A Legend in the Flesh
“Ladies and gents, welcome to TheJournalistDJ.Com. It’s an honor and a privilege — I’ve always wanted to interview DJ Kabila.”
The man sitting across from me smiles warmly. “Yes, sir. You can call me Grootman,” he laughs, radiating the calm energy of someone who has seen it all.
And he truly has. Kabila — real name Siyanda Makanya — has been in the game since 1999. That’s over 25 years of shaping dancefloors, inspiring generations, and carrying the Afro-house flame through every era of South African electronic music.
“I’ve always been a fan of music, even before I started DJing,” he recalls. “Back then, we were mixing with cassettes and CDs — no pitch control, nothing fancy. Just passion.”
From Cassettes to USBs: The Evolution of a DJ
Kabila’s career literally spans every technological phase of DJing — from cassettes to vinyl, CDs, USBs and now, digital decks. But he sees technology not as a threat to authenticity, but as a gift to creativity.
“It works to your advantage,” he says confidently.
“Music is about making people happy. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you play vinyl or USB, it’s about your taste, your timing — how you take people on a journey. That’s something no technology can teach.”
Afrotech: The Sound of Home
We’re speaking backstage at the Balcony Mix hosted by Major League DJz — a space dominated by Amapiano. But Kabila stands out, representing his lane: Afrotech.
“Afrotech is a sound from home,” he explains.
“It’s got drums, percussion, and soul — the essence of Africa. Guys like Black Coffee have taken it to the world, selling out arenas. Now this sound is opening doors for kids from townships like Mthatha, Alex, or Soweto to take their music global.”
He smiles proudly.
“I just came back from New York — people went crazy for the sound. Even now, the biggest Shazam track in Ibiza is Afrotech. That’s the power of what we’re doing.”
Why South Africa Still Sleeps on Its Own
Despite the global success of Afro-house and Afrotech artists, Kabila reflects honestly on the lack of recognition at home.
“When we go overseas, we’re treated like superstars. But here? It’s different,” he admits.
“The problem is support. We need to support each other — push each other’s shows, no matter how small. If we don’t back our own, how will the people?”
It’s not bitterness — it’s tough love from someone who’s seen the cycles repeat. “Amapiano became big because they treat it like their main hustle. They push it. That’s what we need to do too.”
Family, Faith, and a Shared Beat
As we talk about collaboration, I mention vocalist Makhanj, known for her Amapiano hits. Kabila’s eyes light up — “That’s my younger sister,” he grins.
“We’re three siblings. I’m the oldest, and I always pushed her towards music. We just did a track together called Isimanga featuring Konolius. Music runs in the family — my brother’s a photographer, she’s a vocalist, and we all support each other.”
He laughs when I ask if he’s mad she went the Amapiano route instead of Afro House. “Not at all, bro. Music is music. She’s an attorney, she went to school first. I’m proud she can do it all — hip hop, piano, house. That’s the beauty of it.”
Music Will Save the Day — and the World
Kabila’s next chapter is deeply purpose-driven. Beyond DJing, he’s building “Music Will Save The Day,” a series of shows and workshops that educate and uplift young DJs.
“It’s not just gigs — it’s about knowledge, empowerment, and community. We’ve got a studio at home, we mentor young artists. On the 30th of November, we’re doing a big show under that banner.”
But that’s not all. As someone living with a disability, he’s also using his platform to advocate for accessibility in entertainment spaces through his initiative, Beyond Disability.
“Many venues aren’t accessible — no ramps, no toilets for people like me,” he says firmly. “I use my position to start that conversation. Even if I don’t win now, I’ve started something. The next generation will carry it forward.”
Legacy and Lessons
As the conversation winds down, I ask what keeps him going after all these years. His answer is pure gold.
“Believe in whatever you’re doing. No one is going to push you — you’ve got to push yourself. If a guy like me, in a wheelchair, can travel the world playing music, getting booked internationally — then you can be whoever you want to be. Just believe.”
He pauses, smiles, and leans back. “Music saved my life. And I believe it can save the world.”
DJ Kabila’s new single “Isimanga” featuring Makhanj and Konolius is out now on all streaming platforms.
