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Mail & Guardian
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
DJ Doowap is lighting up global dance floors with bacardi music
Putting an SA spin on it: DJ Doowap, who is on tour in Europe, has spent a decade taking her distinctive bacardi sound, with its loops, raw percussion and unpredictable tempo changes, to the world. I remember the first time I saw Khetsiwe Morgan, known to the world as DJ Doowap, spin her magic. It was at one of Lady Skollie's art exhibitions, the kind of event where suits and silk dresses hold tightly to their wine glasses and social postures. But when Doowap touched the decks, something shifted. She summoned energy. The tight, reserved crowd softened, hips loosened, and next thing you knew, a full-blown groove had erupted in the gallery. I was struck, not only by her technical skill and musical range but by her joy. She was smiling the whole time, completely immersed in her own world, pulling everyone in with her. Little did I know that I was arriving late to the party. DJ Doowap had already spent nearly a decade touring the world, captivating audiences from Johannesburg to New York. Her unique blend of sound, deeply rooted in the township-born bacardi genre, has put her at the forefront of a sonic revolution. In 2023, she was recognised as one of the Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans in the Arts and Entertainment category, a recognition that felt both celebratory and overdue. Right now, Doowap is on a European tour, taking the vibrational pulse of Pretoria, specifically the infectious energy of bacardi music, and sharing it with crowds in Paris and across Germany. She's not simply performing; she's exporting culture, delivering the sound of the streets to international stages where the beat of Mzansi is becoming the rhythm of the world. Her latest single Seroba Ke Seh is a love letter to bacardi's origins. The title itself, lifted from Pretoria slang, signals a commitment to authenticity, even as she travels the globe. Doowap worked with bacardi veterans Enny Man Da Guitar and rising star from Hammanskraal to capture that unmistakable township pulse. 'It was important to me that we honour the roots,' she says. 'I'm not trying to westernise bacardi or clean it up for international ears. I want them to feel the real thing — our thing.' Bacardi, for those who know, is unfiltered. Its hypnotic loops, raw percussion and unpredictable tempo changes speak a language all their own. It's dance music that feels lived-in. 'I've always been obsessed with bacardi,' she says. 'Even when other genres were getting the spotlight, it was bacardi that made my heart beat faster. It's got that raw energy. You hear it and you have to move.' Her sets aren't just built for clubs; they're crafted for movement, expression and release. And that energy translates globally. At Berlin's Freak de L'Afrique street festival, Doowap played to a staggering 700 000 people. Let that number sink in — 700 000 bodies moving to Pretoria's street sound. 'It was the biggest crowd I've ever played for,' she recalls. 'And the moment I dropped the first track, I felt it, they got it. There's something so powerful about knowing that a sound from your hometown can make that kind of impact across the world.' Doowap is more than a DJ. She's a full-blown cultural architect. Her music, fashion and visual world are interconnected, constantly in conversation with each other. Whether it's an Adidas campaign or a Maybelline shoot, her look is always bold, always intentional. 'Fashion is my favourite form of self-expression,' she says. 'Everything I wear says what the music is already saying. It's unapologetic. It's future-facing. It's a little wild, but so am I.' For her, every outfit is a visual beat, every make-up look a chord. It's never just about looking good, it's about telling a story. 'When I partner with brands, I make sure they get the vision,' she insists. 'I need to know they're open to imagination, that they're not trying to box me in. Because that's the core of what I do — I don't fit in. I remix everything.' This fearless approach extends to her touring experience. She's discovered just how tapped in to South African culture global audiences are. 'The most surprising thing has been watching people in Paris or Berlin pulling bacardi moves on the dance floor like they've been doing them for years,' she says. 'It's wild. It shows just how powerful social media and cultural exchange have become.' She's not just bringing the music, she's bringing a full cultural moment. And she wears the title Bacardi Babe proudly. 'At first, I thought people were just saying it to be cute,' she says. 'But now, I wear it like a badge. Because this isn't just about me, it's about all of us who've been pushing this sound, carrying this culture, evolving it.' As someone who straddles multiple creative industries, I asked whether she sees music, fashion and beauty as separate expressions. Her response is immediate: 'It's all one continuous art form. It's the same energy, just different languages. I'm not choosing between them. I'm dancing through all of them.' And what does she hope her legacy will be, particularly as bacardi culture gains momentum abroad? 'I want young people, especially young women, to see me and think, 'I can do it my way too.' I want to show that you don't have to compromise to succeed. That your originality is your superpower. That there's space for all of us.' She then adds: 'And I want to open doors. Real ones. If what I'm doing sparks even the tiniest fire in someone back home, then that's my purpose.' Doowap's performances are joyful but they are also political. They're about permission, giving the audience permission to feel, to move, to release. 