DJ Skills championing the decks
It's not every day that the country witnesses a youngster’s strong passion for music develop into the gateway that has led DJ Skills to the big time.
The cut-throat music industry is known to pull in budding new artists keen on making it to super-stardom hooked on the tumultuous world of celebrity and glitzy parties, but spit them out as soon as they lose flavour.
Meredale resident Sakhile Sikhondo is no ordinary Joe; his undeniable flair on the decks and his music producing abilities have seen DJ Skills reaching impressive milestones in a short period of three years.
In 2013 alone, this mega talent was signed under 5FM’s presenter and internationally acclaimed DJ Euphonik Productions 2013, he’s participating in the Jack Daniels Music Scouts Tour, has played alongside the big names of the industry such as DJ Fresh, Euphonik, BlackCoffee, and has performed with highly commended vocalist Monique Bingham.
His other accomplishments include being voted Best Upcoming House DJ 2013 By SADJMAG, winning the Strong Bow National Megastar Champion 2012, getting a converted position at YFM in April to October 2012 and being Nokia South Africa Brand Ambassador.
“I’m currently working on my first album, with the likes of songstress Moneoa, NaakMusiq, Silly M, Lerato, and I’ve just released my first single on digital media which is called ‘Time to Let Go’. We’re soon to shoot a music video for it,” said Skills.
Having had a passion for making music from a tender age, Skills used to watch his older brother and his friends DJ at the back of their home, and he would sneak in to his brother’s room afterwards to switch on the sound system and start mixing tracks.
“Music is a universal language and I believe through music one can influence the world. I love inspiring kids to follow their passions; I motivate them, and try to help them with important decisions which I know that I wouldn’t have had without music.”
During an interview, we asked him what hardships he encountered after he thought he’d finally gotten his foot in the DJ industry’s door?
“In the beginning it was very difficult, but I thought of strategic ways to market myself as a DJ. I played over 50 gigs for free, and that was tough because I wasn’t getting an income, week in and week out, but people were aware of me, and soon enough I was getting booked left right and centre. There are phases when it’s quiet and one does not get bookings early in the career so I guess that’s the toughest battle. Patience and hard work got me through my hardships.”
What more can we expect from DJ Skills?
“Music lovers can expect my first album to be called ‘House Of Skills’ 1st Edition. You can expect more events from me, my video for my first single ‘Time To let Go’ and of course if they catch me on the Decks they can expect nothing but good Music and to dance.”
