12 Oct 2016

A few years ago, even to date, it is not easy to imagine a Motswana inventing a wireless audio mixer. Such odds have however, been defied by one ex-convict Mr Onkabetse Manthe, popularly known as Dj Onks who was born and bred in Gabane.

The inspirational innovator who served a year in jail for house breaking, excitedly narrated how being in prison changed his whole life and led to invention of his wireless audio mixer.

“I knew I didn’t belong in jail. There was a moment I sat down and contemplated about my life, how I got so derailed and took the wrong decisions that landed me in jail,” he said.

Dj Onks confidently confirmed how being idle made him got involved in anti-social behaviour like stealing.

“In 2008 I was working as a resident DJ in one popular club, but the club burnt down resulting in me losing my job.

I was jobless and there was nothing that I could do to make ends meet and I ended up being involved in crime as a way of surviving but unfortunately, or fortunately looking at the turn of events at prison, I got caught and sentenced to one year in prison,” he said.

According to the established DJ, being behind bars was somehow a blessing as that is where he was able to have ideas on how to improve his deejaying career.

He started off from as far as 2001 stating that he has always loved and listened to radio.

“I am passionate about music and when I was in prison, I thought of ways in which I could do it differently because back then, having to mix CDs in a CD player by frequently taking them in and out proved to be tiring and time consuming.

I then thought of a way I could invent something that can make my work easier,” he said.

In 2009 when he exited the iron doors, Dj Onks decided to implement the idea of inventing an audio selector, a wireless audio mixer which is portable and easy to use.

He said he wanted to come up with something new and unique in the market.

“The device uses a cellphone which has been installed in its software that the DJs can use for mixing their songs without having to be in one place. This mixer has a built in power supply in the form of rechargeable battery in the main unit,” he said.

The device is a small black coated metal box and a phone is installed on top of it.

During his recently held session in Gaborone with other DJs, which was intended to show them the new developments made on the device, DJ Onks stated that initially when the mixer was made, it used two phones but now it uses one and the sound quality has tremendously improved, something he said showed great improvements.

So far the popular DJ has managed to register his mixer with CIPA and is ready to make more units so that he can start selling them.

“No one has invented what I have invented and I know this device can sell provided it is marketed well. I am also happy that I have decided to protect the idea,” he said.

For her part, DJ Onks’ manager, Ms Loago Onthusitse applauded him for such an innovative idea and appealed to Batswana to support him.

“This can greatly influence the economy of our country and this could also lead to job creation as it would need manpower to produce more units. Therefore it would be great if all the relevant stakeholders could help us start this up,” she said.

For his part, technical mentor and application developer, Mr Itumeleng Garebatshabe complimented DJ Onks for his amazing work and encouraged him to take the device to the market.

“Nothing like this has been invented yet. I am very positive he will make money and Batswana would like the product,” he said.

He emphasised that taking a new product to the market is the only way to find out how it will perform, and said that some innovators are always hesitant to introduce their ideas to the market only to regret when someone else implemented the same idea and reap the benefits. ENDS