From local roots to global recognition, Deejay Nivaadh Singh is turning up the volume on what it means to represent South African talent on the world stage. Widely hailed as the country’s biggest Bollywood fusion DJ and livestreamer, Singh recently celebrated a major milestone—his international debut in Auckland, New Zealand. Renowned for his electrifying sets and genre-blending style, Singh has built a loyal following both on the ground and in the digital realm. To find out more about his meteoric rise, the Merebank and Chatsworth Tabloid recently sat On the Couch with Singh to find out more about his journey.
Merebank and Chatsworth Tabloid (MCT): Tell us more about Deejay Nivaadh Singh?
DNS: My name is Nivaadh Jeeth Singh also known as Deejay Nivaadh Singh. I’m a 38-year-old Mechanical Engineering Inspector, DJ, Music Producer and Live Streamer. I have been simultaneously in both the engineering an entertainment industries for over 18 years.
MCT: What qualifications do you hold?
DNS: I hold qualifications in Competent Person: Pressure Vessels (CPPV), and Competent Person: Steam Generators (CPSG) in mechanical engineering.
MCT: Tell us when and how your journey in music began.
DNS: My love and passion for music began in 2006, with a makeshift drum set made out of cardboard boxes and used pencils as drumsticks. I started my music career as a drummer. I then moved on to the art of DJ’ing using two DVD players and second-hand mixer that was R40.
MCT: What have been some of your highlights thus far?
DNS: There have been many but to name just a few it would be when my single “Say Goodbye” reached national television and radio. My first international performance in Auckland, New Zealand which took place at Studio The Venue, one of Auckland’s most iconic stages that has previously hosted world-renowned artists such as Sisqo, Shaggy, Fatman Scoop, Janet Jackson, and The Black Eyed Peas. Being awarded Top 30 Influential Men of SA 2024 as well as being interviewed live by ENCA during the Covid Lockdown.
MCT: What have been some of your challenges throughout your journey?
DNS: Every industry is not without its challenges however one of mine was breaking into the DJ scene, being from a small town with limited opportunities to play at the bigger events. I had to adapt to playing various other music genres to get opportunities to perform.
MCT: How do you juggle being in the engineering industry as well as in entertainment?
DNS: It actually works as an advantage; music is my escape from the pressures of my profession. Time management is most important, ensuring that adequate time is spent on both careers equally.
MCT: What are the skills that you obtained/use/interchange from both industries that help you do your best?
DNS: Mechanical engineering is a problem solving, very detailed profession, requires a lot of stamina and handling high pressure situations. This supplements my DJing career a lot.
MCT: How would you describe your DJ style?
DNS: I’d say its a complete open format with rapid mixing and a lot of energy.
MCT: What’s your go-to genre of music to de-stress/relax?
DNS: Definitely love songs.
MCT: What’s a song that usually gets the crowd going during a set?
DNS: Always a crowd pleaser, Tamil and Chutney songs for sure.
MCT: In your opinion, how do you think you’re different than other producers in the music
industry?
DNS: I believe that I have a unique play style, one that is open format that caters for all music lovers coupled with a lot of energy and creativity. That’s what sets me apart.
MCT: What’s your support system like?
DNS: I have a very supportive family, host of friends and a beautiful wife. We have an incredible team that handles the following:
• Online Merchandise Store.
• Our Outreach Projects.
• Moderator team for live streaming.
• Tour management including public relations.
All digital assets are created by myself.
MCT: Tell us more about “For the Love of Music”.
DNS: For The Love Of Music or “#FTLOM” for short is something close to heart. I began livestreaming in December 2019, with an audience of just over 100 people. It was during the Covid Lockdown that I really got discovered and my following grew exponentially. Our livestreams have now been viewed over 4.5million times, in over 56 countries. I livestream every Friday and Saturday night from 9pm to 11pm, the shows are aired on both Facebook and YouTube. It is a place where families can enjoy good dance music from the comfort of their homes.
MCT: Since your first #FTLOM episode, how do you think you’ve grown as a host on the show?
DNS: It has really pushed me out my comfort zone. It has made me more confident as a musician resulting in more creativity in the music. I am more confident as both an entertainer and having a good public image.
MCT: What sound, smell or image triggers nostalgia for you?
DNS: Songs always trigger a lot of nostalgia for me.
MCT: If you had unlimited time and resources, what would you do and why?
DNS: If I didn’t have a budget, I would host much more events for our followers and show them the world of music through my eyes. My wish is to meet every single fan and hear their story about how #FTLOM has changed their lives.
MCT: Being in the music industry often means late nights and hunger pangs in the early hours of the morning – what’s your go-to late night bite?
DNS: NikNaks and a glass of Coke does the job!
MCT: Looking back on your journey, is there anything you would’ve done differently?
DNS: Absolutely nothing, every obstacle or opportunity has moulded me to become the person that I am.
MCT: What advice would you give the youth should they want to become a part of the music industry or an engineer?
DNS: Be authentic, be original because everyone else is taken. If you have a dream, live it because I am a testament that dreams do come true.
MCT: How can people follow you on social media?
DNS: All social handles are @nivaadhsingh.
