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Dj Skaiva

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
INTERNATIONALLY-acclaimed DJ Skaiva, whose music has made the Metro FM nominees list, says the Zimbabwe Music Award (Zima) means more to him than any other international recognition.

Born Mqondisi Sibanda in Bulawayo, DJ Skaiva was at the weekend awarded for producing the Best House Music album – Skaiva Singles – last year.

The artiste, who has links with South Africa’s Soul Candi, had one of his tracks, Sweet Jesus, which features vocalist – Brian “Rakeem” Bangura and QT, being nominated for South Africa’s Metro FM awards last year.

Ever since, his music has been receiving a lot of airplay in that country.

But DJ Skaiva believes charity begins at home and that one’s music needs to be appreciated more in their country.

“I feel honoured because I’ve finally been given an award in my country. I’ve been working very hard and have been getting a lot of support from South Africa and other countries, but not in Zimbabwe.

I’m glad this has changed,” DJ Skaiva said. The DJ, whose name is not new on the Zima nominees list as he was nominated in 2014 under the Best Newcomer and Best House music categories but lost out to Tocky Vibes and Khuxxman respectively, said: “People from outside may like your music, but they question why you’re not recognised in your own country.”

He said he was now in talks with various artistes whom he wants to feature for his various works. “The award has opened doors for me as I’ve been getting calls from artistes who’re interested in working with me. I’m in talks with Nkwali, Cynthia Mare, Ammara Brown, dancehall producer Oskid, DJ Stavo and Olethu,” Skaiva said.

He is planning to stage shows in Harare, Gweru, Kwekwe, Victoria Falls and South Africa.

“I’m also planning to shoot music videos for my singles,” said Skaiva.

He has produced tracks Godobori, Sweet Jesus, It’s Love, Calvin’s new track Fronto and Thando by Crème Voices.

Starting off as a DJ at Mpopoma High School at the age of 13 in 2004, DJ Skaiva was popular with pupils as he was their DJ at school bashes. Two years later, he began creating house beats inspired by America’s Louis Vega, South Africa’s Black Coffee and DJ Tiesto from Germany.

It was only in 2008 that he released his first track – Ndebele Rebels on Sound Cloud. The track got about 6,000 downloads in its first week.  In 2011, DJ Skaiva released Day Dreamer with former Harvest House youth pastor Brian “Rakeem” Bangura on vocals. That was his first song to receive airplay on Power FM.

The track was so popular that South African record label, Soul Candi, signed and released the track under its stable. In the same year, Day Dreamer hogged the number one spot on Metro FM, 5FM and Botswana’s RB2.

In 2014, Rakeem and Skaiva teamed up with South Africa’s DJ QT to release Sweet Jesus that got them two nominations – Best Urban Gospel and Best Dance track at last year’s Metro FM awards. They, however, did not win any.Skaiva’s latest offering, Skaiva Singles (2015) earned him a Zima.