Dieketseng Tshabalala (24) hails from the cultured streets of Daveyton and is better known by her DJ name, LadyK.
She is pursuing her dream of becoming a DJ while also pursuing her other dream of gaining her degree in coaching science and human movement sciences.
Dieketseng started her studies in 2018 and will be completing her degree in 2021 through the North West University, a public university in Potchefstroom.
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“I have been studying for almost three years and I am very excited to be finishing next year,” she explained.
She attended Sazakhela Primary School before completing her matric at Vezukhono Secondary School. Both schools are situated in Winnie Mandela, in Etwatwa.
“I played netball and soccer at school, both teams of which I captained and my participation within both teams was massive – I didn’t miss a game,” she said.
Although becoming a DJ is her first choice and biggest dream, Dieketseng also has high hopes for her future in the sport industry.
“Becoming a DJ is what I have always dreamed of and I have been consistent. I am still an upcoming artist and look forward to what the future holds for me.”
With each set, this young deck master curates a dance music journey with her signature sound drifting from a fusion of deep techno house and afro drumming all the way to afro vocal, everything being self-taught.
“My family loves music. My father used to buy sound systems and build speakers for me. He would also teach me more about song beats, vocals and how they were made,” she explained.
“My dad’s collections of music inspired me to push this dream of mine, to enjoy music and want to be around it all the time.
“In five years’ time I see myself as a well-known afro house queen, playing internationally and all over the world, producing my own music and having my own studio record label.
“Growing big in the music industry is the goal, giving back to the community and helping others to fulfill their careers in the music industry as well.
“Although becoming a DJ is the big dream, I see myself working as a sports manager for SAFA, making sure that lot of people are living a healthy lifestyle by exercising, providing them with adequate sports facilities, making sure of things financially and ensuring that travelling, accommodations and events are taking place more often.”
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At the North West University, Dieketseng plays for the NWU Tawana ladies soccer team in the Sasol League, Potchefstroom.
“It’s been almost three years now that I have been playing for them and I enjoy every minute of it,” she explained.
“I play central defensive middle fielder and in 2018 I was the captain of the team.
“I also played for another team at a club called United Bird Ladies Football Club, where I gained achievements such as long-term player in the club, players player of the year, most improved player of the season, player of the match, most discipline player of the year, most caped player and a special nine year award of appreciation due to my captainship.
“I have played for boys teams as well, such as the Peace Makers, Mokgoba FC, Mdluli FC and Zamalek (Free State Reitz).”
Dieketseng has plenty of qualifications under her belt and couldn’t be more proud of the women she is becoming.
“I studied in MSC Business College doing a course on information technology (end user-computing) for two years. I have a licence D in the coaching development programme, a premier skills certificate in community coaching and introduction to coach education phase one and a premier skills certificate in basic development and basics of coaching for phase two.”
During lockdown, she didn’t let the pandemic get to her in a negative way, instead pursuing her dream of becoming a DJ to the best of her ability.
“I was doing mixes which was played on radio stations, such as Ligwalagwala FM, Thobela FM, EkFM, Kasie FM, SKFM and Aganang FM.
“I also did some live streaming on Midweek Livestream session 16 and 20, as well as 1073 Live Entertainment and Buga Da Dj Livestream.
“You can always follow your dreams. It takes hard work and dedication, but anyone can do it, you just have to put your mind to it,” Dieketseng concluded.
