DJ H Bomb

1). How did you get into the whole DJ scene? Is it as glamorous as most people tend to think it is?

• As a teenager I was inspired by the people around me, my group of friends were all heavily into music and DJ culture was still new… I was totally captured! There was a community of us discovering music, buying records and throwing parties… that laid the foundation.
• The DJ scene… no, I wouldn’t say it’s glamorous. It takes time, dedication and hard work to make your way in the music industry. It’s very easy to get caught up in “glam” side of it… but that’s not real, only the music is.

2). What genre of music do you specialise in? Which is your personal favourite?

• I specialise in downtempo beats… I play lounge, acid jazz and old skool hip hop. My other passion is dance music, of course… Everything from house and techno to drum and bass.

3). Clearly this was all spawned from a love of music. What does music mean to you?

• Music is the reason I breathe…. it has inspired me when I’ve been down and out and it has filled my life with inspiration and purpose.
• To me, music represents the convergence of art and science… a universal language. Music unites us all.

4). How do you manage to juggle work and DJing? Do you still find the time to relax?

• It’s difficult to create a balance – my role at Soul Candi keeps me very busy during the week and on weekends I’m usually at events or partying. But without the people I love, my life would be meaningless so chill time with family is compulsory!

5). What’s the biggest gig you ever played? What would be your ultimate gig?

• The music I play doesn’t appeal to a mass audience… so for me it’s not really about playing to a huge crowd. I prefer an intimate venue with open-minded people.
• But to answer your question, I’d say the biggest events I’ve played at were at Carfax.

6). Give us a breakdown of where you’ve performed?

• Everywhere from Sandton to Soweto. I’ve played all over… Capitol, 115, The Backroom, Carfax, Le Mix Room… the list goes on. I currently hold a residency at The Lighthouse.

7). Is the entertainment industry your only source of income?

• Yes, it’s my bread and butter!

8). Take us through an average weekend – What’s the preparation like, leading up to the event, and what happens afterwards?

• I listen to new music ALL THE TIME… and of course I always put tracks that I’d like to play aside. So when it comes to my sets, I pick tunes that will work at the party. This obviously depends on what time my set is… if it’s strictly hip hop or if it’s more chilled— I put a lot of time and energy into choosing the perfect beats for the space and time.

9). What about time with your boyfriend and friends – How do you manage that?

• I live with my man and we both love music… most of my friends do too… so it all goes hand in hand.

10). Given your insight into what’s hot on the scene, what do you think the of the club scene during the 2010 World Cup?

• Huge parties happening now – I think everyone, local & our international guests are in for a month of serious partying! Loads of international DJs and acts coming out. I would say keep your eyes on the Soul Candi Sound System and the Lighthouse…

11) Have you ever rocked any place in Soweto if so what was the response from the crowd and your experience?

• I have played in Soweto a few times, once at a street party in Orlando West – that was very special… they blocked off the road and we played from the afternoon ‘til the morning… on a SUNDAY! I have also played at the Back Room and been invited to play at Chocolate Sundaes… there are great things happening in Soweto.

12) Any compilation project coming out soon we need to look out for in the record shops?

• Deep House Chronicles Volume 3 mixed by Pretoria based DJ Miggs… is a scorcher!
• Soul Candi has some really talented artists coming in 2010… RJ Benjamin, Dr Duda and Antonio Lyons… Proudly South African!

13) What about DJ Awards do you think that will make more people appreciate mobile and club DJ’s more?

• Unless it’s a DMC competition (for scratching), I don’t believe in DJ Awards.
• How do you judge? What are the criteria? DJing is not a competition for me.

14). Did you always know you’d end up where you are today?

• I have had to work really hard for everything I have achieved… it’s been a natural progression. It was always going to be music for me.

15). What are your future plans? What aspirations do you have?

• I’d like to get into production… it seems that’s always the next step for a DJ.
• In term of events, I’d like to merge art and music more… throw some boundary-breaking events and introduce the world to our beautiful country – it has so much to offer.