Dj Clock, teamed up with rock band, Beatenberg, to create an out of this world track, Pluto, which scored them coveted nominations for Channel O Africa Music Video Awards’ most gifted dance and most gifted group. If his fast-track to success is anything to go by, then it’s clear that time means everything to him. The jock tells us about his Channel O Africa Music Video Awards nomination and shares his future plans with us.
How did you get into DJing?
I fell in love with music at a young age when my dad used to make me operate his sound system. He used to play reggae and I would be like his DJ; if anything wrong happened to his sound system, I would be in trouble. So my love for music and sound grew on from there. I started fixing speakers for people around my community for pocket money. I learnt how to DJ through from a guy from my neighbourhood called ‘DJ Fofo”. The rest, as they say, is history.
What are the challenges you face in your field of work?
Being a DJ and producer is not as easy as people might think because unlike a normal job where you’re guaranteed a salary, for me it’s unpredictable. So I need to always stay on top of my game, remain relevant to the market and always be up to date with new trends. I must be innovative. Juggling my personal life and my career can also be tough but I keep on going.
Tell us about your Channel O awards nomination. Are you pleased with them, or did you expect more?
I’m very pleased. Thanks to my fans and Channel O for recognising my work and acknowledging my music. Sometimes just a nomination showing that you’re being acknowledged and loved out there is enough. Even though getting the award is a bonus, if you work hard and let the music speak for itself, you will reap what you sowed.
What does this award nomination mean for you?
It means a great deal. As an artist, there are avenues that as a brand you can’t reach yourself so with mediums like Channel O, we’re given a platform to be exposed to those avenues and the larger African market.
What do you think makes you stand out as one of South Africa’s DJs?
Well I’m myself – I don’t try to be like anyone else. I do my own thing and I like to be innovative in terms of my sound. I’m sure my fans like that about me.
Pluto has brought you success so how did this song come about?
I worked with Beatenberg on the track. Neil Sinclair from Universal Music suggested that the band do a feature with a DJ or producer, and since they were big fans of my work they chose me. Fortunately, it was an easy process because we work with the same recording company. I’d never worked with a rock pop band before; I didn’t know how I was going to fuse my sound with theirs. We ended up writing a fresh song that would make South Africa dance.
Should we be expecting another hit track from you in the near future?
(Laughs) I don’t know. I try my level best to push myself, a hit is God’s blessing. I don’t know if I’ll have another hit like this but I know I’ll carry on striving to make good music for South Africa, Africa, and the world.
If you were to collaborate with any other artists from another genre, who would it be and why?
I would feel blessed if I were to share work with Kanye West – he is crazy! Also Pharrell Williams, who’s chilled and then Timbaland – the wise one musically. Lastly it would have to be the legendary Dr Dre.
What are you currently working on?
Well, currently the focus has been mostly on my business and producing for other acts. I’m preparing for a project I plan on working on from next year. We just released a four CD album called “AM-PM Producers Edition”, which I executive produced. It’s a platform to showcase the talent out there. One of my biggest fulfilments comes from seeing something go from nothing to something.
The life of a DJ is a busy one, especially on the weekends. How do you juggle your personal life and DJ life?
I make time during the week to spend as much free time with family as I can. I’m grateful to have a strong and supportive family who understand the demands of my career, yet I don’t take that for granted. So every time I get to work from home I do that; the closer the better.
If you weren’t a DJ, what would your other profession be?
I have always been about the music, it has always been my dream. I have never had a formal job, so honestly, I would be lying if I say I would be something else.
Many other young people wish to follow in your footsteps. Any tips for them?
Be yourself – don’t try to be me or another DJ. Find your identity and sound in the industry. Most importantly, remember to be patient, persistent, and to persevere and pray.
