Nginikeni ithuba” goes the hook of Ithuba, Ms Jones’ latest single. “Give me a chance.” Twenty-eight-year-old Tebogo Siyaphi, best known as DJ Ms Jones, has built a nine-year career by creating opportunities for herself in a male-dominated industry.
After some lessons in DJing from a friend, Ms Jones started playing house music at gigs in her hometown of Bekkersdal, on Gauteng’s West Rand.
She also submitted and spun mixes on Metro FM, YFM and Motswading FM. While studying at Boston Media House, Ms Jones collaborated with DJ Lerato to form the music duo LeraJones. Their single, Izindabeni, off their Femme Sounds Vol 1 album, was remixed by renowned American house DJ, Abicah Sole, in 2010.
Siyaphi has taken charge of all aspects of her solo career, including public relations, management and administration. As DJ Oskido’s mentee and part of his I Believe Foundation, Ms Jones was granted business and technical training as well as equipment.
She seized the opportunity to launch Ms Jones Sounds Media and Entertainment, her studio and music production business.
In 2014 and 2015 she was resident DJ on SABC1’s Jika Majika, but the ANC’s 104th birthday party was a career highlight and the biggest event she’s ever played.
Find Siyaphi on Twitter: @MsJonesDJ
