By Staff Reporter
news@alexreporter.co.za
South Africa’s number one vodka brand, Smirnoff 1818, launched this year’s Smirnoff Shaya Ingoma female DJ search competition (2.0).Aspiring female DJs (disc jockeys)have until 3rd December 2022to enter and from that countrywide search, the top 10 finalists will be selected to battle it out for the top spot and the Smirnoff 1818 Shaya Ingoma FDJ crown for 2022.
“Over the last couple of years, there have been a steady stream of up-and-coming female DJs that are flying South Africa’s flag high on the local, regional and international music scene. However, many more female DJs are still needed across the country to address the imbalance when it comes to access to paying gigs and opportunities within this career for women compared to their male counterparts. Through Smirnoff 1818 Shaya Ingoma Top 10 female DJ search, aims to narrow the gender gap and shine a light on some talented next-generation female DJs,” says Nombulelo September, Brand Manager at Diageo.
The life-changing opportunity awaiting the winner is summed up by the winner of the inaugural competition, Rosetta D33P as follows: “This competition unlocked so many fantastic opportunities for me, while also delivering a massive profile boost for all of the top ten finalists as well. As a result of me winning the Smirnoff 1818 Shaya Ingoma Top 10 Female DJ search in 2021, I could take advantage of so many opportunities that opened doors in my career including being first option as DJ at Smirnoff’s 2022 events, a 3-months residency on a national radio station, and of course the amazing trip to the Ibiza. I really want to wish all the entrants for this year’s competition the best of luck.”
The competition won’t only act as a showcase of the tremendous amount of female DJ talent that Mzansi has been blessed with in terms of the entrants alone, since the judges to consist of two women. These two judges who have the task of spotting the right talent from within their respective industry are non-other than DJ ‘Pruluv’ Prudence Mathebula from Metro FM, who is also a renowned DJ in her own right, and she will be accompanied by DJ Slender ‘The Dancing DJ’ from KwaZulu-Natal. Our female judges will be working along the godfather of South African house and kwaito music the legendary Oscar Mdlongwa known as Oskido to help Smirnoff identify Mzansi’s next queen of the DJ decks.
Oskido recently hosted an online DJ master class to share his expertise and encourage female DJs to enter the competition.
“This is a great opportunity for female DJs to launch their careers. The industry is still male dominated and being part of searching for a female DJ, who will get this life changing opportunity is amazing,” says Oskido.
To enter the competition, one needs to video record themselves playing a 3 minutes track made from a set of 6 songs, max 30” each and upload it on their social media platform of their choice using #ShayIngoma1818. The more engagements you drive (likes & shares) the more you move the needle to become the next Smirnoff Shaya Ingoma FDJ. T&Cs apply. For more information, visit www.shayaingoma1818.co.za