She has been in the deejaying scene since 2013. Tumisang Monnakgotla who is affectionately known as ‘Tweezy_T’ is our artist ‘On The SpotLight’ this week. ‘Tweezy_T’ is the product of ‘Fuse Academy’ which is ‘Dj Zinhle’s’ very competent ‘Ladies Only Dj Academy’. Her ‘genuine and raw talent’ mixed with a ‘hard work ethic’ did not go unnoticed, as she was awarded a ‘Platinum Status’ within the academy. Passion for ‘the art of deejaying’ and ‘willingness to assist’ where needed by her peers, that is what ‘Tweezy_T’ is about. We talk to her about her journey into music and discover what keeps her ticking. ‘On The SpotLight’ we have ‘Tweezy_T’.
ShoMag: Thank you for taking some time out for this ‘one on one’ with us. Just for the benefit of that person out there who might be wondering. Can you tell us, who is ‘Tweezy_T’ and where is she from?
Tweezy_T: My real name is ‘Tumisang Monnakgotla’, first and foremost ‘I am a mother’ and I was born and raised in Dobsonville, Soweto, South Africa.
ShoMag: For you, how did it all start and how did you get into ‘Music Industry’? Was music something you always wanted to do or did it just happen by chance?
Tweezy_T: I would say it started back in 1998/1999 when deejays ‘used to play strictly vinyls’ and I was just a little ‘tom-boy’ that had always said ‘when I grow up I am going to be a deejay’. I was fortunate enough to be taught how to play by a crew called the ‘Mystique’ which was based in Mapetla, Soweto in 2013. Music has always been something I wanted to do and I am definitely ‘proud to have followed my passion’.
ShoMag: Within the music industry, what does ‘Tweezy_T’ do and what separates you from the next person who does that within the same industry?
Tweezy_T: Currently I have been assisting a few upcoming female deejays with their demo/mixes, showing them how to create one and the ‘basics of track selection’. What separates me from the next person is I am ‘passionate about assisting people’ in that way I learn and discover a lot of things too.
ShoMag: Personally, I have heard that it is a challenge to ‘get into the music industry’. How are you finding it and what has been your ‘biggest challenge’ thus far?
Tweezy_T: It is indeed the biggest challenge as it is a male dominated industry, not all the male deejays believe female deejays can deliver on the decks, but to their surprise ‘women are more than capable of handling themselves on decks’.
One other challenge is when you are marketing yourself, you would find that some pub/club/promoter/manager making unnecessary sexual advances and when you refuse, then it means no bookings for you from them. ‘Not everyone is like that though, just a select few’.
ShoMag: Would you say that enrolling with ‘Dj Zinhle’s Fuse Academy’ gave you the much needed guidance for your ‘musical career’ and if so how?
Tweezy_T: ‘Yes definitely’, more so when it comes to branding and marketing yourself. How to deal with nervousness when in front of a big crowd and work ethics which are very important especially for females in the industry.
ShoMag: There must have been some ‘extremely dark days’ for you throughout your music career. What kept you going through those tough times?
Tweezy_T: ‘OH MY, those days aren’t fun at all’!!! Well, I tend to get myself busy and try not really over think the situation. Making demos/mixes and sending them out there tends to keep me sane as ‘one might not know what is behind that closed door’.
ShoMag: Last year was a massive one in-terms of music and music events alike. What was your ‘highlight for 2017’?
Tweezy_T: My highlight was playing at ‘Chymamusique’s “After the Storm” CD Launch at Platinum Lounge.
ShoMag: Most Deejays enjoy ‘dancing to their own beat’. Do you feel the same way and do you plan to maybe one day get into ‘house music production’?
Tweezy_T: That’s a definite yes, soon enough everyone and myself will be dancing to my beat, ‘music production is what I am into currently’.
ShoMag: What is instore for us this year from ‘Tweezy_T’, are there any musical projects you are currently working on for 2018?
Tweezy_T: Of course, I am currently working with ‘Dj ZeroSA’ and hoping we work on something really great for 2018.
ShoMag: Any advice you might have for someone out there who is looking up to you and would love to also be part of the music industry?
Tweezy_T: Never in your life listen to anyone who tells you, ‘You can’t be what you want to be’, listen to the voice inside you and let the beat direct you to your passion.
ShoMag: Last words from ‘Tweezy_T’ and is there any message from you to your fans out there?
Tweezy_T: Embrace who you are, be humble and love yourself…..’Happiness is you’!
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