Desiree describes herself as an “intersexy African interpreter of dance music.” The 23-year-old is currently one of the most promising house DJs in South Africa and is known for her Afrocentric meets techno style of play.
In June this year, she released her debut album, Femme Tech, only two years after she decided to work on her music career full time. She is passionate about giving marginalised communities a platform to shine - including women, queer folk, and people of colour - and Femme Tech speaks to this. She also co-founded a women-led electronic music movement called Boys Club, which aims to motivate and inspire women in the male-dominated dance music industry.
One thing that sets her apart? “I think my love for music is intrinsic. The connection I have with it is organic,” she explains, proving that the music she creates is a true extension of her essence, allowing people to connect with it in an authentic way.
For Women’s Month, we caught up with the rising star to chat about her career, ambitions, women empowerment, and the message behind her sound.
Tell us about your latest body of work and debut album Femme Tech. What does it represent for you, what inspired you during its production, and what is the message behind it?
I draw a lot of inspiration from being a beacon of hope and encouragement to those who see themselves in me and have similar goals and aspirations as myself. The term ‘femme’ in the context of Femme Tech includes women, the queer community, people of colour and anyone who tends to me disregarded or marginalised in society. Femme Tech is a political response to this marginalisation. As a DJ, I operate in a male dominated industry lacking representation of the marginalised so Femme Tech thus seeks to provide this much needed representation and to hopefully inspire others to take a leap of faith and embark on a journey through the road less travel.
What inspired your love for music/sound?
My earliest encounters with music, which I remember, were a personification of love at first sight. I’ve always had a special connection with music and consumed it in a way that differed to my peers. It’s difficult to explain where the inspiration comes from because I do not come from a very musical family and I never had the opportunity of studying music theory or learning an instrument from a young age. As philosophical as it may sound, I think my love for music is intrinsic. The connection I have with it is organic. I like what I like and what I like has proven to be enjoyed by others too which is truly an honour.
What has journey in the music industry been like? How did you get to where you are today?
Surreal is the word I would use. It was never the plan for me to go into music so it see the milestones I’ve reached through my sheer passion has been mind blowing.
Subsequent to my graduation from university, I found myself with an extensive collection of dance floor fillers which I had been gathering throughout my career as a student. I wanted to share this in a well curated manner firstly with myself and later with those close to me. A Soundcloud mix recorded on my laptop led to me begging the owner of a pub in my neighbourhood to play at the venue whilst they were setting up for their events just so I can learn how to use CDJs. The rest is organic. I think people have seen the love I have for what I’m doing and this has connected the dots.
What type of music are you drawn to? What beats do you like to experiment with?
Alternative music is what’s dear to my heart. My definition of alternative music includes any genre which tends to be what is not considered to be popular music or music that you would readily interact with.
I love pretty chord progressions merged with percussion heavy layers that are sure to get you moving. Of course it’s also important to me that I stay true to my roots and draw inspiration from sounds that have shaped me into the person I am today. I thus love to experiment with organic African instruments and vocals and merge them with Electronica sounds like arpeggios and lush pads.
How would you describe your sound?
My sound is African electronic music. As much as I love techno and house music coming from abroad, some of it lacks that groove that I’m used to from partying in Jozi during my university years. My sound thus marries these two worlds. It’s techno and house music that is more dynamic and soulful. Some like to call it afro house. I don’t like to box it too much though.
What has your experience been like trying to make a name for yourself as a female DJ? How would you like to see female DJs progress in the future?
Of course it’s not easy but I won’t go on about that because it’s common knowledge that there are many challenges that come with being a woman in music.
What I would like to say is that progress is being made. There have been so many talented women who have proved sceptics wrong in the last couple of years. We are not to be labeled as female Djs, but as Djs. Nobody ever says male Dj so why label women who Dj as female Djs ?
My hope for the future is to see more diverse line ups. There are so many talented women and queer folk who are incredible selectors. I hope promoters will open their eyes and book them. It’s really not that difficult. Have line ups that represent the wonderfully diverse world we live in!
Do you have any advice for women wanting to make it as a female DJ or musical artist?
Do not be deterred or intimidated. If you are booked for a a big gig, do not doubt yourself. You are there for a reason and you are as capable as anyone else.
What are some of your ambitions for the future?
Throwing my own parties that exhibit my vision of how I would like African rave culture to look like is definitely at the top of my list. I would also like to collaborate with artists who play traditional African instruments.
Do you have any message for the women of South Africa during Women’s Month?
It’s so difficult to have encouraging words for women in South Africa due to the war being waged on women on a daily basis throughout the country. All I can say to all the women out there is to be proactive about making our country a safer space for women. Be active when it comes to voting, calling out problematic behaviour when it is safe to do so and supporting other women.