'Joy is resistance,' she says. 'When I perform, I want everyone to forget whatever's weighing them down. I want them to remember what it feels like to be free. 'That moment when we're all dancing together, that's church to me.' Looking forward, her plans are as layered and electric as she is. More music is on the way, including a short project expanding her bacardi-meets-pantsula sonic world. She's also dreaming of a fully immersive tour with pantsula dancers, lighting, fashion — the whole South African experience. 'I want to take that full energy to Asia, South America, North America,' she says. 'I want people everywhere to feel the electricity between bacardi and pantsula — it's next level.' And, true to form, she's also building something offstage. 'I'm working on launching my fashion brand,' she teases. 'It's going to be very me — bold, textured, street, but with that edge. I can't wait to share my mpahlas [clothes] with the world.' DJ Doowap isn't just spinning decks, she's spinning culture into a new orbit. From the corners of Pretoria to the stages of Europe, she is redefining what it means to be a South African creative in the 21st century. With every beat, every stitch, every performance, she's proving that local isn't just global, it's essential. And, as the world continues to tune in to the sound of the South, it's Doowap who is pressing play.
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
DJ Doowap to turn Paris Fashion Week into a South African soundstage
Renowned not just for her infectious beats but also as a champion of the South African sound, DJ Doowap's performance underlines her commitment to sharing her country's music with a global audience. Image: Supplied South African DJ and cultural tastemaker Khetsiwe Morgan, popularly known as DJ Doowap, is gearing up to make waves at this year's Paris Fashion Week on Thursday, June 26. Renowned not just for her infectious beats but also as a champion of the South African sound, Doowap's performance underlines her commitment to sharing her country's music with a global audience. This marks her seventh appearance at this prestigious event, and anticipation is palpable. Speaking to "Independent Media Lifestyle", Doowap reflected on her excitement for the upcoming event, stating, 'Every time it feels amazing. I love the energy around Fashion Week." "There are so many South Africans participating this year, doing pop-ups, and throwing events. It's a fantastic way to connect with individuals from all around the world who share my passion for fashion.' This year, Doowap will perform at the highly anticipated Jerk and Jollof event, a culinary and cultural experience renowned for showcasing Afro-Caribbean vibes across the globe. 'I think it's going to be insane. I've got a dope set ready for them - it's going to be a mix of Amapiano, Bacardi and some Gqom with a lot of dancing and high energy,' she added. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ What sets Paris Fashion Week apart, according to Doowap, is the symbiotic relationship between music and fashion. 'Music and fashion are both great forms of expression. They share a kind of reflection of what individuals feel inside and how they want to present themselves to the world. The music definitely brings a designer's vision to life and deepens the audience's connection to the show,' she shared passionately. In terms of style, Doowap is pulling out all the stops. She has curated spectacular pieces from South African designer Nao Serati, which include eye-catching two-piece outfits. Alongside these, she plans to showcase her local flair with traditional pantsula vibes, bringing a mix of urban streetwear into the high-fashion context of Paris. 'I'm always searching for unique fashion pieces; I even work with my seamstress to create custom outfits because I'm not one for mall shopping,' she explained. For Doowap, this performance represents an essential milestone in her long career as a DJ. 'I've been DJing for over a decade, and every chance to perform internationally is a blessing. Each time I return to Paris, the excitement and the stages grow larger,' she remarked. Following her previous remarkable performances at global events like the Berlin Carnival and AfroPunk in New York, she is elated to witness the love and reception for South African music worldwide. Her enforced global presence comes on the heels of her latest single, 'Seroba Ke Seh' - a bold, high-energy song that encapsulates the royal spirit of Bacardi while tapping into the rhythm and slang of Pretoria. The track, co-produced by legendary producer Enny Man Da Guitar, has been met with exuberant responses both domestically and abroad, further signalling the international appetite for South African sounds. 'Everybody wants to see what South Africa is doing right now; they're loving our vibe. And when I play 'Seroba Ke Seh', it sets the mood for joy,' Doowap enthused about the track, which she eagerly anticipates will find further success as it travels the globe. Currently, on a whirlwind European tour, Doowap's upcoming performance at Paris Fashion Week is more than just a gig; it's a cultural moment that showcases the growing influence of African youth culture through both music and fashion. As she continues to immerse herself in this vibrant creative landscape, she remains a beacon of the high-energy genre she champions, solidifying her position as a true global ambassador of South African sound.
