Farai Majaya is a well known music producer and DJ from Zimbabwe. Better known as Pro-G, he has performed in Cape Town’s hottest clubs along side the likes of DJ Kent, Euphonik, DJ Loyd and Leo Large .This 23 year old is young person to watch so Live caught up with him to find out where it all started.
Why Pro-G?
People always ask me this. Actually its a funny story, back in 2005 when I started music production,my musical influences were G-Unit and all gangster so yeah… the name actually meant professional Gangster, but I didn’t turn out to be much of a gangster. It then became Pro-G and I couldn’t change it because people already knew me as Pro-G.
How did you get into music production?
I was in high school and a few of my friends were making music, so I started messing around with making my own music and yeah… I just took it from there. After high school people knew my music, when I came to South Africa to study at UCT I had no intention of becoming a DJ. One of my friends at UCT was into DJ-ing so I got the idea of trying out DJ-ing, I then signed up for an 8 week course at the Soul Candi DJ House. Although it was the basics it wasn’t enough, I remember playing at a bar in Ronderbosch and the manager told me “your terrible, dont come back”. But I just kept at it.
What is Team K and K?
(laugh) it is Shona, it means having fun. It is a company my brother and his best friend stated, they take music from Zimbabwe and put the music online for people who are not in Zimbabwe. Basically it’s like a radio station. Most radio stations in Zim don’t do that and it is hard to get music from Zim when you are not in Zim.
What is the music scene like in South Africa compared to the music scene in Zim?
It’s different, but I was lucky because I had a friend who basically mentored me. Generally yes it is very different, in Zim Dance music is really big, but in Cape Town it is more Electra House.
Do you feel any pressure to create a certain type of music being a guy from Zim?
Definitely ! It’s more of a self conscious influence if I can call it that. When you make music your environment is always important.
What are some of the lessons you have learned from being in the music industry?
Keep your head in the game. Especially being at UCT, people recognise you. Everyone loves the DJ, but its not all fun. There are long nights, failed gigs and people don’t always see that. You also need to work with what you have and learn to adapt.
What was it like to perform alongside these famous DJs?
Amazing, regardless if they are famous. When you perform with people who are really good, it is such an inspiration.
How do you balance being a full time student and a DJ?
Wow. There are no gimmicks, it’s hard but I manage. It is time consuming, but when you love something you make time for it. Although my studies come first, I love making music.
Where can we find you?
official website: www.progizzle.com
Email: progisthename@gmail.com
twitter: www.twitter.com/ProGIsTheName @ProGIsTheName
Facebook: www.facebook.com/progizzle
