DJ Musketeer, DJ Alu put Namibia on the map

Namibian DJs Alugodhi Kanyama, well-known as DJ Alu and DJ Musketeer put Namibia on the map after performing at the Ballentine’s Rocks MTN Bushfire in Eswatini last year.

The festival was attended by music lovers from across southern Africa.

In an interview with unWrap.online this week, DJ Musketeer said it was an honour to represent Namibia internationally.

“It was an amazing experience. Bushfire is a true festival in every sense of the word. There were so many people from all over the world there. I met Americans, Swedes and Brazilians.

“As a DJ, it is quite humbling because it’s a crowd I have never played for before…

“It was a great reality check for me. I found out where I stand as a DJ. Some of the greats showed me how far I still have to go, especially DJ Ready D with his turntablism. I realised I’m on par with some DJs I would have thought were much further along. All in all, it made me want to do more and get better,” he said.

“As a creative, it was a great palate cleanser. It was an environment for new ideas. At Bushfire, there were so many artists that are more niche though, and I found it so refreshing to see that there are platforms for the eclectic out there.

“Being able to compare yourself outside of your bubble is very important. We do get some international DJs here, but my greatest inspiration came from DJs that would be unlikely to come here. The Ballantines team did a great job at selecting those.

DJ Musketeer said he would be performing at the festival for the second time this year.

“I am looking forward to the festival, because I get to go with an amazing squad again.

“To be chosen for the second time means I’m just different and that’s what Ballantines represents, staying true. I do have something special planned for this year I want to DJ with a live guitarist over some original productions. Let’s see if I can pull it off.”
DJ Alu said it was one of the most humbling experiences in his career.

“It was one of the most genuinely precious and humbling experiences, especially after the pandemic, being at a unique festival playing alongside so many artists I look up to and playing to such a receptive and warm crowd was one of the highlights of my career so far.

“l learned that no matter where you are and where you’re from, the number one rule will always be to think of your crowd first and read it.

“The legendary Ryan Murgatroyd told me you have to earn the right to play only what you like, but up until that point you have to put ego aside and make sure your crowd has a good time,” he said.

“It was very important, I cannot stress that enough, I came back feeling more inspired, with a new sense of perspective and more fire in my belly. It’s like a reset! I hope they will choose me once again, but even if I’m not chosen, I will always be grateful for the experience and being part of such a magical event.

“My plan as a DJ this year is to up my sound more as a producer and release music more consistently. I want to thank Ballantines for making it possible and being such a supportive and unique brand. They have shown that if you stay true to yourself and your calling, regardless of trends… the world is basically your oyster.”

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