DJ Menace is a zealous and top notch artist who wants to share and spread his brand of soul-soothing music across the social spectrum and to many music lovers. The Chatsworth Tabloid sat on the couch with him to find out more about his journey so far and his achievements.
Chatsworth Tabloid (CT): Who is DJ Menace?
DJ M: I am Moegamat Ighsaan Osman, a DJ at Club Level Up in Malvern. I grew up in a musical family, but pursued a career in Information Technology as a consultant. I left my job to pursue my dream of becoming a disc-jockey and have been doing this for 14 years.
CT: When and how did your journey into DJ’ing begin?
DJ M: It began in school, I would be the one to bring in my sound equipment for sports days and year end parties. My professional journey began in 1996 by DJ’ing at my friends parties and then moved into mainstream clubs all over Durban.
CT: What have been some of the highlights in your career thus far?
DJ M: I was the first Indian resident at Max Lifestyle in Umlazi and Eyadini, I also opened up the stage for Trey Songs at Moses Mabhida Stadium. I represented Durban in 2013 in the Viceroy Makoya Mix and Cape Town in 2019, I was the runner-up in both provinces.
CT: Is there anyone you look up to in the industry that has inspired your work?
DJ M: I admire Glen Lewis, the teddy bear of the airwaves.
CT: How would you describe your DJ style?
DJ M: I am a versatile DJ meaning I can play any genre from hip-hop and Kwaito to house, old-school house, 1980s and 1990s, and as well as Gqom.
CT: If you could collaborate with one local and one international artist, who would they be?
DJ M: Glen Lewis and internationally it would be Manoo Osunlade.
CT: A song you will never get tired of?
DJ M: Mbuso Revenge Part 1 Soulcandi Session 1
CT: What is your go-to dance move when you’re performing?
DJ M: I do not have a particular one, but I try to make sure that the crowd is always hyped about, making this journey real and creating memories for everyone to enjoy the music.
CT: What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self when you began DJ’ing?
DJ M: I would not change anything because everything I have done to get to where I am today has played an important role in shaping my craft. I have always been a go-getter and have shared the stage with many affluent artists in the entertainment industry. I think the only piece of advice I have is: “Go for it and never let anyone put you down”.
CT: How would you spend your days if you had unlimited time and resources?
DJ M: If I had the time and resources, I would definitely open up my own DJ school and give back to my community by teaching up and coming DJs how to play and keep them off the streets away from drugs and alcohol.
CT: What smell, image, or sound triggers nostalgia for you?
DJ M: When I am behind the decks, I get lost in my own world and I love taking people on a journey through time with my music. I think that music is one of the most nostalgic experiences for everyone of all ages.
CT: What’s something you’ve drawn inspiration from recently?
DJ M: I draw inspiration by staying in touch with my community and spending time doing things that I love. I do feeding schemes weekly for the community and for my birthday, I dedicated my time to raising funds for the SPCA. This inspires me.
CT: What’s the last thing you completed that you’re proud of?
DJ M: I had a track during the lockdown that featured on popular eTV soapie, Rhythm City. I was extremely proud of this.
CT: Where can people find you and your music?
DJ M: At Club Level Up in Malvern and on my social media platforms.
