In 1999, a young boy from the Zambezi region envisioned becoming a household name in the entertainment circles.
Quizzed if this is where he pictured himself to be after so many years in the game, Siyaya Alexander Sikalumbu, better known as DJ Siya, answered, “Yes, I always wanted to do or work on something that makes me happy and that’s what I’m doing now. But I will push harder and achieve more.”
Inspired by his two now late uncles to scratch the decks, DJ Siya now boasts four albums.
The ‘Piki Piki’ and ‘Kushebeka n Kabunya’ hitmaker told VIBEZ! his love for music started back in 1999 at his late uncle’s club – Wooden Bridge, which was also known as Zambezi night club.
“At the time, there was a resident DJ from Zambia, but one night he was not feeling well, so my uncle asked me to switch on the system and play something for the people. That’s how things started and from there I never stopped.”
He really only became known as an artist in 2001 and described his musical journey as amazing, saying it was made possible by massive support from friends and family. “21 years of DJ Siya have been a blessing, not only to me but even those who support me. God has been good to me. I don’t want to dwell much on the ups and downs but rather celebrate the journey,” he said.
To commemorate this voyage, DJ Siya will tonight host a show at XS Lounge with fellow artists such as Ethnix, DJ Yessonia, DJ KBoz, DJ Mdu and DJ Begga, as well as the likes of Petersen Zagaze from Zambia and DJ Latimmy from Botswana gracing the stage.
This show is also a curtain raiser for the release of his first EP expected to drop by the second week of June this year.
Now working with TNA record label, DJ Siya revealed that he will be doing things differently this year by releasing an EP instead of an album.
“Big ups to all the producers and artists who have worked on all the songs. Special appreciation goes to Mr Shimi Chivuno - our managing director at TNA. He has been pushing us and encouraging us to do more,” he said.
- slunyangwe@nepc.com.na