For a DJ, the journey begins with a spark and for South African DJ, Rosetta Deep – real name Nompumelelo Rosetta Hlatshwayo – her inspiration lies in music’s power to heal and transform. The talented artist, who has deep roots in Eswatini, shares her story.
Her overall vision for her DJ journey is simply the music. “I was at a stage in my life where I had just finished my studies and was stepping into the real world, trying to figure out jobs, responsibilities and what to make of my life.
It was overwhelming, but in the middle of all that stress, music became my safe space. It brought me comfort, healing and happiness when I needed it most.
“That feeling was so deep and powerful that I knew I wanted to share it with others, so they could experience the same light I found in music. That was the start of my DJ career towards the end of 2019,” she said.
Her journey has been a mix of passion, challenges and beautiful turning points. “One of the key moments was stepping into a male-dominated space and realising that I had to trust my own sound and vision.
“It wasn’t always easy, sometimes I felt overlooked or doubted, but those moments pushed me to refine my craft, to dig deeper into music that truly speaks to the soul. Another defining point was my first set, where the crowd fully connected with me.
“I saw the energy shift, people moving not just to the beat but to the emotion behind it and I knew I was doing something right. That feeling became my compass. Also, navigating the South African scene taught me resilience, long nights, self-funding gigs and constantly learning.
“But each challenge made me stronger and helped me stand out. I never wanted to just play music; I wanted to create moments of healing, joy and unity. That’s what keeps me going and sets me apart,” she said.
Eswatini is the land of her ancestors and she has always carried the desire to come here and reconnect with her roots. “My family has always told me about our lineage and heritage and being able to experience it in person has been truly special.
“Every time I’ve played in Eswatini, I’ve been welcomed with so much love and joy. The people embraced me in a way that made me feel like I truly belong. What amazed me most is how deeply we connect through music, the sounds I love are the same ones that resonate with them and in that connection I felt at home.
“One of the highlights was performing at Luju. That experience was unforgettable, the crowd, their anticipation before my set, the smiles, the happiness and the warmth they carried lit up my heart. Standing on such a big stage, entrusted with their energy and joy, is something I will always be grateful for,” she said.
Full article available in our publication.
Leave a comment