Dj Fresh (Big Dawg): The Role Model.

Written by Sivuyile Tshalana.

In a world so short of role models and mentors that many people can a thing or two from them if they look properly for guidance. There is the Big Dawg that many people cannot stop mentioning when it comes to pioneers of South African House Music and just South African Music in general to the world.

This pioneer goes by the name of Dj Fresh and he is one of the humblest men in the music industry, despite all the things he has achieved in his career. He is so grounded, loyal, and a fantastic entertainer and all-round people’s person. Dj Fresh values his fans, whether it is on-air, face-to-face or social media, he always shows love to them and does not mind taking selfies with them. He is a House Music legendary deejay who has released numerous albums, best known for his House Flavas compilations. If he is not behind the decks making people dance or producing music, he is on the air waves, making people's mornings exciting with his jokes, great topics and unique opinions. ‘The Big Dawg Laugh’ that makes you laugh even if you did not get the joke, because it is very contagious. He makes real radio fun with amazing content and a great team. All the hard work, determination, positivity, perseverance and hunger for more attitude makes him standout. Dj Fresh has created scholarships for students from disadvantaged communities to attend university, especially to study media.

Dj Fresh has been able to remain relevant for so many years as a broadcaster, entrepreneur and a deejay. He is very unique, because he can be able to adjust to whatever the music, and broadcasting industry throws at him and he still comes out on top anyway. Dj Fresh is a true legend and a role model.

NB: Catch Thato Sikwane aka Dj Fresh ‘The Big Dawg’ on Metro FM! Monday to Friday from 5am - 9am murdering the airwaves. Alongside Somizi, Angie and Mpho on the #FreshBreakfastShow.

Music!

Written by Sivuyile Tshalana.

Nowadays music industry is of the biggest industries in the world. Its an industry full of longevity depending on how people involved deal with their revenues, threats, opportunities and strengths. Hence it is very crucial to go to the music with a clear plan, whether people are going to be in the music industry or music business and even both if people are good multi-taskers. Music speak to the heart and that is reason why a lot of people listen to certain songs during circumstances that happen in their lives, whether their good or bad.

People listen and watch music on their preferred music gadgets which then allow people to keep up with their favourite music. The people have the power to breakdown, and learn lyrics through their minds and which then leads to them singing their favourite music. Depending on the lyrics of a song, but that is what many people relate to in many songs. Certain people seek for closure, and advice on music to make them ease the pain they going through and others to even relate it to their past. With that being said, musicians have a lot of influence to the people, especially the youth as the see musicians as role models. That is why there is hardcore supporters that own every albums, merchandise, got tattoos, pictures of musicians and go to their favourite musicians concerts nor performances. Musicians have a huge hand in the growth of human beings within the world as they also contribute to the economy too.

Although certain genres within music are all about or promote flashing money, cars, jewellery, how many women they sleep with, drugs, alcohol and expensive houses, clothes and technology gadgets. They make explicit music videos to sell fake lives and negativity. Then a lot of people believe what they see and hear about their favourite musicians and they start imitating their behavioral systems. Nowadays some music has no meaning at all, as some musicians just mumble their lyrics, don't really care about their audiences and the message they want to portray to the world. Certain musicians care about how much they getting from their music, their individual accomplishments in terms of accolades and don't really care about the effect of their music to the world.

The truth is there are less good musicians nowadays that actually sing about peace, love, respect and tolerance. Even if there is but they're not getting the right exposure in media. Many people are glued to music that doesn't have messages that people can learn and reflect it on their lives. Musicians have the power to break or build human beings depending on their content within the songs. It's vital that musicians know the power they have over the world and they need utilize it properly. We need more real musicians, with their unique stories told through music and musicians that don't allow fame get the better of them. Musicians that actually tackle issues that we facing in the world are truly scarce.