The flash of life and vibe that House music has brought into the music industry has been translated into many different sounds, remixes and interpretations. The front runners in this genre have managed to sustain themselves and stay on top of their game long after they entered it.  One such a man is DJ Ganyani, I got the chance to catch up with DJ Ganyani and tap into his thoughts of the industry today.

You are one of the oldest names in the SA house game. Are you proud of the progress the genre has made in the last decade?

Yes I am, especially with South African House music doing so well.

How do you stay relevant in such a fickle industry?

Well for me it has always been the love of what I do as well as my ability to adjust with the changes in the industry.

Not much has changed in terms of your busy schedule. What do you do as soon as you get some downtime?

I spend most of my down time in the studio.

“You’re not so far” is doing great on local charts and it really is a staple on any good set. Do you feel there’s a good support base of local DJs in the industry?

No, not DJ’s anymore BUT music producers.

Dj Ganyani – Not so far by DJGanyani

You were once a rookie DJ, one who taught himself how to play and mix. If you could tell that young guy something, what would you say?

Dj’ing is not all about fame, ladies & money, though we need money to make a living…it is all about entertainment, passion & of course the love of it.

Tell us more about the project called “Ganyani: The Family, First Gathering”

GE Family is short for Ganyani-Entertainment Family. This project was started by the legendary Dj Ganyani in late 2010 (in 2011 it was changed to “The Family” due to name clashes). It is a fuse of different projects with different producers, writers, vocalists and DJs. This led to the creation of unique, profound sounds under the sun. Realizing the great potential in these sounds, Dj Ganyani decided to turn this project not only into an album but a team of great musicians. The Family – The 1st Gathering is one of many great albums to come from Ganyani Entertainment. It’s not just House Music, it’s a musical journey. A journey travelled by people who remain true to the art of making bodies dance, an art that heals souls and keeps happy memories alive. This will be an ongoing project and as the name suggests “The Family”, it’s a combination of different characters. The way we interact in the studio is reflected in our music, the ups and down the great times we have in our gigs.

Is your success at its peak or do you feel you have way more to do?

Not as yet, though it’s a bit more challenging now, i still feel there’s a lot I still have to achieve especially in the music production side of things. Been a dj for quite sometime now, have achieved a lot, still enjoy doing it BUT i must admit the traveling side of it is getting to me.

And after years of mastering this craft, Ganyani remains humble and motivated to take it to another level. This South African house veteran is not slowing down and the dance floors all over the world are not complaining either.

INTERVIEW: Star Khulu