Edenvale DJ has a bright future
“It was a painful struggle living on the streets but I always knew I had wanted to become a producer so I kept working at it.”
Since the NEWS last spoke to up-and-coming performer Simphiwe (DJ Element) Ngwenya he has produced several songs to keep his fans entertained.
When the NEWS first met Simphiwe, several years ago, he was an aspiring DJ who was hoping to make a name for himself.
“I’ve been pushing my music and have produced about seven songs, some of which feature other Edenvale artists like Turbo and Kay-Tee.”
In weeks to come,Simphiwe is set to record a soul/trap track with another Edenvale artist.
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Simphiwe, who produces house music, said it is quite hard to pin down what inspires him to make more tracks.
“House music is all about making people feel good. It has a good groove and beat so I just try to keep people listening to my music.
“Over the years, my fan base has grown quite steadily on social media with most of my fans being Edenvale residents.”
Simphiwe believes the reason he has so many fans in Edenvale is that it is the town where his music career started.
The 20-year-old moved to Edenvale when he was 16.
He spent most of his childhood growing up in a place of safety in Rosettenville.
“I was taken away from my mother by a social worker at a young age because of the financial challenges she faced.”
When he returned to live with his mom, her partner introduced him to the music scene which led to him playing at the former Planet Pool and Happy Liquor.
This was followed by hardship as Simphiwe ended up living on the streets for two years.
“It was a painful struggle living on the streets but I always knew I had wanted to become a producer so I kept working at it.”
During his time on the streets, Simphiwe lived with drug users and although he said he never took drugs he believes what he went through helped inspire him and others.
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“The worst part of my situation at the time was the looks I would get from community members, it was terrible to be constantly looked down upon.”
After two years on the streets Simphiwe returned to his family.
With the lockdown putting many people in difficult financial situations, Simphiwe urged the community to unite and continue helping each other.
“I know what it is like not to have anything,” explained Simphiwe.
“If people have too much or an excess of something, they should help community members who may be in need.”
Additionally, Simphiwe called for a united community.
