DJ Miza: Culture of conversations

His accessibility and down-to-earth nature is perhaps the reason why he has been chosen to be the new presenter on Ekse: Let’s Talk. The television show, which is now in its second season, aims to get young people talking about about sensitive issues such as sex, poverty and drug abuse.

Modibedi will join comedian Mongezi “Tall Ass Mo” Ngcobondwane, radio host Masechaba Lekalake and model Refilwe Modiselle, who will sit down every day to ask questions such as: “Would you date someone who is HIV positive” and “Should prostitution be legalised?”

“My job on the show is to go out and ask ordinary young people these questions,” says Modibedi.

“They call me the street surfer! Young people don’t really talk about serious issues. This show is an attempt to start a culture where young people feel comfortable talking about difficult subjects, without feeling ashamed.”

Even though he is better recognised for his music, Modibedi is no stranger to the small screen. He featured in SABC2’s Streets Of Mangaung and Mzansi Magic’s Tooth And Nails.

Most of his presenting has been on children’s programmes such as Real Peeps and Cool Cats, so being on a more serious show is a welcome change.

“I’ve been wanting to break away from the kids shows for a while now and this has been the perfect opportunity,” he says.

But the job didn’t fall into his lap.

“I went to audition like everyone else. I was the last person they saw, so it was a very long wait.”

The spin on DJ Miza

– DJ Miza recently released a new single titled African Woman.

– His song Feeling, which features Noluthando Meje, was nominated for a Metro FM Award in the category “Best Collaboration” in 2013.

– He was previously a radio DJ on VCR 90.6FM, where he hosted a late-night show showcasing new music.

– Ekse: Let’s Talk airs from Tuesdays to Thursdays at 6pm on ekasi+ (OpenView HD channel 105).

Even though Modibedi was excited to have secured the job, he didn’t realise just what he had let himself in for.

“A few weeks ago, the topic on the show was drugs,” he recalls.

“So I went to speak to an 18-year-old boy who was hooked on nyaope. I had never seen a young person who felt so hopeless and depressed. As a human being you feel like you should do something to make that person’s life better, but then you realise that you also don’t have the means to help everyone. It can be very depressing.”

Modibedi believes his profile as a club DJ helps send the message that it is “cool” for young people to speak honestly about issues which bother them about life.

“Many of the people I speak to feel like they know me because of my music,” he says.

“This makes it easy for them to open up and speak to me because they believe I can relate.”