Local DJ gets international pass
KwaThema – Kagiso ''DJ Carvege'' Motlhabi (21) is ecstatic, as his dream of making it into the international music market is finally coming true.
The youngster says that though music has always been his dream and passion, it has not been easy making this a reality, as his family did not approve of it.
“When I shared my plans of going into the music industry with my family, they asked me to complete my matric first and said they would help me.
“They promised to pay for my course in music production, but, when I finally completed school in 2014, they were not for this idea anymore,” he explains.
He adds that, during his time studying in Tshwane, he was fortunate to meet Kagiso Benedict Ngati (28), who goes by the name DJ Palema.
“DJ Palema had some music production initiative when I met him in 2013 and I liked the fact that people loved him,” Motlhabi said.
“He inspired me, so I asked him to help me and he also advised me to complete my matric first.”
Since Motlhabi was not willing to back down, and as his family would no longer help him, he called his new found friend to ask for his help again.
“DJ Palema agreed to help me, so, in July, I started going to him for lessons three times a week.
“He taught me how to DJ and a bit of music production, then, one weekend, he invited me to come to a gig where some international people came to watch us.
“We did a song together, on which he played the marimba and drums and I was playing on pitch, which people love,” Motlhabi says.
Though the song still has no title, it seems to have been the perfect way to put his name on the map as, after that performance, Motlhabi received a call which has changed his life for the better.
“On August 9, DJ Palema called to inform me that some people from the UK, who had seen us performing together, have invited us to go and play oversees on January 13.
“This will also be an opportunity for us to gain more skills and learn about the international market.
“I am very happy about this and would love to get someone locally to mentor me further, so that I can do great stuff when I get to that side,” he says
Motlhabi thanks DJ Palema and says that this will be a huge surprise to his family, as they didn’t believe this could happen.
“I am shocked and nervous, but very happy, and have learnt that you should always believe in yourself.
“Don’t give up on what you believe in,” he says.
Motlhabi’s future plans are to do a formal music production course, as he wants to become a music producer and famous DJ.
