Pienaar DJ has a burning passion for music and hopes to uplift his community.
DJ Phiwe aspires to be a successful music producer and event planner.
An up-and-coming musician, DJ Phiwe, real name Simphiwe Mkhabela (20), said he is gaining some recognition in the music and business industries around his home township. This young talent is not only a skilled DJ, but also an event organiser and promoter, and a music producer.
With a passion for music and a hunger for success, Simphiwe Mkhabela said he has created an impressive portfolio, having performed at notable venues such as the Black Queen Lifestyle, Ehlatsini Park and KRadio station.
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I am building an online presence and gaining some street cred in the music industry in Pienaar. I work hard and see myself collaborating with musical greats like Dlala Thukzin, Scorpion Kings and one of Mpumalanga’s biggest event organisers, Zakhele Mbatsane, in the coming years,” he said. Mkhabela shared that he has faced numerous challenges while starting out as a musician and businessman.
“I fell in love with DJing at 10. It was difficult to hone my passion at that age, because I had no access to equipment or guidance. What kept me going was believing in myself, that I will get my family out of poverty with this career, even though my family thought it was a fleeting passion and dream. When I gained some social media presence, especially on TikTok, it encouraged my family to support me and to understand my passion for music. I aspire to build my mother a big house and establish an academy to help young people pursue their dreams in the industry,” he said.
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His first gig also gave a him a glimpse of a bright future in music. “My first gig was at an event in Newscom, where I played for six hours and I got paid. I was so delighted, and it made me excited for the future.
Mkhabela said he wants to give back to the community of Pienaar, especially orphans, and assure them that there is a future despite their challenging backgrounds.
