Dj Oneal Exclusive interview

*Story By Wanjiku Thuku*

*Oneal(DJ) also known by many as @Onizee,was in Kenya recently for a brief media tour also to scout for new talent in East Africa. I caught up with him at the luxurious Villa Rossa Kempinski Hotel in Nairobi where he was staying to know more about his work and his initiative 'The People Must Read', Here is what he had to say*: *How was life before Big Brother Africa?* I was born in Botswana, to a family of 3 boys. My elder brother passed on and so I took up responsibility immediately. I am a father to a smart 8 year old boy, I studied Broadcast Journalism for like 30 minutes LOL! When I got my first radio show, the practicals proved to be a bit more attractive, being a professional club DJ complemented my radio job I then moved on to explore television hosting a few lifestyle magazine shows. I eventually moved to South Africa to expand my reach as I come from a small populated country, i thrive on challenging convention so this worked out perfectly, Big Brother Africa was just my way of going out and getting my views known through a powerful platform.

I wanted to showcase the best of what Botswana's public school system has to offer and most importantly I went to represent myself, I believe my country is proud of my performance but realistically not everyone will like me for various reasons, same applies to my fellow housemates I was not like much, fortunately I did not join the show to win LIKES,I had absolutely no desire to fit in or impress, “I think it is utterly dumb to try and Hustle from a Hustler" BBA opened doors for me to travel around Africa which took almost a year for me to do, My aim is to continuously defy the laws of

gravity by going against what society deems reasonable, challenging or normal one of which being that "I have BBA hype that will soon subside it’s all RUBBISH and myopic. *Challenges you face as an individual and as an artist plus how you over it?* Pressure from being in a relationship with someone whom everybody is love with and remaining spiritual, I keep to myself and this helps me stay centered I also enjoy the struggle it makes the resurrection sweeter. *How would you describe your relationship with Feza?* It is the way it is supposed to be, God intended it to be the way it is, she has a loving family, we are two strong individuals and together we are dynamite and this is why we experience a lot of RESISTANCE, and I believe, "In resistance lies growth", if you lift weights you would know this. We make a formidable team, she has the coolest boy for a son, he climbs everything that he sees, I actually want to get him an energy drink endorsement deal,Feza's parents had their reservations about us while we were in the house, which I can understand who wouldn't I am a nightmare to handle hehe! we try not to ride on each other's fame and careers and it is not easy as our followers wouldn't have none of that, she is such a scrubber which my mother is as well, they would scrub the tarmac road if given the chance. *How do you deal with obsessed fans?* Be kind to them*,*respect them. *What qualities standout about you?* I am reserved I don't know if it is a quality, I am annoyingly principled I also believe”a man is what he knows. Not what he owns". Joy is in the content of character I am very big on social intelligence, i exist in the mental not in the physical and I was raised by the whole neighborhood and that’s where I draw my wisdom and strength from, I have seen and heard it all I just don't make it my business to "use" things like weed in order to appear tough, hehe! Modern day social media thugs do that I am busy working to feed my families. *How do you encourage the youth to read books?* I have been going for self-sponsored trips to schools as part of my 'The People Must Read' campaign where I speak to teachers and students who have misconceptions about reading, we need to stop using reading as a punitive measure on our kids, teach them how to read TO UNDERSTAND. Less TV more books, readers seldom repeat books, TV watchers repeat their favorite shows, and there is a big lesson in there. *Which musical icons have you always looked up to and why?* Tupac Shakur for insight, Biggie for word play, Lil Wayne for clever metaphors, Drake for outstanding self expression and eloquence Nas and J.Cole for impeccable story telling.. *What would you say about South African Music versus West African Music?*

They have taken matters into their own hands especially WA, which is commendable. Let’s explore more and help the young ones. *How do you help in curbing use of narcotics, alcohol and sexual abuse?* I do all I can whenever I can, it is a social intelligence issue, SHOW them how to behave, do not TELL THEM HOW TO BEHAVE. *How do you manage to keep your physique looking so good and well-toned?* Gym. Cardio. Weights. Less bread, Less Sugar *Which companies are you endorsed by?* Urban Soul, chain Hip hop Clothing Store. *What are some of your favorite quotes?* I have coined a lot of them, some of which being "As long as I know God I will always be okay" Own Race, Own Pace *What advice do you have for our fellow Kenyan Deejays?* Africans let’s explore the Continent, lets iintertwine, lets keep the money in Africa. *Any Last Words?*

My last words will be the last thing I say just before I die in slow motion with a building exploding behind me, and it will probably be something sarcastic or I will be making fun of someone and laughing at my own joke.

Twitter: @Onizee Instagram: onizeedj Facebook: Oneal Zibanani Madumo "I am every investors unknown YET secret ingredient" Twitter: @Onizee Instagram: onizeedj Facebook: Oneal Zibanani Madumo "I am every investors unknown YET secret ingredient"