Get to know, DJ Sanchez Africa, one of the few female dancehall selectors, who is based in Gaborone, Botswana, as she shares with us the trials and tribulations of being a shelektor in the dancehall reggae scene.
Who is DJ Sanchez Africa?
DJ Sanchez Africa is the Reggae Dancehall Selector in Botswana, Selektor Sanchez as she is affectionately known, was born Sakhile Msonzobulah in the mid eighties, born to a balanced family of four, two brothers and a sister. Fans call her Sanchez because of her love for Sanchez’ music and as a funkified version of Sakhile; Africa is her other name as that identifies with her roots.
How did your journey as a DJ begin?
We are a reggae loving family and we did not have anywhere in Botswana to listen to reggae, we wold only play it at home ad nowhere else. One day I visited one uptown Hotel and we saw an underutilized bar and it happen that they were looking for someone to utilise it, we took the space and looked for DJ’s to play our preferred genre but everyone told us they can only play house and were very expensive. I then decided to play Reggae Dancehall even though I had no equipment, which was later acquired. The first three weeks we played to an empty venue, but we never lost hope, we kept on advertising, on the fourth week, suddenly people came in numbers and that was a turning point for me, as I never looked back since.
Where are you based and where do you mostly play?
I am based in Gaborone, Botswana and I play around the country mostly. I have played in Zimbabwe, Bulawayo and in South Africa at times.
Tell us about the reggae dancehall scene in your area.
The Reggae Dancehall scene in this country is growing, we see a lot of people now holding reggae shows, prior to us entering the scene, I had not heard of any shows, we have had a number of international and regional shows around, we had Shaggy a few years back, Judgement Yard, Jah Seed are some names that have blessed us in that regard.
What is it like to be one of the few females in a male dominated scene, what keeps you going
Its quite exciting and challenging as you are given more scrutiny than your male counterparts. Love of the genre and seeing its growth keeps me in this game.
How has the general response to your previous sets been like?
The response has been overwhelming, people love my sets, whenever I play, you can see the difference on the dance floor, people scream my name when I finish my set. When I play a bad set, you ca tell by the way the crowd reacts, so I have had to find my radar mid sets, sometimes you get different responses to different riddims, depending on the time I start playing. I have learned to push the limits for reggae dancehall to be respected. Some places would have never had a reggae dancehall set at all, so it comes as a shock, but I have managed to bring them round to it and always in the end, the appreciation grows.
What activities are you involved in outside of your work as a DJ?
Well, I run a business, so that keeps me busy.
What are the highlights of your career?
Highlights of my career are when I played with my favourite MC Etherton B and the crowd gave s a standing ovation. I played along side Jah Seed and it was an honor. I have headlined the line up on two occasions ahead of Hip Hop and House DJ’s which was more satisfying for a Reggae Dancehall DJ.
Which musicians/DJ do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw my inspiration from DJ Ellaen Blaise from the Caribbean. She hustles and I kind of like that.
Which DJ would you like to work/collaborate with?
I would love to work with DJ Log On, He has done a lot for reggae dancehall, his Mixes are legendary. I would also love to work with Admiral from African Storm Sound System, he has been in the game for so long.
Which the one song that you ALWAYS play at your set?
Buffalo Soldier by Bob Marley, I play it as an intro in most cases
Your favorite track of all Time?
Buffalo Soldier – It cuts across all divides and generations.
Dibbi Dibbi Girl by Sister Charmaine and Peter Metro
How can promoters get in touch with you?
I can be contacted at:
Mail: info@kalaharilounge.com or sakhile@kalaharilounge.com
Twitter – @ sanchezafrica2
Tel: 002771549204
DJ Sanchez Africa Ragga Mix
Listen to DJ Sanchez Africa Ragga Mix here
Find her on Facebook and Youtube: DJ Sanchez Africa