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DJ Madeherbelieve’s Untamed uplifts budding artistes

BY KIMBERLY KARIATI

Untamed is an event that I started last year. It caters for all creatives and many those who do not have a chance to play at the big gigs out there. I promote up-and-coming creatives. I am on a mission to give exposure to the new creatives.

LOCAL disk jockey and producer, DJ Madeherbelieve born Takudzwa Ashleigh Mfote reckons his purpose in the music industry is to generate a unique sound for listeners — a sound which appeals to local and international audiences. His desire is to grow his fan base across the borders. The 25-year-old wheel spinner has played at 50 over events since he launched his career in 2018. DJ Madeherbelieve said he has started a movement called Untamed which gives up-and-coming artistes a platform to play on large sets. He is currently a resident DJ at Evitro and Karma Night Club in Harare. DJ Madeherbelieve has shared the stage with popular South African artistes such as Kamo Phela, Young Stunner, Prince Kaybee and Lady Du, among others.

Childhood

Growing up in Harare, my main focus was on sports until I developed an interest in music. I joined a music choir, I was also a dancer and played marimba at Hartmann House and St George’s College in the capital where I did my high school.

Music genre

I am a mixed genre DJ. I believe I can play for any crowd. I started off mainly as a house DJ which is Afro house and Afro tech. I then began to tap into Afro beats, hip hop, dancehall, electro and the popular amapiano.

Rise to fame

I would say social media played a huge part in my musical journey. I started off playing during the first Friday of the month at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare through Enthuse Africa. I then became a resident DJ at a local restaurant in Borrowdale and later started to feature on radio. Sadly, COVID-19-induced lockdown was imposed and I began to do live mixes on Instagram every week. This helped to build my social media presence and my brand began to grow.

Untamed

Untamed is an event that I started last year. It caters for all creatives and many those who do not have a chance to play at the big gigs out there. I promote up-andcoming creatives. I am on a mission to give exposure to the new creatives. I believe if I grow, I can then source and assist those who are gifted and do not have the opportunity. I use Untamed as an opportunity to help others get the exposure and experience on how to be professional, how to read and engage with the audience. I also teach consistency and punctuality when it comes to performance as they are crucial qualities of a successful creative.

Major achievements

One of my biggest achievements was when I shared the stage with American rapper Rick Ross during his maiden performance in Zimbabwe last year in November. I have played at events such as Fiesta Fiesta, Cookout, Bush Party, Braai Out, Feels and Elysium. Deejaying at Fiesta Fiesta has helped me to engage and share the stage with artistes such as South Africa singers Young Stunner and Uncle Waffles, ShaSha, Takura and Kamo Mphela. I have been blessed and privileged to play across the country, that is in Marondera, Mutare, Bulawayo, Bindura, Victoria Falls, Masvingo and Chinhoyi. I have also played at most of the clubs in Harare.

Best performances

I have been fortunate enough to play music for a diverse crowd. Although I believe all my performances are always top notch, my outstanding sets have come from large events such as the Rick Ross show, Fiesta Fiesta and Queen of Hearts.

Desire

I want to be that vessel that breaches DJs and producers who have been in the industry for long and those who are up coming. Also, I want my affiliation with up-and-coming creatives to have influence. I have experienced how unaccommodating and closed the industry is from the new artistes’ point of view. Only a few people are keen to tell them about the industry, some seem to be supportive until the decision falls on them to make the moves and help. I so wish that one day my opinion as a DJ and creative will largely matter and be considered.

Future projects

I am currently working on my production that features more local artistes. I have worked with Matz Muziq and I am also dropping a single titled Unaware which will feature Tahle We Dzinza.

WHEN you are on stage you are alone; that is a frightening thought. Being on stage takes more than being on stage. You have to master your personal power, improve on your skills and keep learning. Great speakers are paid huge sums of money. One speaker I interviewed a few years back revealed that he can pocket up to US$5 000 per hour and their secret was in adding more value to themselves.

Master your posture

Your posture means a lot. It’s either you are saying, “I am afraid” or “I am here! It’s me and I rock!” So learn postures that exude self-confidence. Always pose like it! Leaning against anything or supporting yourself on the podium spoils the broth.

Eye contact

Your eyes speak before you say anything. Your eyes could be inquisitive, intuitive, appealing, compelling, cunning, and so forth. Great eye contact makes you look confident. A direct look gives you control over the room and keeps everyone interested and involved. Pay equal attention to everyone in the room.

Have a positive attitude

Attitude is one intangible thing which just like perfume, permeates into the atmosphere, and without any effort on your part it is soon caught. Learn to have a positive attitude. If you have a negative or cocky attitude, it will be mirrored back to you. This is the quickest way to lose your listeners.

Let your brand stand out

You are a brand whether you make a conscious effort or not. It is about the unique trademark that you stand for as a presenter. Let your brand have gravitas! Learn and continuously improve your brand.

Conquer your fears

Fear is one inevitable setback; so you must learn to master and manage it. Make sure that before uttering a word, you have enough oxygen in your lungs. Prior to speaking, the heart usually beats at breakneck speed. Your throat develops phlegm and you form sweat on your brow, and in your palms. Even top speakers go through that, but they have mastered how to conquer this setback.

The first cut is the deepest

Rod Stewart has a song, “First cut is the deepest.” This song is true. Coin the best way to attract and win the audience to yourself. When you fail to impress your audience instantly, you then inevitably struggle to connect with them.

Eat well and keep your mouth clean

What you eat before your talk determines your vocal projection and how your mouth smells. Some foods cause your mouth to be dry. Avoid them, even when they have been offered by your sweetest lovebird. The organ you use to speak can be so smelly if you do not make an effort to clean it and eat right. Bad breath is a distraction. Brush your teeth and tongue properly and thoroughly. Before speaking, avoid eating foods that cause a smelly mouth. Have a mint in your pocket always.

Drink enough water

Water is one essential component in your body and in your career as a speaker. You use water to clear and wet your throat. As you speak, the body is likely to sweat and lose water. Thus, make it a point that you drink enough water not just before you speak, but all the time. Don’t forget your eight glasses or more per day. When you are about to speak, make sure that, either you drink water at room temperature, or tap water, but certainly not water from the refrigerator.

Keep your body fit

Keep your body fit by exercising regularly. If you do not keep your body healthy, very soon you will struggle with your speaking. I have seen some speakers huff and puff on stage because they have

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2023-04-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-04-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

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