A female DJ stands against all odds to be the best

“I don’t think the challenges I am facing as a female DJ in this male-dominated industry are because of my gender.
“Gender does not limit one to what you can achieve or do,” she said.
Mmathapelo Botha, stage name Ms Thaps, is an aspiring young DJ making moves.
She was born in Mahikeng and relocated to Kwa-Thema when she was 16.
Ms Thaps’s love for DJing was ignited and inspired by SA’s Got Talent sixth season winner, DJ Arch JNR.

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“DJ Arch JNR inspired me to venture into the DJing world. I am also grateful to the late Paul Mahlangu (DJ Teddy SA), who taught me the basics of DJing back in 2015,” said Ms Thaps.
She was the first female DJ in her village and got her first gig in 2015 after continuously shadowing DJ Teddy at his gigs just so she can get the hang of how everything is done on the decks.
“I still remember my first gig. The experience was so overwhelming and everyone was so happy to hear what I’ve got,” said Ms Thaps.
The 24-year-old also mentioned that she was mentored by DJ Suggestor Msimanga.
“He was always encouraging me to work hard and never give up. He wanted me to become one of the best DJs alive,” she said.

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Ms Thaps enrolled at the Teblet Multimedia Academy in Thokoza, but unfortunately had to drop out due to financial reasons.
“After I dropped out, I enrolled at South West Gauteng College, where I dedicated 18 months to studying sound engineering. I completed my qualification in record time,” she said.
She let all the challenges she faced motivate her and told the African Reporter the only challenge she’s facing is a lack of equipment and that it won’t limit her from achieving her goals.
Ms Thaps lost her mother in November 2019, and she had to put her work on hold to mourn.
“My mom’s death really affected me, it was emotionally draining.
“I had to cancel gigs. It was a really traumatic experience and I am still struggling to get over it.
“I feel like she departed before she could fulfill her dreams, and that hits me the most.
“I will work harder to make her proud. I am here to fulfill all her unfilled dreams,” she said.
She bounced back in 2020 and landed two internships at Sauma HD Radio and Kaya FM.
“I took up the 12-month contract at Kaya FM, and it was worth it because I was exposed to other aspects of media I didn’t know about.
“I’ve learnt I can be more than just a DJ, I can be a voice-over artist too,” said Ms Thaps.

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She was exposed to big names like Tbose, Proverb and legendary media mogul Thomas Manamela during her time at Kaya FM.
Through the experience she gained at her internships, she scored herself the post of resident DJ at UJ FM at the beginning of this month, where she plays every Thursday morning.
“I want to be an inspiration to the youth and give back to the community by building a DJing institution because many villages lack that.
“I love DJing. I am passionate about it and it’s my lifetime career,” she concluded.

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