Farming DJ hosts annual farm festival
The second annual Farm Fest hosted by local music producer, art director and marketing manager Hlayisani Malungana from Zava village in Dzumeri outside Giyani promises to be a hit.
Malungana is a start-up farmer and the owner of a company called Muroho and is affectionately known as Dj Gami Swaga.
Gami was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, when entertainment activities were prohibited and he was unable to make a living through his music career. He then started growing his produce in his backyard.
He grows muroho, tomatoes, beetroot, onions, green peppers, spinach, carrots, chillies, maize and all vegetables required by households in his area.
The second annual Farm Fest will take place on Saturday, October 16 at DJ Gami’s house.
“The festival aims to celebrate produce from our farm at the end of harvest with our community and friends because farming brings people together,” he said.
Gami said the first Farm Fest was a success resulting in the decision of making it an annual event.
Also read: Covid-19 leads music producer to farming
“We had an amazing day as it was an idea that came to fruition.
We were supported by Dmm Radio DJs, who carried the event with us. In this fest, we have grown from realisation to expansion.
We are now including other farmers to come and sell their products, more DJs, more businesses to network and market themselves, we also have a convoy by VW Crew-Giyani lined up as part of our event.
It will be a strong networking Farm Fest which seeks to connect people to local businesses,” he said.
Gami told the Herald that he doesn’t think enough is done to get information out there to young black people who would like to start farming.
“I don’t think the information is really out there enough, but it’s getting better.
The resources and access to water is a major challenge in many rural areas,” he said.
He said farming can help eradicate poverty in rural communities because it is a very good business when utilised with the right education, knowledge and resources.
“It can be beneficial to any community to avoid hunger and help the community with job creation,” he said.
For more information on the Farm Fest, Gami can be found on Facebook as DJ Gami Swaga, on Instagram (@gamiswaga), or via email at murohoptyltd@gmail.
