Meet the DJ changing the South African nightclub scene

Cape Town born Kalo Canterbury, better known in the social scenes as K-$ is a vibrant party starter, who’s turntables skills are enjoyed throughout the streets of Braamfontein.

Making her debut along the Joburg streets, K-$ played at the Jose Cuervo Seize the City event. Involved in the emergence of the DIY culture, this Capetonian explains how the cool kids party in the city of Joburg.

On Sunday, 3 December a crowd of Jozi’s young influential seized the city with Jose Cuervo, the world’s number one tequila, at an underground party held at The Station in Newtown. Tapping into the legacy of 90s rave culture, the gathering saw the youth rebelling against the norm and taking nightlife culture into their own hands.

K-$ at the Jose Cuervo Seize The City event. Picture: Dune Tilley

Grime and gqom beats pounded through the abandoned concrete space, while neon strobe lights lit up flashes of danger tape and yellow road barriers. Jose Cuervo cocktails were served from behind caged bars, and rounds of shots released for 15 minute intervals when the yellow siren sounded.

UK hip hop artist Wiley, famously known as the Godfather of Grime, headlined the event and supporting acts included the UK’s Skinny Macho and SA’s K-$, DJ Lag and Uncle Party Time.

1. Tell us about the type of inner-city parties you like to perform at and why?

Being a part of LIT Squad, I came up performing at the underground parties we throw as a collective. The kind of sound you can find at parties like these is much more experimental, hard and driven, and the crowd doesn’t really have inhibitions. They just come for the music and to have a good time. That’s what it’s all about.

2. As a key player in your scene, do you feel you have embodied the DIY culture in your rise as an artist or do you have key influences in the creation of your sets and sound?

I feel that I’m a DIY artist in the sense that the way I’ve crafted my career has all been up to me. I’d say I’m definitely influenced by the way other artist friends of mine perform, interact with the crowd and energy they bring to their sets, and I try to match that energy with my own unique sound.

3. South Africa is known for its diversity of music genres. How do you think this array of choice is sculpting the nightlife scene?

Diversity is important. Representation is important. Being inclusive is the wave, and that’s the message I get from all the dope parties and events thrown across the country… And I’m not just talking about the music.

4. Why do you think Jose Cuervo’s essence of Tomorrow is Overrated is important for the music industry of today?

Tomorrow is Overrated highlights the importance of living in the moment. Hearing a new artist or track for the first time, enjoying yourself, embracing our nightlife … All of those moments are special and is the driving force behind creating nightlife culture.

5. The underground scene is alive and well in South Africa. As a pioneer of this wave, what’s next for nightlife in South Africa?

I’ll say it again … inclusivity, safe spaces and creating a nightlife culture that embraces everyone.

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