As far as he can remember music has always been around the young DJ Kenzhero. The acclaimed andhomegrown DJ is sure making a name for himself around these parts, as a DJ and local talent in getting the coolest mix of people to his parties. We caught up with the guy, who has established himself in both Cape Town and Jo'burg, bringing back with him a large fan following...DJ Kenzhero presents Party People, a monthly fixture on the "cool calendar", held at Roka every Saturday night. Other esteemed muso's join the scene, ensuring that the party regulars are always blown away with hip hop and funky beats.
Tell us a bit about yourself. Where're you from, how did you get into DJing, where do you play?
Well I was born in Rockville, Soweto. And have lived all over Soweto with grandparents, uncles etc. I started DJing in 1999 after a friend invited me to a poetry session where he was playing, then he called in sick and never returned?here I am now.
What kind of people come to your jols? How do you get them motivated to enjoy a night with you?
Well they are mostly my friends, and they seem to like the same music as II do so it makes it easier?The new guys who come to my shows come through word of mouth, and eventually your reputation aerns you some credit after a while.
Who are your influences/mentors in the music you play?
Well, I play everything but not anything. Most of the stuff I play is hip hop based. All types of music have influenced hip hop, from reggae, funk, jazz, electronica?I play all these styles based on hip hop. As far as mentors, I can't say I had someone teaching me, or I followed around a lot, I kinda stumbled into stuff. But Bobbito, DJ Spinna, Gilles Peterson, and Kenny Dope are people I look out for.
Your next big coming up, where and when?
Party People feat Bahamadia and DJStatik on 23 February at Roka, (and 21 February in Cape Town at Mercury Live)
How do you see the music industry in SA at present? Where do YOU feel it's going?
The industry here is trying to find its feet, while the world is waiting on us to deliver. I think the industry has a lot of new guys who are trying out things that don't really work. Like now, the people in the forefront are the one's who have been grinding for a long time.
Have you toured overseas yet?
Nah I've only gone as far as Reunion Island, but I had invitations to play in London last year, however the timing was just not right.
Where are your favorite party venues in JHB?
Roka for now, cause that's where I do my parties called Party People every last Saturday of the month.
DJ Kenzhero by night, what do you do in your spare time?
Work doing scores for dramas on SABC, make beats, Play soccer, chill with my girl?don't have much spare time really.
What sort of people enjoy your parties, and who would you like to influence to come to your jols (the ones that don't already?)
The type who know their music or wanna learn more, bored of the same-o same-o?I would like to influence people who gave up on the DJs.
Give me some of the latest and best jols you have played at and why were they so successful?
Well apart from Party People, I enjoyed the JHBLive gig at Carfax, though it was short.
Future plans, besides Party People?
I am planning to come out more as a producer. I've produced tracks for Sudan, Tumi, 5th floor, Bhubessi and most of which are material not released yet. I am half of the soon to be known Loop Generation a producing duo. This duo came out of the self-made brothers beat makers "the Specialist". "I think these guys are not well in their heads, they are cursed with loving music, you must hear what we've been putting in the library with these guys". If God's willing, people will know about these guys sooner or later.
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