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Showbiz Reporter

The race to crown Zimbabwe’s best disc jockey (DJ) is in full swing, as Delta Beverages, through its Carling Black Label brand, is hosting the Carling Black Label National DJ Clash across the country.

Both aspiring and professional DJs are being invited to enter by registering and submitting a 90-second mixtape via WhatsApp. Registration opened in September, and the regional qualifiers have been gathering momentum. A panel of judges will review the mixtapes behind closed doors, selecting stand-out DJs from each region to advance to the national finals.

The regional competitions began in Chinhoyi on October 18, where two DJs qualified. From there, the contest moved to Mutare in Manicaland, Zvishavane in the Midlands, and Harare. This week, DJs will battle it out at Club Excite in Gweru on Friday, followed by competitions at Socialite Bar in Chitungwiza next Friday. Bulawayo will host its regional clash on November 29 at Greenspan — Maboneng, while Harare North will hold its event on December 6 at Club Zeus.

The grand finale is scheduled for December at a yet-to-be-disclosed location.

Last year’s competition saw DJ Irvinex (Zvikomborero Maponga) from Mutare claim victory, with the event’s national finals in Bulawayo featuring special performances by South African Amapiano stars Toss and Tyler ICU.

Delta Beverages launched the DJ Clash in 2022 on a smaller scale, initially targeting university DJs. However, overwhelming support led to its expansion to the mainstream market.

“The Carling Black Label DJ Clash aims to discover and celebrate local talent, providing DJs a platform to showcase their skills. Music is integral to our consumers’ lives, and this clash is a way to connect with them through what they love,” Delta Beverages shared.