Local DJ to battle SA’s best

NELSPRUIT – Only six DJs from all over South Africa have been chosen to battle it out on New Years Eve at The Beach Boutique in Fourways, Johannesburg for the ultimate prize – to be crowned as SA’s top DJ.

One of our own local boys, Leonard DJ Drake (41) will be representing Nelspruit at the finals!

This is a national competition that has been run by the country’s best, DJ Dizzy. At this glamorous event, three different stages will be set up for 5FM’s DJs and a stage especially for the SADJ Championships battle.

Drake’s passion for music started at an early age when back then he already knew that music is a part of him, “During my school years I played at any possible opportunity, from school dances to private parties.

Once I finished, I paid my dues to the government by completing my military service in the South African army, where I didn’t waste much time by becoming a corporal in infantry, learning and in turn, teaching the art of warfare.”

He bought his first set of decks in 1998. He spent many months, locked away in solitude, with only his decks – practising and perfecting the art of mixing and beat matching on records.

In 1999 he travelled through Israel. Here he got the chance to play in the beautiful city of Eilat in a club called Next Generations.

“Once I returned home, I became the resident DJ for a club called Magic Mushroom. It was here that I first played with big names such as Morgan (Lady Lea’s brother) and Sean from both ESP & Fly House. After the closing of Magic Mushroom, Café Matrix took to the scene. Here I had the honour to play with DJs such as Nelson, Surge, Dizzy, Sean, Lady Lea, Brad and many more.”

Another great memory was when he played at the Battle of the DJs at Gecko Lounge. Once his time at Café Matrix came to an end, he moved to Mozambique where he managed a lodge, The Funky Coconut. “Here many happy memories have been built in terms of my music with everlasting friendships that were created.”

Looking back at this joyful years spent with his love for music, he humbly smiles at the knowledge that he did not have the luxury of learning from other DJs but reaching the top by many months of self-taught perseverance. This has led to his ultimate blessing of being awarded a record deal with Big Boy Records SA.

Prizes for the SADJ:

• An all-expenses-paid ticket to Tomorrowland 2014

• A DJ tour of the UK with Fresh DJs

• R100 000 cash

• DJ gear to the value of R25 000

• A production course at a credible production agency

• A four-month DJ contract with society entertainment