Drum – 22 August 2019

http://www.drum.co.za 22 AUGUST 2019 | (^71)
DJsJaivane(ABOVELEFT)andStokie,
whohavebeenclosefriendsforyears,
aremakingbangingbeats.
ONKGOPOTSE KOLOTI , FACEBOOK(@DJ STOKIE SA, @DJY JAIVANE SA)
Jaivane–realnameLuyanda
Mlonzi – and Stokie come a long
way. “Before meeting at Danish Pub
[in Soweto] where we were regular DJs,
we had heard about each other and we
were fans of each other’s craft.
“In many instances, I saved him be-
cause he’d be so overbookedI would
have to play an
extra set because
he was late or
couldn’t pitch.”
The guys share
a solid brother-
hood built over
the years.
“This industry is very tricky,” Stokie
says. “You don’t always easily let anyone
into your life. You need to be careful
and listen to people who will share wis-
dom and not sugarcoat the truth.”
After years of being friends, Stokie
and Jaivane – who is from Diepkloof in
Soweto – currently have a two-man tour
that kick-started in the East Rand,
where they’re regarded as the kings of
amapiano.
Yet their heady days of fame are a far
cry from their humble beginnings. Back
in the day they were “thanked” with a
plate of food or scones and gemere (gin-
ger beer) for DJing.
“I used to get R150 for playing for the
whole weekend,” Stokie says. “I would go
home with nothing because we (other
DJs he hung with) would use the money
to go buy vinyls. At the time, vinyls were
R100 each and we didn’t compromise
when it came to good music.”
Their years of dedication have paid off,
they say. Booking either of the DJs for
an hour-long set starts at R5 000 but
this also depends on the season, time,
location and generally the scale of the
event.
“Seku right (Now things are alright),”
Stokiesayswitha chuckle.
“I used to hire
out sound and
DJ for hours at
parties, gradua-
tions, unveilings
or weddings.
Today that will
never happen,” he says.
“I only go if I’m booked for a set and
not the whole event.”
T
HEY get thousands of rands
for every appearance but
Jaivane says it was never
about money. “Even though I
was broke, I was at my happi-
est when I was DJing.
“Apart from just being DJs, we owe
our success to being consistent and
dedicated to creating and playing
quality music,” he adds.
Looking back at how far they’ve
come, he gets a bit emotional. “I can’t
believe I’m here. From having nothing
and being no one, I’m now known and
respected. A well-known DJ. Wow.
“There are people I grew up with and
started this DJing thing with and today
they are drunkards and on street corners
doing nothing with their lives. But this is
where you see how great God is.”
Perseverance, Jaivane says, pays off.
“Back in 2014 I’d probably get R350 to
play. I would be happy to get it. I could
have given up like others did along
DJsJJaiivane(A(ABOBOVEVELLEFEFT)T)anddSSttokikie
the way. I’m so happy I didn’t.”
The success is sweet, the
hard work has paid off, but
they’ve learnt having your
feet firmly on the ground is
important. “It’s true, girls
throw themselves at us, but
you have to be smart,” Jaivane
says with a laugh.
Stokie proudly poses with
his wedding ring for our
photo shoot. “They must
know I’m taken. But the girls
we come across don’t care.
I’ve been in the game for a
long time. I know their tricks.”
He’s been happily married
to his wife, Pretty, since 2016
and they’re expecting their
first child. He’s been telling his
bestie to tie the knot too.
“He always tells me a good
woman is important, some-
one you know loves you and has your
back no matter what,” Jaivane says.
He is dating someone but prefers
not to name her. They try to keep their
private lives out of the public eye.
The guys just want to be known for
what they do best: amapiano.
“And whatever comes
next. We willevolve
with the timesand
the music.”
‘I can’t believe I’m here.
From having nothing and
being no one’