KZN hopeful hits DJ decks
DJ SASHMANN carries KwaZulu-Natal hopes when he battles it out on the decks for the Viceroy Makoya Mix title at the Artizen Lounge in KwaMashu this evening.
While Sashmann (Sash Moodley), who also goes under the name NawtiSash, will be keen for the R100 000 prize, there is more than big cash and equipment to win.
Sashmann feels the competition is an important stepping stone for his career and is hopeful it will open doors and allow him to show his talent to more people.
“I have a lot of experience in the DJ scene, especially growing up listening to so many different genres. My aim in this career is to keep growing and to be innovative in the industry. I want to win this competition so I can make KwaZulu-Natal and my country proud,” he said.
But the Isipingo Beach resident faces stiff competition from the other regional winners, DJ Ozzil-Waves (Olwethu Trom, Western Cape), DJ Sonz (Esona Masele, Eastern Cape), DJ Romeo (Romeo Makotanyane, East Rand) and DJ Bozza (Willie Hlophe, West Rand).
The DJ battle is not the only entertainment on the night and patrons will also be entertained by the three competition mentors, DJ Tira, DJ Christos and the Naked DJ, last year’s winner DJ Sbonga, and a host of other DJs.
The finalists made it to the last round by creating their own mix, which included the Viceroy Pulse Tune.
Sashmann, 26, started his career in 2006 as a freelancer at clubs before he entered the competition.
“I taught myself how to DJ by watching other DJs. I was always practising at home, and in my primary school I use to be that guy who played the music in class or at the end-ofterm parties,” he said.
In May he went to the audition for the Makoya Mix competition at Sucasa Lounge on the Berea, when he was chosen for the regional finals, which he won, and earned the right to spin the decks tonight.
Sashmann described his style as deep house with some elements of Afro house and said his mentors have helped him get ready for this evening.
“People such as DJ Menace, Naughty Neil and Ameeth Shah, have taught me how to stand out as a DJ. I’ve also learnt about different styles and how to keep myself organised in terms of music,” he said.
He also mentioned that Black Coffee is one of his idol: “I was really inspired after listening to his first album in 2005. His genre and style is amazing, I look up to him because he never stopped pushing for greatness.”
Tonight’s winner will receive a prize worth R100 000, and the opportunity to produce a single under the guidance of the Makoya Mix Mentors and DJ equipment.
Tickets can be purchased at the door and cost R80 for general admission up to R250 for VVIP access. For more information, visit viceroybrandy.com