Ep. #009: Featuring Zohla

Want to sponsor a future edition of Guildie? Feel free to reply to this email with your idea!

Hey there! Welcome to Guildie, where you get actionable advice from first-rate DJs fueling the GTA’s flourishing electronic dance music scene. (This newsletter is sent out every Wednesday).

Born in South Africa, Toronto-based DJ, Zohla, steps up as Guildie’s first Amapiano-influenced artist to grace our inboxes. We thank her kindly—and you’re in for a treat. 🍬

Before we continue: Do you find this kind of information useful? Consider forwarding this email to a friend or fellow DJ who might, too! If this is your first time reading Guildie, you can sign up to receive future additions for FREE right here.

What to Expect 

• A Sweet Start

• Finding Ways to Stand Out

• Playing Impromptu Sets

• Getting Recognized in Public

• Committing to Commitment

Note: Guildie is still in its early stages of development. If any changes or additions could be implemented to improve your reading experience, please message me at [email protected]. I’ll be working to refine the newsletter each week! :)

–Merchant (@ohmymerchant)

Introducing Zohla

Name: Zohla (she/her)
Place of Origin: South Africa
Genres: Amapiano // Gqom // Afro Tech
Affiliations: Independent
——
Socials: Instagram // SoundCloud // TikTok
Bookings: [email protected]

Overview

“Zohla is an upcoming South African DJ based in Toronto, Canada. She is passionate about pushing the sounds of her birth country, making her DJ debut in July 2024. Music has always been a source of comfort and expression for the 20-year-old creative. It was just a matter of perfecting a craft. With Amapiano on the global rise, Zohla's sets will take you back to the roots of Piano and introduce you to refreshing sub-genres that celebrate her culture, dancing, and language. In the months to come, she hopes to spread her name in the GTA, eventually reaching new horizons in her DJ career.”

Q&A

Q: When did you begin your journey as a DJ? Why did you decide to start?

A: “I began my DJ journey in January of 2024, and at this time, I was a huge fan of DJ Uncle Waffles. I had been watching her come up since before she blew up on social media, and as a young South African girl at the time, I looked up to her so much. I finally realized after a while that if I loved watching this person and was so inspired by what she was doing, why not also learn? I was also notorious for playing nothing but Amapiano 24/7; I lived and breathed this music; it healed the homesickness or loneliness from being far away from my roots. From that point, I started seeking specific Amapiano parties in the city, talking to more people, and getting into hosting. This opened the door to meeting a lot more people in the industry, including DJs.

Being in the middle of my Waffles craze, I knew pretty soon that I wanted to be on stage, too. I started by practicing on a DDJ 200 controller, truly just for the basics; face-timed friends of mine that would take the time to explain what all the buttons and knobs were. I had a small but mighty support system behind me, encouraging me to master this thing. I was so determined from January to April that I practiced every single day for at least 1-3 hours, and the commitment mindset truly elevated me because I have not lost sight of where committing to something can take you.”

Q: How do you go about building a set that keeps the crowd engaged? Does this differ depending on the type of gig?

A: “It differs between gigs, the time of day/night, and the actual event. Most of my club events are very high-energy Amapiano, so I like to mix some throwbacks that are very easy to recognize with tracks that will undeniably make people dance. For a day party, I can be flexible because it is usually outdoors, people are moving, and the music is there to add to the enjoyment. Then, for formal events, I will play Private School, a subgenre referring to soulful, jazz-coded, and non-lyrical Amapiano beats.

One thing every set of mine has in common is it will not be rehearsed track-for-track since I prefer to play it by ear and read the crowd. So, being flexible with my sets is part of the fun and allows me to be versatile and a more freely expressive artist. My goal when I have finished a set is for people to be happy, excited, and feel something they haven't felt. I want people leaving my gigs asking me why they have never been to an event with music like this, and I plan to continue gathering these reactions all over the city."

Q: How do you manage to stay current with music trends and discover new tracks?

A: “Social media is a great way to discover new music, but I wouldn’t say I am one to hop on trends when it comes to DJing. The songs in my set are songs I enjoy hearing as well. I would not play, for example, a viral Amapiano song late at night because likely another DJ will play it, and I know because of my background and collecting music from this genre for longer than most. I can use this opportunity to set myself apart and play something maybe fewer people have heard. It's also an excellent way to remind people that Amapiano is such a broad genre, and if you like this song, there are thousands of other similar tracks. It can assist in building a more personal music library, therefore a personal and memorable DJ experience.”

Q: What were the most significant challenges you faced early in your career? How did you overcome them?

A: “I have been blessed with a short but very sweet journey so far. I have good people around me who have my best interests in mind. My biggest challenge is people overlooking or underestimating me as a female in the game. I am also younger than a lot of the DJs in my city, and it can be intimidating sometimes. I focus on my talent and take steps to improve and learn from those I know and trust along the way.”

