Lady Shiks smoking behind the decks

HOUSE music DJ, Dyondzo Gift Shikwambane (22), also known as Lady Shiks, from Makhuva village outside Giyani has become a fast growing name in the local music industry.

She says her family has influenced and deepened her love for music

“I was only six when I started performing and entertaining people at my father’s tavern. I used to listen to music everyday at home and this is where my love for it developed,” says Lady Shiks.

In 2010, she enrolled for a B.Sc in water and sanitation at the University of Limpopo, where her dreams of becoming a DJ were finally realised.

After completing her degree, she enrolled at the Soul Candi Institution of Music and completed her training last year.

“I want to be just as successful as DJ Cndo. I plan to release my first single later this year as a female DJ from the Mopani district. I was inspired by DJ Kent. I fell in love with soulful and dance house music. All I want is to own my entertainment company where I can help young children explore their talents. Where I came from, there is a lot of talent ready to be explored,” she says.

Lady Shiks has shared the stage with the likes of Aluku Rebels (UK), Black Coffee, Da Capo, Problem Child, Heavy K, Uhuru, Oskido, DJ Ganyani, Professor, Dr Malinga and Brazo wa Africa. She had slots on radio stations that include Thobela, Capricorn FM, Giyani Community Radio, Turf and Radio Bush FM, and has performed at Gamblers Saloon, Jembe Tavern in Meropa Casino and Entertainment World and the annual Marula Festival.

She encourages other young women to chase their dreams.

“It’s not about the fortune or the fame, but the passion that makes you happy. If God is for us, who can be against us?”