Disability doesn’t stop local DJ from achieving his dreams
The DJ said his love for music and seeing people dancing to his music keeps him going.
Being born with a slight ‘physical defect’ never saw Gift Bembe, known as Dj Mgiftana, wallow in self-pity.
In 2000, Bembe was involved in a car accident. He had head injuries which affected his ability to speak and his left leg was injured, which led to him not being able to walk straight.
The 33-year-old didn’t allow his disability to define him; he fought to make a name for himself.
“I always had a fighting spirit and I always told myself that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to,” said Bembe.
“Being disabled is not the end of the world. There are people who are my age and who are not disabled but they haven’t achieved some of the things that I have.”
Bembe was the youngest YFM radio jockey under Oscar Mdlongwa’s (DJ Oskido) wing, resulting in his album, Clash of the Heavyweights Round One.
Oskido opened doors for him by allowing him to showcase his DJing skills.
He started DJing at the age of nine with cassettes and he has been in the music industry for 20 years.
The Rynfield resident said he had a proper support structure in dealing with his disability. Without his supportive family and mother’s prayer’s, he wouldn’t have pulled through.
“My late brother, Bongani Bembe, was my biggest inspiration as he was also disabled, but he was able to achieve his goals and when my father died he took over his duties in the household,” he said.
“As an individual you need to believe in yourself, nothing beats prayer and always remember that God can move mountains.”
He added that his journey was not easy, as there were times when he would get opportunities, but when people discover he is disabled they would shut him out.
“However, I kept going and I’ve always proved them wrong,” he said.
“There are opportunities for disabled people; you just have to keep knocking on all the doors and eventually one door will open for you.”
The DJ said his love for music and seeing people dancing to his music keeps him going.
Bembe recently released his latest single, Ndiyabulela featuring Mazet and DrumPope, which is available on all digital platforms.
He has also started a movement called Plastic People with Thabo Lewatle and Ofentse Magape, which is for DJs who love playing with vinyl.
“I started this movement because as a DJ you have to offer something unique, and I’m aiming to bring back the ’90s vibe.”
He thanked DJ Oskido, DJ Sbu, the late Khabzela, and his brother for supporting him through this journey.
His message to people with disabilities is to never give up, avoid negativity, believe in yourself, and never stop praying.
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