Local DJ empowers the community with ‘Never Giver up’ philosophy
His story resonates with eMalahleni residents, encouraging them to embrace change, discover their passions, and forge their paths toward a brighter future.
When faced with the adversity of job loss, individuals often find themselves seeking new opportunities and exploring uncharted territories.
Sibusiso Hleza, a 33-year-old resident of eMalahleni, serves as an inspiring example of resilience and determination as he transformed his life after losing his job due to retrenchment, embarking on a new career as a DJ.
Reflecting on the challenges he faced during the retrenchment period, which coincided with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sibusiso shares, “After retrenchment, which was just before Covid, I felt bad, and I had to make other means of living by being a DJ.”
Having nurtured a lifelong dream of becoming a DJ, Sibusiso, known by his stage name “DJ Sibu,” seized the opportunity to fully immerse himself in his passion when circumstances demanded a change. Growing up in a music-loving household, he was exposed to various genres and music devices, fostering his deep appreciation for soul and R&B music.
As an independent DJ, Sibusiso appreciates the freedom his career affords him.
He notes, “The good thing about being a DJ is that you get paid for doing what you love. Having a career as a DJ means you get to work for yourself. You can choose the gigs you want to take and negotiate your pay. Of course, working for yourself isn’t necessarily a walk in the park.”
Becoming a DJ comes with its own set of challenges, including fierce competition.
However, DJ Sibu emphasizes the importance of understanding his audience’s musical preferences and consistently delivering exceptional performances. “I make it a priority to arrive early at every gig or event I’m booked for,” he affirms, underscoring his commitment to professionalism.
In addition to pursuing his career, DJ Sibu is actively involved in mentoring and nurturing young talents in eMalahleni who aspire to become DJs.
He emphasises the significance of completing one’s education, urging young individuals passionate about pursuing DJing as a career to prioritize finishing high school and enrolling in sound engineering and DJ courses.
Currently, he dedicates his time to teaching aspiring DJs, including his nephew and friends, the art of music mixing and DJ system operation.
Sibusiso encourages fellow community members who may be facing unemployment or retrenchment to persevere in their search for new livelihoods. He emphasises that losing a job does not signify the end of one’s life, but rather an opportunity to explore new avenues.
He advises, “Losing a job doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the end of your life. I want to encourage my brothers and sisters that they can still change their lives. They can start by trying other new things, such as finding their talent or hobby, and working very hard on that.”
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