A deep house DJ, creative and entrepreneur, Mbally Thando Shabangu, is set on achieving her dreams to perform in Europe and build her essential sock brand collection, Sock It, to be famous.

She started DJing in 2009 when she was still in school and enhanced her skills with the renowned DJ Zinhle’s former music school, Fuse Academy, after matriculating.

Shabangu’s music career was kick-started with gigs at local festivals and events. Her deck skills gained her recognition to play sets on big radio stations such as Metro FM, creating the personal brand, Mbally – Ultimate Eargasm. These opportunities gained her opportunities to play at the famous MTN Bushfire Festival in eSwatini in 2018 and 2019.

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This musician and aspiring producer from Schoemansdal said she has also played in neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Lesotho, Namibia and Zambia.

“I grew up with a music background that involved music from Soul Brothers, Mahotela Queens and more icons. I was influenced into music by my late mother. She was in music and created her own events. I got into music playing as a DJ and played at family stokvels, weddings and parties,” she said.

She said she is perfecting her production skills and will soon start making her own music. “I never thought I would make DJing a career until I met DJ Zinhle. Being a female DJ came with a lot of challenges, but I overcame most of them. I am definitely working on making a name for just being me without having to change anything about myself. The dream is to play at the ultimate party destination, Ibiza, in Europe.”

She plans to take the entertainment industry by storm.

“I recently became a production assistant for the Clash of the Choirs season 4 and the Real Housewives of Gqeberha,” she said excitedly.

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Shabangu started her sock business after buying a pair of these socks overseas, and she hopes to venture into more businesses. “The socks are super cool and unique, because they come in various colours and have embroidered emojis on them. I did my research during the Covid-19 pandemic and managed to make my own. Social media is helping to grow the business, and also word of mouth,” she said.