On the decks
SA’s next big DJ could be discovered in the brand-new season of 1s And 2s.
Season 3 Tuesdays SABC1 (*191) 21:00
Everyone wants to be a DJ these days, but few actually have what it takes to mix the next big club anthem or play on the world stage. But you have to start somewhere, right? That’s where reality show 1s And 2s (2014- current) comes in. Scouting the country for the hottest DJing talent and then giving contestants the rare opportunity to showcase their skills to the country on national TV, respected MetroFM DJ duo SPHEctacular and Naves, along with actress and 5FM’s Thando Thabethe, are about to make someone’s dreams come true.
While the DJs are on the judging panel, assisted by guest DJs, Thando has recently started dabbling in DJing herself and she’s picked up a thing or two about the craft, making her more than just the presenter of the premiere DJing competition in the country. Thando and Naves give us a little more insight into the industry and how they go about looking for this season’s Master Of Spin.
THANDO THABETHE (26)
What’s different about this season? I think from a production value point of view, season 3 has definitely been stepped up. The competition is much fiercer and people understand what it could potentially do for them if they walk away with the title, which includes an international CD release and R100 000 worth of production gear. What do you enjoy most about hosting the show? I’ve just started DJing myself, so I enjoy being in a growing and learning environment. I’ve definitely learnt a lot this season and it’s exciting. You’re on radio, so you know what makes good dance and house music. Even though you’re not a judge on the show, what are you looking for from the talent? I’m on the lookout for someone who’s charismatic, someone with that star quality, someone determined and ready to take on this very competitive industry. And have you followed up with previous winners? Yes. I do see them at gigs and 1s And 2s famous faces (from left): DJs SPHEctacular, DJ Naves and Thando Thabethe. industry events, and both Mshega [season 1’s winner] and Prince Kaybee [season 2] have done incredibly well for themselves.
DJ NAVES (31)
There are so many people wanting to be professional DJs. What does it entail? I think talent is the key, more than anything else. When it’s coupled with hard work, nothing is impossible. How do DJs make a living? There are many facets to DJing, but I think primarily it’s the bookings for events that bring in the most money. What do you think of the controversial win of three-year-old DJ Arch Jr on last year’s SA’s Got Talent (2009-current)? A lot of people are still convinced that he wasn’t behind the music being made. I think that they undermined the people’s intelligence and also the craft of DJing. What are you looking for in the winner of the show? We need somebody who is going to elevate the game from the previous season. We need character, flair and talent. Most importantly, we need somebody that the people will relate to and support. Where in SA would you say the most talent you’ve encountered this season lies? I think Port Elizabeth. The people we found there stood out in a very memorable way.