What’s your stage name and where are you from?
My stage name is DJ BlackZorro from Johannesburg in a small town called Daveyton.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
The story behind my stage name, DJ BlackZorro, is rooted in a combination of personal identity and cultural symbolism. “Black” represents my pride in my African heritage and the deep connection I have with the diverse sounds and rhythms of the continent. “Zorro,” the iconic masked character, symbolizes a sense of mystery and adventure, much like the way I approach my music. I see myself as someone who moves between different genres and styles, adapting and blending elements to create something unique and fresh. DJ BlackZorro reflects my journey as an artist—grounded in African roots but always evolving and pushing boundaries.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
I started my music journey inspired by African rhythms and hip hop. Over time, I developed my style, blending Amapiano, Afro Beats, and South African Drill. Today, I create high-energy tracks and help emerging artists through Yung&Cool Productions.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
One interesting moment while creating this song was when I decided to mix traditional African percussion with a heavy drill beat. It was a spontaneous idea that completely transformed the track, bringing a unique energy to the production. The fusion created such a powerful vibe in the studio that everyone felt it instantly, and we knew we had something special.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
Through my music, I want to convey the message of resilience and unity. I aim to show that no matter the struggles we face, there’s strength in our roots and in the communities we build. My music is about pushing boundaries, celebrating African culture, and inspiring others to stay true to themselves while exploring new possibilities.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
One challenge I faced during production was finding the right balance between traditional African elements and modern drill beats. At first, they felt like two completely different worlds, and blending them seamlessly was tricky. I overcame it by experimenting with different tempos and percussion layers until the sound felt cohesive, allowing both styles to shine while complementing each other.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
If I could collaborate with any artist, it would be Burna Boy. His ability to fuse African rhythms with global sounds aligns perfectly with my approach to music. I admire how he stays true to his roots while pushing boundaries, and I believe a collaboration would create something powerful and innovative.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
In the next year, I see my music reaching a wider global audience while continuing to elevate the sounds of Amapiano and South African Drill. I aim to collaborate with more international artists and perform at major festivals, showcasing the unique fusion of African rhythms and modern beats. I also plan to mentor more emerging talent through Yung&Cool Productions, helping shape the future of African music.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
The next big step is to collaborate with more international artists and perform at major festivals, while also mentoring emerging talent through Yung&Cool Productions.
We occasionally feature artists on our Bird of Paradise Podcast for in-depth discussions. Would this be something you’re interested in exploring?
Yes, of course. It would be an honor and a great privilege.
Are there any other promotional opportunities you’re looking for to boost your visibility?
Yes, I’m always looking for new promotional opportunities to boost visibility. Right now, I’m focused on expanding my reach through radio play, playlist placements, and social media campaigns. Additionally, I’m interested in performing at international festivals and collaborating with more brands and platforms that align with my music, which will help further elevate my presence on the global stage.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
You can check out my work on:
YouTube: DjBlackZorro
Spotify: DJ BlackZorro
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
Email me at: djblackzorro@gmail.com