The Citizen
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
DJ Doowap takes SA street culture to Germany and France
Doowap returns to the Paris Fashion Week this year and says she loves being in the city because of her passion for fashion. DJ Doowap is xpected to perform at the upcoming Paris Fashion Week. Picture: djdoowap/Instagram Eswatini-born South African DJ Doowap is taking South Africa's street culture to Europe with her tour of Germany and France, where she'll also bring the vibe to the Paris Fashion Week. 'I'm putting together a set featuring sounds from South Africa, Nigeria, and some incredible new tracks I've discovered while here in Paris. It's going to be one of those nights where people are dancing, singing, and sweating, exactly the high-octane energy I love to create,' Doowap told The Citizen. ALSO READ: DJ Doowap receives star treatment from Indonesia, despite not getting much love at home Doowap at Berlin's Carnival of Cultures Doowap, whose real name is Khetsiwe Morgan, has more than a decade of experience as a DJ. She spoke to The Citizen during her tour in Europe, which began in early June and will conclude at the end of the month. Doowap was part of Berlin's Carnival of Cultures, one of Germany's largest festivals, renowned for its diversity. However, Doowap's first set was at the pre-party event of the carnival at a new spot called MAAYA, where the Freak De L'Afrique party was held. 'The event had three dancefloors and showcased talent from across the African continent. It was completely sold out, and the love for the sounds coming out of South Africa was exhilarating. I played a DJ set blending Amapiano, Bacardi, and Gqom, and the response was electric,' shared the DJ. The following day, she performed to 700 000 people, the biggest crowd she's ever performed for. 'There are videos circulating online, and I still get goosebumps every time I watch them,' said the Thunda Thighs artist. 'It's been such a memorable way to start the tour, and now I'm headed to Paris for the next chapter, with the first two shows lined up for Fête de la Musique this Saturday. The energy so far has been next-level, and I can't wait to keep it going.' ALSO READ: 'Bucket list checked': Zakes Bantwini graduates from Harvard Paris Fashion Week Doowap says she's toured Europe each year for the past seven years, performing at Milan Fashion Week, Mysteryland Festival in the Netherlands, and the Amsterdam Paradiso venue. 'I've also played in Barcelona, Madrid, and joined Diplo for the Daily Paper party during Paris Fashion Week, among many other memorable stops across the continent,' she says. Doowap returns to the Paris Fashion Week this year and says she loves being in the city of love because of her passion for fashion. 'As someone who's super into fashion, I always find it inspiring to be surrounded by a creative scene where people from all over the world come together and shift culture forward,' said Doowap. This year, Doowap will be playing at the Jerk & Jollof x Places+Faces party on 26 June. ALSO READ: Proteas WAGS: Meet SA's gorgeous cricket maidens! [IN PICS] Doowap on a Bacardi wave Last week, Doowap released a new song, Seroba Ke She, which has a strong Bacardi sound. Bacardi is a house music subgenre that originates from Pretoria townships, characterised by a heavy drum and bass sound. 'Since last year, I've been on a serious Bacardi wave – I truly believe it's our next great sound export after Amapiano and Afrotech,' says the DJ. Doowap says what attracted her to the sound was its high energy and the dance culture around Bacardi. To ensure authenticity, Doowap has collaborated with artists from Pretoria and also recorded in various townships. She has collaborated with Enny Man Da Guitar, whom she made both Shay'sthombe and Seroba Ke Seh with, as well as DJ Mobla and Nyico Loco, who helped craft her next single dropping in August. 'I've also teamed up with younger artists like lyricist and producer Vine Musiq to help bring a fresh, new-age feel to the genre,' said Doowap. 'Even though Bacardi is a Pitori sound, it's a movement that deserves to grow nationally and internationally, and I'm excited to be one of the artists helping to carry it beyond Pretoria while staying true to its origins.' NOW READ: WATCH: Somizi and Kelly Khumalo set the stage on fire with sizzling dance moves
