The Beat Goes On: In Conversation with DBN Gogo

We sat down with the trailblazing DJ and producer DBN Gogo to talk about betting on herself, the undeniable power of Amapiano, and the essential ingredients for an unforgettable event.

What was your parents' reaction when you told them you were stopping your Law studies to focus solely on music?

They were definitely concerned! They were like, "Girl, you've been at school, what is going on? We can tell that something's not right." I had to be honest and tell them I wasn't okay, and I needed more time for music because I knew it was about to hit in a big way. I just asked them to trust me. Their main worry was if I'd be able to take care of myself without a degree, but these days, many graduates are jobless. It's more about having the tenacity to survive. I had to take that leap of faith and prove I could do anything I put my mind to.

You mentioned this feeling of "this thing's about to hit." How could you tell? What gave you that confidence?

I'm really good at what I do. Before lockdown, I already had many festivals lined up. Then, Lockdown House Party opened me up to the rest of SA. People were like, "Who's this girl? She's really dope!" I was working hard, and thanks to my connections from years of partying, I was getting paid for gigs, not just playing for free. That's how I knew I was on the right track.

For you, what are the essential components for a fantastic Amapiano party?

 Good toilets and great sound. Seriously, it's so important! If the sound is lacking, your party is done. And the toilet situation is crucial. When those two are missing, it ruins the mood. With good sound, even if you're in the toilet line, you can still hear the song. That feeling you get in your body, that raw energy, only happens with a good subwoofer. You need good sound; it's vital.

What is it about Amapiano, from your perspective, that makes it so special?

 It's a combination of all our genres with a new element, the log drum. I can't even explain it. You need to be in the middle of Soweto at a street bash, hearing a new song, with people screaming, and you just feel it – "This is it!" It's so South African. That's why you can distinctly hear when an Amapiano song isn't made by a South African.

What do you normally think when you hear that difference?

 I love that people are trying it; we can't gatekeep something people love. I just want us to collaborate more. Why not come straight to the source? I wouldn't try to mimic a Bad Bunny song here; I'd go to South America. It's important not to diminish the effort it takes 

Article by CB Lamba

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