Entertainment

Somewhere between late-night dreams and loud AmaPiano beats, a young DJ is quietly building his name, one set, one crowd, one video at a time. And while his journey may have only started not so long ago, his energy already feels like someone who has been waiting for this moment for years.

“I’m still an upcoming DJ and looking forward to learning about the craft,” he says simply. However spend just a few minutes talking to him, and it’s clear that DJ Younger is not here to stay small.

Born Simiso Mnisi, the young DJ says music has always had a hold on him. Long before he ever, touched a deck, he was just a teenager glued to the screen, watching music shows and mixtapes, completely locked in.

“From a young age, I enjoyed listening to shows that involved mixtapes. My eyes would literally be stuck on the TV until the show is over,” he recalls.

That fascination slowly turned into something deeper. It wasn’t just about listening anymore, it was about creating moments. For him, DJing is not just playing songs. It’s about making people feel something. “My inspiration to be a DJ is making people enjoy themselves,” he says.

Like many young DJs right now, his sound is rooted in AmaPiano; the genre that continues to dominate dancefloors across Southern Africa. However, DJ Younger doesn’t stop there. “My set includes music that makes people dance until I am done,” he says. “I play AmaPiano mainly and soulful music, depending on the crowd at that moment.”

However, what really sets him apart is not just the music, it’s the experience he has already got in the entertainment industry. “I’m vibrant, and I have a dancing crew, something that makes my sets even more entertaining.” That combination, music plus movement, is quickly becoming his signature. It’s not just about standing behind the decks. It’s about creating a full vibe.

You see it clearly in his influencer too. He draws inspiration from powerhouse female DJs who have taken over stages locally and internationally. “DBN Gogo is my influencer. Internationally, it’s Uncle Waffles,” he says.

Both are known for their stage presence, confidence and ability to control a crowd; something DJ Younger is clearly studying and shaping into his own style. Still, the journey hasn’t been easy. Like many upcoming artists, breaking into the DJ scene comes with its own struggles especially when it comes to getting booked. “Finding gigs is one of the hardest things,” he admits.

However, ins-tead of waiting for opportunities, he’s creating his own. “Every chance I get to DJ, no matter the venue, I make sure to take a video and upload it on my social platforms.”

It’s a strategy that many young creatives are using today, turning social media into a stage when traditional doors remain closed. For DJ Younger, it’s working. Slowly but surely, he is building visibility, one clip at a time.

Behind the scenes, he takes his craft seriously, he mentioned. Before every set, there’s preparation: checking tracks, refining transitions, making sure everything flows. “Double checking the songs I am going to use is the first thing I do. Then I check my transitions,” he says.

However, once he’s behind the decks, it’s all about energy. “Fans should be ready to break their bones,” he laughs. “I have so many amazing songs.”

It’s that confidence: raw, unfiltered and very Gen Z that makes him one to watch. Right now, he hasn’t had what one may call a ‘big gig’ yet. No massive stage, no headline moment, but he’s not discouraged. “I’m hoping for the best,” he says.

If his mindset is anything to go by, that moment might not be too far off. Looking ahead, his goals are clear. “My goal is to have my own studio and be noticed in the industry,” he says. “I see myself as the best Gen Z DJ and producer.”

It’s a bold statement, but then again, bold is exactly what this new generation is about. Maybe that’s what makes DJ Younger stand out. Not just the music. Not just the dancing crew, but the belief. “I am young and confident,” he says. “I don’t just give up. I learn from the things that made me fail.”

In a space where many give up before they even get started, that mindset might be his biggest advantage. So, why should you keep an eye on DJ Younger? Somewhere in Eswatini, there’s a young DJ turning small gigs into big dreams and he’s just getting started.

Born Simiso Mnisi, the young DJ says music has always had a hold on him.