Meet the man that makes the nation move to some deep house music sounds.

1. What inspired you to start DJing?

Music came naturally to me. I come from a family that is very musical, my granny plays a big role in the Diturupa group from my area in Marapyane. My granny’s late brother used to play the guitar. So when you are surrounded by such people even the support comes naturally and the love for music grew without it being forced or having to fight with my family for their approval. They already approved even before I started.

I started by collecting Cassettes in the early 2000s while still at Primary. My earliest memory of a Deep House song is Shena’s Let “The Beat Hit’em” featured on DJ Fresh’s early compilations, and I had it on Cassette. From Cassettes I moved to CDs and would try mixing with two DVD players.

I remember seeing Shimza win the Next Big Thing DJ Competition and I knew I somehow had to mix music the way he does in my lifetime. Now I share stages with him, and that is a dream come true.

2. Where did you learn the skill?

I started off with DVD players before having a computer, and when I got a computer the first program I installed was Virtual DJ. That’s how I learned to mix with software. My uncle would then take me to visit his friends in Mamelodi who were some of the finest DJs at the time and they would let me play with their DJing equipment. At first it was so hard that I even told one of the guys (DJ Dan) that I’m better off with software. He then explained to me how they work in so much detail that I had no other option but to carve the information in my mind. All it took was really that one lesson and a number of practise runs to improve my craft. Now the other challenge was finding a place where I could DJ in Marapyane while I was still in high school. DJing equipment is very costly so it was not easy to come across someone who had them. So whenever the opportunity came for me to use such equipment I would make the most of it and try to learn as much as I could. My big breakthrough in Marapyane came when there was an event and DJ Mango and DJ Mich gave away their slot to me so I could showcase my talent. I then improved my skills and gained experience while working with them as well as DJ Lemathi over the years, DJing at any kind of event from weddings to major events.

3. How long have you been DJing?

I have been a DJ for about 11 years, probably more. I started getting gigs while I was still in high school.

4. What else do you do outside of DJing?

If I’m not in front of the decks DJing, I’m behind the mixing console doing sound hire for events and private functions.

5. How has your journey been?

The journey has been filled with great moments like winning an amateur DJ competition at home, to being ridiculed for trying to do what I love. But all in all the vision was clear on where I would like to see myself with music. Growing in a less fortunate community and family presents many challenges for such a venture because for starters you need to get to gigs that may be near or very far and not having any means of transportation for such can be daunting. I have walked to gigs for kilometres with friends at odd hours in the night. You then get to gigs and get told you will get paid during the week if there is ever any payment. But I do not have any regrets because all these moments have all contributed towards my brand and have led to this exact moment and point in my life. I would not have it any other way.

My grandmothers’ prayers have kept me safe from harm in an industry where you get exposed to all sorts of things that can either make you or break you. I have received so much support from my family because they knew what music meant to me. I will forever be grateful for such love and support. The dream and vision is still intact and new goals are set now and again.

6. Please tell us a story about your DJing journey that stands out

Every year for the past 10 years or so thousands of people have left their families to join us at our annual event #25sPartyMarapyane hosted on the 25^th of December. I started DJing there before I could even go out at night when it was still a day event. Now the event is one of the biggest events around and to witness people from all over come to an event you are part of is truly amazing. All those beautiful faces rushing to get inside the venue just before their favourite artist comes on is just inexplicable. Every year my heart fills with love and joy just to meet everyone at the event and have them chant “Maxi” when I get on stage. That is a “forever” moment.

I once won a DJ competition that was hosted at Maiphepi Lounge in 2011 or 2012. I was probably the youngest entrant and didn’t even have a good pair of DJ Headphones or a CD carrying pouch, I was still using the CD container. Now all the other contestants were well established DJs who had Technics headphones and huge Slappa DJ cases and that for me was very scary and intimidating. We know how the event turned out and that’s where I won and owned a pair of good quality headphones and a Slappa DJ case. That competition really gave me the confidence I never knew I needed.

7. We all saw you on Channel O’s Lockdown House Party, how was the experience?

The Lockdown House Party by Shimza and pH is the highlight of my DJ career because even the very young and old could witness me DJing. Most of the time we DJ at night clubs or events that are planned for young adults. Now with the Lockdown House Party both my granny and 5-year-old nephew got to finally see what I do outside when I come back home at 6AM, and that for me is massive. With such a show you never know who is watching. So a huge thank you to the guys for the amazing concept even during such a global pandemic. Personally I believe they have won 2020 and will continue breaking records.

8. What is your advice to someone who also wants to get into DJing?

Just start. And don’t be afraid to start small, those small steps eventually lead somewhere great. We all want to conquer the big stages but we also have to be on those small stages where you end up DJing for 10 people who each want their own favourite song. DJing unfortunately gives you easy access to alcohol and in some cases different types of drugs and even bad influences, but once you are able to navigate your way between the good and the bad then you’re all good to go. If it’s your dream, it doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else.

9. Tell us a little about your Podcast

I started the Deep Concussions series of mixes around 2013 while I was still at Vaal, focusing on rare unheard of music. I would listen to Just Mo’s show called The Hot 99 Dance on YFM just to find new music or shop around on Afrodesiamp3 before it closed. I then decided to get a Podomatic.com account where all my mixes would be available forever. The support has been truly amazing and this year I got to release mix number 21 with a guest mix by Mlindos.

Eventually myself and Mlindos partnered up and created We Are House, with Da Capo and Earful Soul being our first guest DJs. Both Deep Concussions and We Are House mixes are available on deejaymaxi.podomatic.com

10. What challenges have you faced in your music journey?

There are so many challenges that one faces in the music industry. For one you never really know who has your back and really want what’s best for you. I believe no one owes anyone anything in this world but a little genuine support from those in the same field and close to you would not hurt. I have had to learn to detach myself from people who thrive on negativity and only clap when things happen for them. We need to understand that what is meant for you will always be for you and nothing can change that.

I know we always say we never really get support from our own people and while that may be true, I believe the love from the Marapyane community is what kept me going, and by remaining humble and treating everyone with love and respect made things better for me. I may be away from Marapyane most of the time but it will always be home and where all things started for me.

With that being said, the best and most challenging thing I have done for my DJ career was moving away from home and trying to establish myself in a foreign land where no one knew who I was. Moving away from my comfort zone where everyone knew me to a place where I had to work extra hard came with so many great experiences. You meet new people every time you play and that adds to the people you already have behind your music. The Hang Awt 1632 in Tembisa is where I met DJ’s Mlindos and Earful Soul and we have been good friends since, and they are some of the best and most hardworking DJs I know. This friendship would not have happened if I remained in my little corner without challenging myself.

11. Do you have any projects coming out soon and where can our readers get them?

For now, I am focusing on pushing my brand together with the Podcast. However, I do believe more projects will emerge at the right time like going back to music production.

12. Where do you aspire to be in the next few years?

Without a doubt I would like to see myself playing in Ibiza after playing at all the big stages in Africa. Tomorrowland would just complete the goals list for me, I’d probably get married after that LOL. Music is a gift I would like to share with the world.