We don’t usually feature hip hop acts on this platform but we just had to chat to this Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga spinner who loves playing relatable but unforgettable sets. Sabziin is always willing to try new things as he pushes himself to be the best DJ in the world.
Q: Kindly tell us about yourself and where you are from?
A: My name is Sabelo Mthabela, I’m commonly known by my stage stage name Sabziin. I’m from Kwandebele in a small village called Waterval in Siyabuswa. I’m a Hip Hop DJ and I’ve been deejaying since 2011.
Q: How was it like growing up in Waterval?
A: Growing up in Waterval was good. I can never say I struggled in my upbringing, My hometown is not a place of many things. Life growing up for me was quiet and peaceful yet fun because of my surroundings. I had my uncles, my little brother and grandmother around me.
Q: How did you fall in love with music?
A: I fell in love with music at a very young age. I always knew that I wanted to do something music related. My Uncles used to play so much music when I was young and I remember sometimes they would go with me whenever they go out with their friends. My hometown alone is a musical place, It has the most DJs and events around, Even though sometimes I thought my Grandmother would disagree with the career path I want to choose, But I always knew this is something I want to do no matter what!
Q: What type of music do you play and why that genre?
A: I play Hip Hop Music. When I started DJing in 2011, I started with House music but as time went on my friends introduced me to Hip Hop music. So I started listening to it more, got interested in it and ended up producing it. How I became a Hip Hop DJ comes from me wanting to challenge myself and to try new things. I knew Hip Hop would challenge me because it’s not like other genres, It has a much more complex elements and tempo, That’s what I wanted, To be able to mix and play different songs with a different tempo because that will help me to be able to think out of the box.
Q: List your top five local deejays and why them?
A: My Top 5 favorite local DJs are DJ Kent, Venom, PH, Shimza and Black Coffee from my hometown. They are my favorites because they have proper mixing skills and techniques and they keep the art of DJing alive. I love their consistency because they give 100% of their energy to their sets. They all play different music but they do their job and make it look easy. They all have really played a huge role in my style of play.
Q: How did you learn about the DIESEL denim Friday competition?
A: I heard about The Diesel Denim Friday Competition on social media. Someone I know mentioned shared a post from the Super HERO DJ Shimza and I followed the link. The rest is history and honestly, I didn’t even think I’d be selected because when I entered it was almost closing time, but here I am today in the Finals. It’s fate, I guess!
Q: How does it feel to make it to top five of the competition?
A: It feels really great and I’m really grateful for the opportunity. When I got it, I knew that this might be the breakthrough I have been pushing for. I know I’m here because I ALWAYS try to push myself to my greater limits and It’s also because people have been voting for me. I have seen so much support from people in my life.
Q: What’s the first thing that you’re going to do if you are crowned the winner?
A: Winning alone would be something really great. Perhaps the greatest thing that has ever happened since I started being DJ. The first thing I would do if I’m crowned the winner is to make winning the competition work for my brand as a DJ. I would use winning the competition to knock on other doors so that I can reach my goals. Already being part of the competition is a big opportunity on its own because my brand has grown in a way I never imagined. I see my following growing each and everyday.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve with your deejaying career in the next five years?
A: I have so many things I want to achieve as a DJ. There are shows around the world I want to see myself playing at and in the next five years, I am hoping to be one of the best DJ’s in the country, I’ve set goals and that will help me get out of my comfort zone. I’m trying to be one of the most powerful DJ brands in the country.
CHECK OUT HIS SET:
About DIESEL Denim Fridays:
After a successful introduction in 2020, Diesel, returns with another instalment of Diesel Denim Fridays (DDF) – ‘The Sound of Denim’. A project that was well received locally for discovering, empowering as well as promoting rising DJs. Diesel believes the DDF online platform will continue to embrace its digital approach and will be embarking on a nationwide search to find the next ultimate DJ and winner of the DDF initiative. In addition, this season for the first-time emerging DJs submitted their entries online during a specific period. The finalists are in the running to win the title of Diesel Denim Friday Champion and will receive a cash prize of R50 000 and mentorship from the resident DDF HERO DJs.
Check out www.dieseldenimfriday.co.za
Vote for your favourite top 5 finalist on this link:
CHECK OUT OUT SABZIIN ON THESE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS:
Instagram: @sabziin_huncho
Facebook: Sabziin Bizzboy
Twitter: @Sabziin_Bizzboy
