The Music Industry Plays A Big Role In Our Lives - DJ Split
Thabo Schele who is affectionately known as DJ Split is a House DJ based in Gaborone. The artist has been a DJ since 2012 and has played at various events and clubs such as Lagos and Trekkers. The Orapa but has lived most of his life in Gaborone. The young artist is growing rapidly and has released many singles of which always get airplay on local radio stations. He said in the interview that he is currently working on a new single, “Phusha Vakente” which features Gimaro Miles and Thintee. He also got to share his opinions about the local music industry in his interview with CW.
You are a DJ, what led to that path?
Music has always been in me ever since. In a way it helps me to forget all the problems of life and keeps me happy. I used to listen to music years back around 2011 but then on the way I was inspired by few DJs from South Africa named “DJ Kent & DJ Crystal” as they played along with songs through mixing. This therefore opened my eyes inspired me to also know and teach myself more on how to mix songs in the 2014. I was a fast learner, so I was able to do well and I was now ready to share what I did to the world. On the other hand, it was a tough journey as I did not get enough exposure but I did not quit, rather I pushed hard. Having the love for music is the reason that led me to become a DJ.
How long have you been a DJ?
Referring back to when I started, I have been a DJ for about nine years now.
So as a musician do you only do Deejaying?
I’m not only focused on Deejaying but I am also a House Music Producer. At this point, I’m now able to make my own songs and to mention more. I am working on my new single to be released soon which is titled “Phusha Vakente” featuring Gimaro Miles and Thintee.
Being an artist always requires some form of inspiration to your works, what is yours?
Deejaying skills in terms of mixing and also being able to see people enjoy ones work on stage through dancing helps me to learn more and come up with different ways to become different from other artists.
What’s your music about, being a DJ that you love?
Deejaying is one thing I love especially at events, night clubs but basically where there is a crowd as I will be able to serve people with good music for them to dance. Seeing people smile and enjoying themselves dancing to the music I play makes me happier.
Whom in the industry do you look up to and find inspiration from?
At this point, I am inspired by some international DJs such DJ Shimza & Black Coffee just to mention a few. They are the ones that help me to work hard on what I do and to also not to give up.
So let’s talk about your music, how is it currently doing out there, is it being well received?
My music is currently doing well and yes, it is being well received as a lot of people are able to listen and download my music mixes and single releases through YouTube, Sound Cloud, Facebook, local radio stations and all platforms.
Do you have an adequate fan base?
Yes, with the help of being able to share about my music in all social media such as WhatsApp, twitter, Facebook and more, people are able to follow me through my Facebook fan page (DJ Split BW)
What are your achievements?
With all the hard work I have been putting, I am able to be booked to play at big events and also to produce instrumentals for other artists around Botswana. This is a great achievement as it shows that people are able to hear my music locally and internationally.
Since things changed due to the COVID 19, how have you been selling your music?
COVID-19 has affected us, now it is tough to DJ or perform released singles at events as the entertainment industry has been affected too. In this way, I use digital platforms such as Spotify and more to earn from my music.
Are you profiting as adequately as before?
Due to COVID-19, I have been affected as an artist, because events and night clubs are closed therefore I am not making profit like before.
You are a musician, what is your opinion on how things should be done to get the music industry operational once again
The music industry has a positive impact to people which includes event organizers and also artists including DJs/performers in a way that it helps to put food on the table. Some people are unemployed and therefore have attained on having degrees. If at all the music industry is not put back, it brings along negative impacts to people as they will suffer due to lack of money. On the other hand, I understand that COVID-19 is also present and implementation of rules to protect people from the pandemic should be present to make sure that event organizers comply with the COVID-19 rules.
Another point is that to my own understanding, I think night clubs should also be opened as it does not occupy a large number of people comparing to big events that could be made at national stadiums.
Would you say the music industry has any role in the economy of the country?
Yes! The music industry plays an important role to the economy as it helps to bring entertainment and helps people to be able to generate money for them to put food on the table.
The quality of music in Botswana has been improving regardless of the situation at hand, had the COVID 19 not been there do you think our industry would have been somewhere far ahead in terms of quality content?
Quality contents could have been far because reflecting to today’s situation that COVID-19 has affected the music industry, artists now struggle to produce good quality content as some artists only depended on getting income through bookings to perform at events, night clubs and more. Therefore they are unable to have enough money to invest on their music in terms of making music videos for their music and more.
What can you say to fellow musicians?
Music yes, is another way that one can make money through but I just want to let people know that engaging through music is not that simple because one needs to go through a lot as they may take a long time to get exposure and that they should have passion for music.
Duncan Sebeso 
Miranda