The term Desperate times call for desperate measures looks to have held through in the South African music industry throughout the challenging times of the deadly corona virus or COVID-19 pandemic.

The entire world looks to have crumbled to the effects of the corona virus which has now been officially tagged COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (W.H.O) after it began to spread from Wuhan, China in late 2019.

Upon spreading to all the countries of the world bar a tiny few islands, every facet of human existence as we knew looks to have taken a different turn and might never remain the same.

One of such measures taken to combat the spread of infections is the global lockdown phenomenon which shut down the wheels of many economies as well as the wheels of normal business operations.

In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a 21 day lockdown in March and one which came with a world of uncertainty at the time.

“From midnight on Thursday, March 26 until midnight on Thursday, April 16, all South Africans will have to stay at home,” the President stated.

Yet, for players and playmakers of the South African music industry, it has been business as usual as they have rallied together to get music fans through this period and ensure the party never stops even from the comfort of their homes and while observing the social distancing protocol.

Now and as the Rainbow Nation begins lifting of lockdown to ease severe economic pain, we pay tribute to some of the most consistent Disc Jockeys and Producers who lavished us with lockdown and quarantine mix episodes through those uncertain times with limited freedom of mobility.

In no particular order, these players deserve some of our love, appreciation and respect.

1. Black Coffee

 

In April, the international Disc Jockey and Producer whose real name is Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo began the Home Brewed 001 (Live Mix) and has been able to raise about half a million rand for those most in need during this crisis. He has remained consistent with the series ever since.

2. DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small

 

Regarded as the Scorpion Kings, the terrific duo banished the ghosts of having to postpone their mother of all concerts initially slated for April 20th at the Sun Arena.

Then, they went all lethal with a marathon of releases including the “Scorpion Kings Exclusive Live Mix” which has now become a part of the culture as well as world of project and single deliveries too numerous to mention.

 

Shimza

Ashley Raphala as a Disc Jockey and Producer needs no introduction. However, he remains one of those acts who never faltered with several appearances to make magic of the “Lockdown House Party Mix” series. He’s definitely earned his badge.

4. Major League DJz

 

Twin brothers Bandile and Banele have simply earned their rights, status and quality in the world of Amapiano music despite initial disapproval of their crossover from the streets of SA Hip Hop. It is without doubt that their “Amapiano Live Balcony Mix” series has simply become one of the genre’s biggest movements.

Vigro Deep

Regarded as one of Mzansi’s most talented teenagers, Kamogelo Phetla has simply refused to leave the decks and turntables with a world of terrific premieres as well as the constant feature on the “LockDown House Party (Ziyawa Amapiano).” He duly deserves his spot on this list.

6. DBN Gogo

 

 

With such deliveries as “LockDown House Party”, “Quarantine Session 1”, and “Mayonice” with Jobe London, Makhanj, and The LowKeys you definitely do not need any further clarifications as to the reason why DBN Gogo whose real name is Mandisa Radebe makes the cut as one of the winners of this challenging season.

7. Oskido

Industry legend, Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa of the Kalawa Jazmee Fame simply rolled back the years with his “Legend Live Sessions” through this difficult season and has managed to bring on fellow industry heavyweights such as DJ Zinhle, DJ Fresh, DJ Sumbody, Vigro Deep and others. In fact, the village inspired has become a weekly event and might just become mainstream even post corona.

8. Dlala Thukzin

Making a case for the Gqom genre, this uber-gifted Disc Jockey and Producer has been keeping up with the grind with several lock down mix episodes as well as his now trending “Quarantine Party Mix” which he looks to have inspired an entire battalion and army of fans out of.

9.  Da Capo

Nicodimas Sekheta Mogashoa needs no introduction but his genius on the decks and turntables further solidifies his clout and status. He’s managed to stand tall by delivering some of the lockdown mix efforts in recent times; achieving wins and victories by some impressive margins each time.

10. DJ FeezoL

 

Justin Chad off the plains of Ceres, Western Cape might have been deeply plugged into the mix movement prior to the lockdown, he simply stepped up his game for his loyal army of followers with movement and freedom restrictions. One new popular venture of his is the “Facebook Live Mix” sessions which has proven to be very popular.

Notable Mentions

DJ Ace
Ceega Wa Meropa
DJ Ice Flake
Mr Thela
DJ Kent
DJ Scott
Vusinator
MFR Souls
DJ Malwela
Euphonik

While we definitely must have omitted several acts who have brought musical joy and succour through this lockdown season, we at Wownaija would like to thank in particular all those beatmakers for their dedication and excellence.

Do you think some others should have made the list? Please, do join the conversation with your thoughts and opinion in the comments section below.