From Zambezi, With Love

Hailing from the Zambezi region, Alexander Siyaya Sikalumbu, popularly known as DJ Siya, is steering the industry with his new single, ‘Bovo’.

DJ Siya also recently performed in Botswana and in Zambia at the Zaga Festival, alongside artists such as Petersen, T Sean, Karasa and Namibia’s drummer DJ Mdu.

He has also performed in countries like South Africa, Ghana and Ethiopia.

Speaking to unWrap.online this week, DJ Siya shared some of his musical plans and promised a music video coming soon for ‘Bovo’, which features DJ Vuyo and Chester (More Power), who are currently making a splash at Katima Mulilo and further afield.

“We have really pushed ‘Bovo’ and the music video will be out soon. The album is 90% done and due in March next year. For now, we have Frans Sinengela who released his single, ‘Mwale Nitwike’, where I’m featured.”

There are also plans to release a single next month, he said.

DJ Siya has not decided on a title for the upcoming album yet, as he is still trying to wrap his mind around the idea of finally releasing an album after some time, he said.

“For now, I am busy on the road booked for performances and then only after the busy season will I really get time to sit down and push the release of the album, including new music videos.”

With four albums and two decades of music industry experience under his belt, doing what he loves helps him to juggle between family life and DJing and performing, he said.

Last year, he released ‘Ngiya Bonga’ featuring South Africa’s DJ Style and Temi Dimplez and also hosted an event at XS Lounge and Restaurant to celebrate 21 years in the music industry.

On what inspires his music journey, DJ Siya says he moves with the ‘vibe’.

“The song ‘Bovo’ means enjoyment, it’s all about having a good time and this time of the year is the best time to have fun.”

He is excited about what the future holds as the single has been well received so far, he said.

Born and raised at Katima Mulilo, DJ Siya’s hits include ‘Malengaula’, ‘Zumba’, ‘Kabunya’, ‘Sigeje’, ‘Piki Piki’ and ‘Mukwako’.

Over the years, he has shared the stage with American and African talents like American rapper Eve, Koffi Olomide, Burna Boy, DJ Maphorisa, Zahara, Gazza, PDK, Shanky Briz, Glo Solani Zulu, DJ Latimmy, Culture Spears and Dr Tawanda, among others.

He started his musical journey in 2002, rising to fame in 2003.

Currently working on his fifth studio album, DJ Siya said music stems from his family, having been inspired by his two uncles as a youngster.

“I remember when I started in 1998, I was not a professional yet, but my two late uncles inspired me. One of them is DJ Bolly, he was one of the famous DJs back then, and the other one, John Mutonga, used to be NBC’s service manager. Those are the people who introduced me to the music industry. At first, I did it because I wanted to make money, but then I fell in love with it,” he said.

He advises fellow Namibians not to give up on their dreams.

“It is not easy to be a musician or artist in general. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to really make it in the industry. So never give up even though sometimes you might feel like throwing in the towel.”

– unWrap.online