Mabooty, one of Cape Town’s most hardworking and dedicated DJs, sits down to speak to Nounouche Magazine about his journey into the industry. What can be seen as an unforgiving industry to work in, Mabooty speaks about where it all started for him. “My journey as a DJ began in 2008. I was inspired by a show on 5FM spearheaded by DJ Fresh, and on Fridays, I would listen to DJ Kent,” he shares as he recalls some of his early inspirations. The music industry is often compared to sports with its competitive nature. In Cape Town, the DJ scene is no different. Mabooty explains this in great detail. “There is a lot of competition. It’s very healthy, and there are a lot of platforms to showcase your skill; however, at the same time, it is very difficult to get onto these platforms unless you know someone.”

Despite the platforms being made available for DJs, Mabooty expresses his concern with DJs being paid for their craft. “Like most DJs, I have a nine-to-five because it’s a struggle to get gigs that pay consistently well. One week you might get a gig that pays well, and then the next week it’s not guaranteed. Even though there are these dynamics, I am here because I love what I do.” Speaking on how he prepares for events, Mabooty shares that he is comfortable playing any type of genre. “I can play multiple genres. Some of my favourite genres to play are Afro-house, Amapiano, and electronic dance music similar to Swedish House Mafia.”

Preparing for an event is one thing, but being able to read a crowd is another. Mabooty shares insights into how he deals with moving the crowd, an essential skill every DJ needs. “I’ll go to events early and feel the crowd; from there, I will determine what I need to play and change. When I go to certain places regularly, I already know what type of crowd will be there and what I need to play. Speaking to other DJs and asking what they played also helps move the crowd. Nobody likes to hear the same songs over and over.” Reflecting on his journey so far, Mabooty has gained valuable experience in the industry and would give his younger self the following advice. “I would tell my younger self to continue making music and making beats. I wish that I didn’t stop because since then, it’s always been a stop-and-start process. If I was more consistent, then I would probably have a few songs out by now,” he shares honestly. Mabooty is determined to continue his journey as he navigates his way through the music industry within Cape Town despite the various challenges he faced thus far.

In the rhythm of Cape Town’s dynamic DJ scene, Mabooty’s journey is a testament to resilience and passion. From his humble beginnings inspired by radio shows to facing the challenges of a competitive industry, Mabooty has evolved into one of the city’s dedicated DJs. Despite the hurdles, he emphasizes his love for his craft, acknowledging the struggle of inconsistent pay in the industry. With a versatile genre palette and an adept ability to read crowds, Mabooty thrives in the unpredictable landscape of events. Reflecting on his path, he imparts valuable advice to his younger self, encouraging consistent music creation. As he presses on, Mabooty remains unwavering in his determination to carve a unique space within the ever-evolving music industry of Cape Town, proving that passion and persistence harmonise to create a lasting beat.