Thamsanqa Mehlomakulu also known as Sthamzen who has been making music for 12 years and performing for 10 is buzzing because of his recent win at the Music, Arts and Media Awards.
Sthamzen won the Best DJ category on September 21.
He says the award is a reminder to his neighbourhood of the importance of persistence and faith.
Born in Sebokeng, on the Vaal, Sthamzen moved to Pretoria in 2005, when he was 10 years old.
“I felt so great, I was so excited that I got this award for doing something that I love. I’ve been pushing very hard, promoting myself and trying to get people to vote for me. It shows that I have reliable fans who believe in me. Every time I look at it, it feels like “Yah, I know what I’m doing,” Sthamzen says.
Despite turning 29 on September 30, the Danville-based DJ has been making music for the past 12 years and performing for 10.
The award is the second solo accolade that the DJ has won and third in total. He says that the support from his fans and family keeps him going.
Mehlomakulu received his first award for Best Male Artist of the Year at the Image Magazine Personality Awards in 2023.
Early this year, he was awarded Best Dance Single at the Music on the Hill Awards (MOTHAs) for his contribution alongside Brinsley Motsepa to the song, “Emini”.
“The support from people encourages me every time as well as taking criticism to my own advantage. When people were doubting and saying that I didn’t know what I was doing, I said that I was going to prove them wrong, especially my dad. He was against me doing music. He wanted me to pursue academics and a job so I said I’d prove to him that I can do this,” Sthamzen says.
Mehlomakulu completed high school in 2013 at Elandspoort High School and soon after went to university to study for a diploma in internal auditing.
He was introduced to music production by a close friend at the university in 2014. He said that during this time, he was taught how to make different mixes and produce his own songs.
He aims to release an EP by the end of the year that would consist of Afro-house and Afro-tech and is targeting the end of November. The EP is said to celebrate his 10 years of making music.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported me and voted for me. My mom, little brother, family, friends, the guys I’ve been working with like Brinsley as well as people that I don’t even know who voted for me. I would also like to thank my dear friend Karabo Moloto and my manager Precious Khambule – she’s been doing wonders for us,” Sthamzen concludes.
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