DJ Roxxi
| DJ Roxxi | |
|---|---|
 DJ Roxxi | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Deshnie Govender |
| Also known as | Roxxi |
| Born |
5 April 1985 Durban, South Africa |
| Origin | Durban |
| Genres | electro house, hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | DJ, Rapper, songwriter, actress, television personality |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Labels | Independent |
| Associated acts | Nic Billington, Craig Massiv |
| Website |
djroxximusic |
Deshnie Govender (born 5 April 1985), better known as DJ Roxxi, is a South African DJ, who is one of few Indian female club DJs in South Africa.[1]
Early life and education
Roxxi was born in Isipingo, Durban, South Africa, and raised in Amanzimtoti.[2] She is the daughter of Ruth Govender and Vassie Mottai Govender, who died in 2002. She has a younger sister Michelle Govender. Roxxi attended Holy Family College for a short while and thereafter Isipingo Primary School. She completed high school at Kingsway High School in Amanzimtoti. In 2002 Roxxi lost her father to a heart attack during the final examination of high school; despite this trauma, she graduated from high school with excellent results. Although Roxxi anticipated embarking on a music career straight after high school, she made the difficult choice to study first as it was frowned upon in the Indian community for a young girl to become a club DJ. Roxxi enrolled in Natal University to study towards a LLB (law) Degree, studying journalism in her second year.[1] Towards the end of 2003, Roxxi dropped out of her course. During this break she discovered her musical talents while working part time at her mother's nightclub in Amanzimtoti.[2][3]
Music career
2005-2006
Roxxi was exposed to the music styles of various DJs at her mother's club. She taught herself how to play by researching and watching other DJs perform. From 2005 to 2006 Roxxi played at many low-key promotions at her mother's club gaining confidence and skills through each event. Very soon word got out that there was an Indian female DJ around and journalists were interested in hearing her story. The media buzz that surrounded Roxxi propelled her onto the music scene overnight. Heralded as the first and only Indian female club DJ in South Africa, Roxxi was soon asked to appear at many events and shows.
2007-2009
In 2007, Roxxi was selected as the only female DJ on board the AXE Jet Experience to Ibiza with top SA celebrities. This gave Roxxi the opportunity to travel to Ibiza and perform with top South African 5FM DJ's.
Debut single
In 2009, DJ Roxxi decided to embark on a new venture. She teamed up with longtime friend and fellow artist Nic Billington and penned a track entitled "Away".[4] The track features Nic Billington on vocals and was produced by Craig Massiv from Flash Republic fame.[2]
The track which was offered as free download to fans reached number one on the top 9 at 9 on East Coast Radio on 4 December 2009 making Roxxi the first female DJ in South Africa to have a number 1 single.
Awards
Roxxi was nominated as one of Cosmopolitan Magazine's Top 30 Awesome Women of 2006.[2][3] Roxxi was also selected as a rising star in the Standard Bank Salutes Women of KZN Awards in 2008.
References
- 1 2 Premdev, Doreen (2006) "Roxxi's rhythm gets her into SA's top 30.", Sunday Tribune, 26 November 2006. Retrieved 1 August 2014 – via HighBeam (subscription required)
- 1 2 3 4 Naidoo, Omeshnie (2009) "Roxxi in Upward Spin", The Mercury, 18 December 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2014 – via HighBeam (subscription required)
- 1 2 Premdev, Doreen (2008) "DJ in a spin over big break", Sunday Tribune, 9 March 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2014 – via HighBeam (subscription required)
- ↑ "Roxxi, Queen of the Decks", Sunday Tribune, 19 April 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2014 – via HighBeam (subscription required)