Picture: Dj Giinja ready to conquer the world.

BY Lesedi Setlhodi
Taung- She is kind hearted, jovial, humble and zealous about music that she even regards it as her way of meditating. Lady Giinja as she is known to her fans was born Keitumetse Mahura; she hails from Pudumong in Taung but currently resides in Potchefstroom.

Giinja is a versatile Dj who plays hip hop, electro house, deep house and even kwaito. She had the privilege of sharing the stage with legends like Quentin Harris, Dj Rocco, Ralf Gum, Black Coffee, Oskido, Portia Monique, and Beatenberg just to name a few.

Lady Giinja is thrilled about her upcoming album that features among others HHP and Osman Hypnosis (producer).

She was recently nominated at the Matlosana Music Sports and Culture Awards under the category of House Dj of the year.

Being a disc jockey is one of the male dominated industries and being a female and making it big must take more than average effort. Lady Giinja fell in love with music, particularly house music when she was studying towards being a sound engineer; she has since been in the industry for a decade now.

Taung roisters and many other from around the country cheered and danced to her set when she played at Dj Nation’s annual bash that attracts thousands at her hometown (Taung). She has also entertained crowds across the country and has even skipped the border to Botswana and Lesotho.

She would however still like to infiltrate and travel the world.

Taung DailyNews(TDN) caught up with her…

Your fans may be curious as to how your stage name came about, do share…?

Lady Giinja was derived from the fact that I had to organize parties for everyone around me (friends and family). So then Giinja would always be called to be the life of the party.

On a larger scale of SA you are better known as a Dj, do you have a day job?

I do; I am an MC, an entrepreneur….managing few artists and myself (learned the traits from my brother), as I also have an events management company. I am doing a drive time slot…at our local radio (Aganang fm), thus inviting local artists to showcase their talent by deejaying live and boosting them to advance.

It appears that you have your finger in too many pies, how do you keep the balance?

I have been blessed…in a sense that my career path is intertwined with the industry so everything just falls into place.

What are the challenges you have come across in the business, especially as a female Dj?

Promoters have tried taking advantage of my gender by “macking” on me, and some did not pay me….. So I’ve been blessed with manna of a manager that takes care of business…and he’s also my brother.

What drives you to do better?

I always contest my skill; I better myself after every enactment…because the moment I look up to someone I would only be trying to portray that individual.

“Ke motho ka lona” and “ha o sa tlale wa dutla” are your tag lines which you never leave out when interacting and appreciating your fans. How is the recognition in the industry and by the fans?

I encounter people who would just randomly tell me they have a high regard of my talent, and I am always humble because it shows that I am well venerated. It’s the little things like that, that matter the most. Every experience with fans humbles me…and I always stop to interact with them, get to know them and their interests…instead of just taking a photos.

What do you regard as the highlight of your career?

There is a lot of icing on my cake, all I can say is when you walk into opportunities’ door, don’t even knock just bust it in…and if you are meant to be on that route it shall lead you to the right path.

Talking about “icing on your cake”, are you married and any kids?

*Chuckles* I am in a relationship. I have two kids Lesedi and Bokang whom I have taken as mine after the passing of their biological mother. My dream is to have an orphanage, take care of the many unfortunate kids without families so that they could have a place to call home, and that’s the family I always dreamt of having.

Being a mother, a companion and having various jobs going on simultaneously must take its toll on you. How do you kick back?

I hang out with my friends and we advise each other on certain concerns on the subject of how we can better our lives and the people around us…and it’s always fun revitalizing to recuperate through meditation and avant-garde music!

To connect with Lady Giinja one can reach her via Twitter @LadyGiinja; Facebook: Lady Giinja;
Instagram: Giinjah and her website http://www.ladygiinjadj.co.za
-TDN
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