you?

Too many mention. Firstly Ready D 'cos in a big way he has always motivated me to keep doing this. Then DJ E-20 who was the first deejay for BVK. This guy was way before his time. Formidible skills. Rick B aka Sinus was also a deejay I looked up to and Big Dre. Internationally it would be Dj Radar, Melo D, Shortkut, Z-TRIP, and all the old school deejays like Cash Money, Jazzy JEFF, Hijack deejays, Mixmaster Ice, Jam Master Jay, Terminator X, Alladin, Joe Cooley.

Are you involved in producing music? If not, is it an avenue you might consider?

Yes I've been producing since last year. It a real new realm to me opening such other creative doors. It's good just time consuming so it's sometimes difficult to keep the balance especially seeing that I'm new in that area.

If you were not a dj, what would you be doing right now?

I would an accountant or doing something in business media.

What is the most important skill a dj must have?

The ability to read a crowd and the plus would be being able to take them on an emotional musical trip.

What has been the most memorable moment in your dj career thus far?

There's been so much you know from performing alongside and meeting Cypress Hill, Black Eyed Peas or Limp Biscuit to performing at major South African musical festivals. I think my highlight would be when I was in France meeting their old school dj, pioneer, dj Rebel. He is dope and so humble. Vibin with him and cutting together he opened other doors to deejaying that I was unaware of.

Was there one particular moment that made you realize that you wanted to become a dj?

Seeing RozzanoX, Shamiel X and Ready D making people go off back in the days at Planet Base.

What is your dream gig?

30 decks set up in the Grand Parade and all my favourite deejays just showcasing for everybody.

What is the best and worse thing about being a dj?

Practicing a routine and presenting it to the crowd when you play and they acknowledge it. Worst thing the coming in late nights or should I say mornings and having to be up at 6 in the morn.

If you could be reborn as any person who would that be and why?

Myself. I wouldn't like to change the path I'm on because I would like to see what the destination looks like.

Thanks again for answering our questions. We look forward to chatting To you again soon.

Interview Contributed by Miss L

---