Thembisa DJ Fistos shares journey from kasi roots to radio success
Bafana Dludla shares his journey from growing up in Thembisa to becoming a radio presenter and DJ, reflecting on community support, personal growth, and his passion for inspiring others through music and storytelling.
My name is Bafana Dludla, but most people know me as DJ Fistos, the Master Blaster.
I’m a laid-back guy with a good heart who loves people and believes in God Almighty, Jesus Christ. I always try to go through life in good spirits, sharing jokes and pushing my dreams to become a better radio presenter and DJ.
I was born in Thembisa and have lived here all my life, in the kasi known as 1632.
Some of my favourite memories growing up in Thembisa are from when my dancing group, Via Thembisa Pantsulas, appeared on TV for the first time in the nineties.
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We were the first Pantsulas from Thembisa to do so, on the show Lapologa hosted by De Marie on SABC. The whole kasi was proud of us, and that moment remains my greatest experience; I will never forget it.
What I love most about my community is the love and support they give me. I am who I am because of them, and I treasure the way we stand together through everything.
When it comes to food, I enjoy a good Delisa Bhembe kota. For chilling, I like staying at home, unless I’m booked to DJ somewhere, then it’s game on.
The moment that truly changed my life was getting my own radio show at Voice of Thembisa Community Radio Station.
Ayi baba, lapho kwa-jika izinto! From that moment, I never looked back. That’s when I discovered how great I could be on the radio and realised I could grow as a brand.
I’ve had the privilege of interviewing amazing people like Panyaza Lesufi, Black Coffee, and DJ Sbu; it felt like my dreams were coming true.
One challenge I think our community faces is crime. We can improve by fighting it together with the police and supporting our patrollers.
My father inspired me a lot. He used to buy me records and always motivated me to believe in myself and love myself. Even when things were tough, he was there for me, especially after my mother passed away when I was young.
Another person who inspires me is Bra Zab from Zab Motor Spares in Esangweni.
He’s a businessman who started from the bottom and is still standing strong. He respects people and has a good heart, which I admire greatly.
If I had to describe Thembisa in three words, I’d say: promise, hope, home.
A unique fact about me is that I can read people’s energy, I’m a good motivator, and I tell a great story. If I could bring one positive change to Thembisa, it would be to create jobs for people.
The best advice I’ve ever received came from my friend’s grandfather: in life, you must face whatever comes your way with your head held high.
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If a problem is yours, no one can solve it but you. Never run from your problems.
Home to me means love, peace, happiness, protection, and guidance.
Thembisa gives me all of that; it’s where I feel loved, guided, and inspired to grow every day.
