#knowyourbenoni – Mark Stent loves Benoni with all his heart
Mark Stent loves his little town.
If Mark Stent (42) has his way, he will never move out of Benoni.
The DJ, producer, father of three and former South African heavy-weight bodybuilding champion has worked with some of the top names in the music industry and is now looking forward to releasing tracks from his new album.
BCT: When did you move to Benoni?
MS: I was born in Sandton.
I came to Benoni at the age of two.
Benoni has been my home ever since, and I never want to leave.
Benonians are genuine people and the town is a fantastic place to raise children.
I have three children, Twins Skyla and Chicane (12) and Kiara (17).
BCT: What school did you go to and what qualifications do you have?
MS: I was the head boy of St Dunstan’s Preparatory in Grade Seven.
I later obtained a degree in mathematics and statistics and have a diploma in data metrics.
BCT: Where did your love for music begin?
MS: I started playing music at a young age, and I grew up in a musical household.
I can play the drums, trumpet and piano.
My career in music started by chance.
As a sideline, I would DJ at school events.
A friend of mine one day made a Facebook group with my name and mentioned that I was the “strongest DJ in the world”.
This caught on and my brand started to grow.
I know the owner of club Sutra and started gigging there at his request.
I gave up my business, Muscle Fusion in Sunward Park, to pursue music full-time in 2004.
BCT: Who have you worked with in the industry and what are your plans in the near future?
MS: I have played at South African festivals such as Ultra South Africa, Octopia, H20, Aquafest and Colourfest.
I have played alongside names such as Armin van Buuren, Hardwell, Swedish House Mafia, Skrillex and Avicci, to name a few.
My new album, Switch, is ready to be released on download platforms iTunes and Spotify.
There are a lot of collaborations in the songs which include deep house, future house, hip-hop and acoustic rock tracks.
BCT: You have a busy life and barely sleep, working seven days a week. Do you have time for other tasks?
MS: Yes, I still gym, but do not compete anymore.
I am also involved with the East Rand Food Market, which stocks gourmet food.
The next market will take place on May 6 at Tilt in Boksburg.
I also have an events company.
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