The Coolest Dj in South Africa set for the 2010 World Cup

By Quibell Ramantswana , 15 Nov 2009 | (2) Comments

The Coolest Dj in SA: KentDJ Kent, born as Khensani Mabaso in Pimville, South Africa, took his DJ skills out of the house - subsequently, he became the local darling whenever there were school, Valentine or 21st birthday parties.

He was raised to national fame when he teamed up with musical minded duo, Tumi and Euphonik - and Kentphonik was formed. Together, they bowled over the nation when Kentphonik tracks, ‘Uwrongo’ and ‘Masingita’ featured on the eminent producer, DJ Fresh’s album - Definition Of House, Vol 2 & 3 respectively.

Continuously since then he has been held responsible for many club’s dance-floor-damages, with punters and House music fanatics dancing unstoppably to his beats. His production skills have earned him attention from the community of House music; he has remixed numerous tracks by various established musicians around the country. Some of the local soloists who have been privileged to work with DJ Kent are the late legend, Jabu Khanyile, Kelly Khumalo, HHP, Bantu Soul and many more.

“…most of the time we are not on par with what the whole world is playing - maybe we are ahead!”

Dj Kent - the co-owner of ‘88 Productions’, released his anticipated debut album, ‘Mixing Business With Pleasure’, in 2008. And the album proved to be a real contender!

When I saw the line up for SAMA 2009 (South African Music Awards) nominees for the ‘Best Urban Dance Album’, little did I know that DJ Kent was going to pull it off! In this category he was going head to head with South Africa’s most esteemed DJ-Producers such as DJ Cleo, Black Coffee, Rhythmic Element and DJ Clock. But it was time for the media to pay more attention to the 2009 SAMA Award winner - DJ Kent.

His double life of keeping it cool off the field and staying entertaining in the field of music has won the hearts of the South African media - he has been described as the coolest House DJ-Producer in the country…well that is until you press the red-button: Music!

More interestingly, Kent has already played his part for the World Cup - having been elected amongst the heavy weights, in the country, to produce the song for the event was more than what he hoped for: “I was actually commissioned by McDonalds, they wanted a South African feel to the song; they wanted something recent, but to also have that African Vibe; so they said, I must co-produce with Robbie [Malinga]”

“For upcoming producers or someone who needs a formal education in terms of music, I would recommend “Fruity Loops”

This must have been exhilarating and challenging moment for Kent? “They were very impressed with what I did. I did three versions of the song and they chose one - it was used for the ‘Confederation [Cup]‘ and it’s gonna be used for the World Cup as well”, says the gifted producer.

It is still surprising for most House music servants locally and internationally, who constantly ask one another, “why are none of the South African DJ-producers not in the top 100 World wide at least?”, given the quality they bring into music? DJ Kent gives his verdict:
“In most cases, most of the DJ’s play commercial dance music and I think most of the time we are not on par with what the whole world is playing - maybe we are ahead!”

Although he doesn’t rate himself as big, he is hassling his way to the top. The Mega-Mix-King keeps mastering his skills to keep his title alive, but he has some tips for those who would like to join his musical army to entertain the public. He suggests: “For upcoming producers or someone who needs a formal education in terms of music, I would recommend “Fruity Loops” [Music Software] because is very easy.”

He might be on top of his game but the talented Khensani Mabaso still remembers where things got started: “… at home obviously in my bedroom, I used to mix cassette and CD’s…”

• Keep up with the latest South African Music on the Mzansi Show