CAPE TOWN (The Southern African Times) – In case you are yet to come across DJ Ngamla’s music, you might need to consider looking it up across music digital platforms. Born Dylan Ward in Washington, United States and later emigrated along with his family to South Africa, DJ Ngamla has been Djing for quite some time now.
He has since garnered a reputation for being able to please a diverse crowd in the clubs and on the radio. His love for music has been a huge part of his life and the aim is to keep people dancing.
DJ Ngamla teamed up with Tarenzo Bathathe on the third edition of his Skin is just a colour compilations. Speaking on the inspiration behind this new project, the vibrant DJ said, “It was inspired by the need to promote South African music. It was also inspired by the need to put the spotlight on the idea that there is more in unity than in separation.
The name of the title gives away Ngamla’s inspiration. According to him, he would like to be seen as a South African Superhero who will be known for uniting all South Africans even going beyond borders through music. The idea is basically about celebrating diversity across South Africa, Africa and the world.” The disc jockey also noted that he has always loved music, adding that he initially had his fair share of struggles as he ventured into a genre which not many of his skin colour could dare try to. “I have always loved music and wanted to dance. It took a lot to become what I am thanks to the support of the Kasi (high density suburbs) people who have been welcoming and let me be part of them. It was at my first gig at a local tavern that I got nicknamed Ngamla and that name stuck. Our backgrounds influence our understanding of what it means to make someone else other than yourself happy.”
Working with Tarenzo on this project has cemented DJ Ngamla’s imprint on the local music scene as he reiterated his unity narrative. Ngamla admitted to have had differences with Tarenzo before they teamed up for this project. The album project is rich in diversity as it proves the duo’s ability to work on different types of sounds as they venture into the Amapiano gentre which has taken the world by storm. The album project has 18 tracks which run for a cool one hour and forty minutes. A musical masterpiece which explores the use of different musical instruments. Besides the fact that DJ Ngamla collaborated with Tarenzo on the album, there is quite a number of notable vocalists on the project, Zain Sa, Zimbini, Sir Jermaine, Dzuu, Roscoteasy and Patty Monroe just to name a few.
The DJ Ngamla and Tarenzo duo have a local and regional tour if the situation surrounding the COVID19 pandemic and social gatherings allows. The festive season presents such an opportune moment as the South African Christmas season is synonymous with parties and gatherings. It would be the best time to promote the music and of course to remind everyone that Skin is just a colour.
On some of the mistakes entertainers which hinder progress Ngamla said, “A lot of people come into the industry and go. But, we are in unique positions as DJs. We see mistakes that are being repeated over and again. People are getting big deals and becoming popular but they don’t understand the business side of what they do.” Sounds like Ngamla is here to stay!
(Report Compiled and Written by by Leo Muzivoreva edited by James Reeves)
