Taking the DJ scene by storm is the coolest pair of female Djs, who go by the name of “Afroberries”. First ladies of the decks if you will.
We caught up with the duo, Dj Alba and Dj Maggz, to find out a little more about how it all started and what we can expect from them this year.
Who is Dj Alba and Dj Maggz?
DJ Alba (DJA): DJ Alba is a 25-year-old female DJ. I’m very reserved, so basically, I enjoy my own company most of the time.
DJ Maggz (DJM): DJ Maggz is the other half personality of Magdalene Johannes (I know, nobody knows my real name) lol.
What do you do other than make people dance?
DJA: Other than making people dance, I have an 8-5 job and I’m also a student.
DJA: I freelance as a sound technician for New Dawn Productions.
How did you get into DJing? When did it all start?
DJA: I got into DJing because of my love for music. Initially, I wanted to be an artist but my major stage fright could not allow it. Around 2011, a friend at Unam radio invited me to do live mixes for a show. After that, I got an invite to play at an event. The rest is history.
DJM: When I moved to Walvis Bay after high school, I met DJ Houvas who would always invite me out whenever he had a gig. After a couple of events that I went to and watched him do his thing, I was like “I’m ready”. Six/seven years later… here I am.
What inspired Afroberries? When was the brand born?
DJA: Afroberries is a business partnership between DJ Maggz and I. We thought it would be a lot efficient for us whenever we wanted to do our own events. The name was born around 2013. We were just joking around and it stuck.
What are the challenges you face being in a male dominated industry?
DJA: Guys not taking you seriously or people thinking you’re playing a pre-recorded mix. It’s kind of funny.
DJM: The criticism from the guys who always say ‘you won’t make it in this industry, but I turned those words into encouragement and proved them wrong.
What else are you passionate about?
DJA: I love singing and drawing.
DJM: Uhm…. writing… but I’m scared to share my stuff.
What can we look forward to this year?
DJA: You can expect more Afroberries events and hopefully our first single.
DJM: Definitely more events. Yes.
What’s your favorite look for the decks? Do you guys dress up?
DJA: Eish, I’m not really a fashion freak. I wear whatever I feel comfortable in, and obviously look presentable, and also, I try to stay away from revealing clothing. I don’t want to distract people. Lol
DJM: Well, with me it depends. I make sure that I put on anything that’s comfortable.
Who are your favorite DJs? Local and International.
DJA: Locally, I love DJ Molequils, Slick Fisherman, DJ Shoza and DJ Kboz. Internationally, I get inspiration from DJ Juicy M, Black Coffee and DJ Shimza.
DJM: Locally, Chinchila (the C in KFC DJs) and internationally, MurdahBongz (the cray guy from Black).
Are you guys into the same music? How do we differentiate your sets?
DJA: My personal favourite genres to play are old school R&B and house… We always try to play different genres when we are at the same events.
DJM: Slightly, yes. If you hear one of us playing Damara Punch, that would be me.
How far into the future can we expect an album from you guys? Or a song at least?
DJA: Hopefully before the end of this year… *fingers crossed*
DJM: We’ll be dropping something before the end of the year, and maybe an album next year.
Favorite DJ experience?
DJA: Play at the NAMAs. That is my ultimate experience.
DJM: During one of my Boiler Room sessions at the Warehouse Theatre where I once played almost every genre… Best time ever!
Follow Afroberries on social media to see what else they get up to.
Catch them at their upcoming second installation of
“Afroberries and Friends”; 28 July, The Loft!