Q: What strategies have you found effective for building a personal brand as a DJ and establishing a fan base?

A: “The most essential part of your brand is staying true to yourself; it sets you apart from other artists, and nobody can take it away from you. Personally, I like to stand out in DJing, I love interacting with the crowd, dancing, and making my set a space where people can just be free and enjoy the music. I also like to educate with my sets, playing Amapiano from different eras, and tracks that are blowing up back home. Giving exposure to the talent in Southern Africa and the diaspora is part of the mission, and so far, all reactions to this strategy have been positive and very effective.”

Q: Can you share a memorable gig experience where something unexpected happened? How did you handle it?

A: “Approaching just my seventh gig this October, my most positive experience has been people telling me they came out for me, they have been wanting to hear me play, or they've been waiting to see me since the last gig. People approaching me in my school and at unrelated social gatherings, saying they have been to my gigs, make me so grateful and motivated to continue.”

Q: What do you love most about the current scene? Is there anything you hope to see improve over the next few years?

A: “I love that my country's music is so popular right now; it gives artists many opportunities they could not have imagined. It also further diversifies the scene in Toronto and unites different people for the shared love of music. In the next years, I want to see more South African people in Toronto (lol), but I also hope to see growth in the scene and see where Canada's love for Amapiano can take things.”

Q: What role has mentorship played in your journey as a DJ? How can new DJs find mentors or guidance in the industry?

A: “Social media is a big help in connecting with people, but they also need to feel your energy. You must have gone to parties and events with DJs playing that you may look up to. Most of the time, they would be willing to take the time to teach you the basics; I know I would. It is genuinely about commitment. You have to want to do it, or it will be clear that your intentions may not be in the right place. I truly believe anybody can DJ, although not everybody has the mindset to become one.”

Insights

Stay True to Your Roots. This simple tip helps maintain your unique style and sound, ensuring authenticity in your performances. It also keeps your sets genuine and distinct, setting you apart from others. Authenticity never goes unnoticed!

Use an Existing Connection to Get Started. Like Zohla, use any pre-existing connections to your benefit! More likely than not, your DJ friends will be eager to help you get started in DJing and will gladly share their personal tips and tricks in the process. A solid way to gain a foundation in the craft, no doubt.

Don’t Be Afraid to Play On-the-Fly. Improvising your sets can show confidence and adaptability to a crowd. Additionally, reading the crowd and responding to their energy in real time can elevate the vibe and make your set more engaging. Don’t be afraid to stray away from a strictly planned setlist once you begin to feel a bit more comfortable on stage.

Showcase Music that Others Likely Haven’t Heard. Introducing new tracks helps establish you as a trendsetter. It also gives audiences a unique experience, making your performances more memorable. Plus, it just keeps your sets fresh!

Stay Committed to the Grind! The path to success as a DJ is often challenging and competitive. Consistent effort, practice, and perseverance are necessary to grow your skill set, expand your reach, and achieve long-term success.

Mixes & Productions

004 // 46 minutes of smooth Amapiano for a mindful walk or a productive study session.

Recommendations

Recently Played

DoouShii, Scotts Maphuma, Mellow & Sleazy - MaDlamini // Released August 7th, 2024.
Dennis Ferrer, DBN GOGO - TOUCHED THE SKY // Released August 8th, 2024.
Xduppy, Scotts Maphuma & Mellow & Sleazy - Ka Soh // Released July 19th, 2024.
Ntwana_R, Tycoon - Hayi Hayi Hayi (Bootleg Mix) // Released December 8th, 2023.
Kamo Mphela - Nkulunkulu // Released March 26th, 2021.
Sha Sha, Jamo Mphela, Felo Le Tee - iPiano // Released December 10th, 2021.

Favourite Artists

DBN GOGO // For high-tier Amapiano coming straight from South Africa.
Kelvin Momo // For a unique fusion of Deep House and Amapiano influences.
Kabza De Small // For a range of new-age Amapiano productions.
Mas Musiq // For modern, popularized Amapiano hits.

Top Organizations

Yanos Yard // For “the Best Amapiano Experience in Toronto.”
Piano Kulture // For boppin’ Amapiano, Afrohouse, and Tech House in Hamilton.

Learning Materials

The History of Amapiano // Blog by Soundtrap.
Amapiano Mixing Showcase // Video by Thozi.
On Being a Female DJ (Lately) // Discussion on r/DJs (Reddit).
Effective Networking Tips for Aspiring DJs // Blog by Product London.
On Mixing Without a Plan // Discussion on r/Beatmatch.

And a final note from Zohla: “If you want to do something, please do it! I bet you’ll be really good at it. :))”

As always, if any improvements could be made to the newsletter, let me know about them at [email protected]. I greatly value your time and readership.