Nthatuoa Koeshe
RENOWNED disc spinner, DJ Mekonko will next month perform at this year’s edition of the Spring Jump Off penned in for 7 September at the Mahungra car wash in Bloemfontein.
This year’s edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of the event and will feature artistes like Cassper Nyovest, AKA, Ricky Rick, Tira, KO and DJs Shimza, Sumbody, Maphorisa, Ba2cada and Oskido among many others.
The event is being hosted by Vetkuk vs Mahoota and the Department of Arts and Culture in association with Mzansi Magic Music and Mangaung Metro.
DJ Mekonko told the Weekender this week that his was one of the biggest opportunities that he has ever had.
He said he met the organisers of the show at Durban July and he was shocked when they told him that they would give him a slot at this year’s edition.
“I think all the work that I have been doing in the music industry is finally paying off,” DJ Mekonko said.
“I actually did not think too much about it because it seemed too good to be true but they later called me to confirm and I am overwhelmed.”
Having started off as a tout for a clothing store in 2002, DJ Mekonko attributes his rise to stardom to hard work and perseverance.
“Getting here was not easy, it required hard work and patience and seeing where all my hard work has led me is overwhelming,” he said.
Born Khoaele Komtata in the rural enclave of Liphakoeng, Mapoteng in Berea, DJ Mekonko was raised in Ha-Molemane in Teyateyaneng (TY).
Back in 2002, he would stand outside the clothing shop in… persuading people to enter the store and shop while also entertaining them with the popular music of the day.
In 2004, DJ Mekonko relocated to Maseru to work in a fruit and vegetables store at Ha-Matala. Unknown to him at the time, the transition would ultimately nudge him in the direction of his dream.
The store owner had deejaying equipment and allowed him to use it and he eventually started establishing himself as a DJ.
His breakthrough came via a childhood friend who opened a restaurant in TY called Mirage, where he became a regular DJ.
With the practice and exposure the regular performances afforded him, DJ Mekonko gradually improved.
After invites to perform at other clubs started pouring in, he decided to quit his job and pursue disc spinning as a full-time occupation.
Over the years, DJ Mekonko’s popularity has grown, with bookings for various corporate events and major festivals.
