03 Mar 2015

Local disc jockeys have emphasised the importance of turning music into a profession.

The disc jockeys Dj Colastraw, Dj La Timmy and Ydj said at a workshop organised for Ghanzi artists recently, that music is a profession and should be treated as such.

Dj Colastraw advised the artistes to register their companies with Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS), adding that with a business certificate and tax clearance certificate it was easy to get jobs and gigs from government.

A reputable Dj himself with a vast experience in the industry, Colastraw said being innovative and unique as a Dj was very important in the deejaying world.

He said one needs to think outside the box in order to be a step ahead and different in presentation.

Also of importance as a musician, Dj Colastraw said was getting the right affordable equipment and not going for cheap stuff ‘because cheap is expensive, rather buy expensive and quality to avoid unnecessary expenses and disappointments in future.’

For his part, Leatile Rapoo known by stage name Ydj implored Djs and other musicians to up their game and take themselves seriously.

Ydj noted that some djs degrade the profession by using laptops, thinking that having a laptop with music was being professional.

Ydj who has a Dj academy in Gaborone, said aspiring djs should learn the craft and skill of deejaying.

He said most djs were below par, disastrous and poor, and advised them to learn the basics of deejaying first before they enter such President’s Day Music competitions.

Meanwhile, the celebrated Btv’s Flava Dome resident dj, Dj La Timmy shared with artistes tips on making it in the music world.

He cited talent and passion as most important, adding that with passion and talent one needs to work on the skill to deliver their craft to the people and grab their attention.

La Timmy also stated that most artistes lack discipline and are fazed by fame and forget respect.

“Respect and humbleness are values that will take them far and make them stars,” he said. La Timmy also advised artistes to network and brand as “branding defines an artiste.”

For her part, principal programmes officer in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture,  Tebogo Ntesang also emphasised the importance of appearance in an artiste.

Ntesang said an artiste should make an impression especially when they approach various departments for assistance and jobs.

She also applauded the three Djs for demonstrating to artistes and stakeholders on how to use the equipment, noting that the demonstration would help them at the ministry when it comes to advising artistes and djs on what equipment to purchase for their businesses.

This, she said would help artistes to thrive in their businesses with provision of quality products and service thus developing the arts industry in the country. ENDS