They say it takes a village to raise a child, and for rising Amapiano DJ Dench, this sentiment rings true. Born Sandile Masondo, the talented DJ from Newcastle, KZN, credits his community and mentor Kabza De Small for shaping his musical journey and deep love for the genre.
Growing up in a township with limited resources, DJ Dench recalls how music became the foundation of unity and joy in his neighborhood. Despite the hardships, the kasi spirit of togetherness fueled his passion for music, leading him to embrace DJing as a way to connect with others.
“As a community, we didn’t have much, but we had each other. That translated to gatherings and enjoying music, no matter where you were. DJs like Tira and Big Nuz used to visit with new tunes, enriching my musical education,” he shared.
Dench’s journey took a significant turn when he crossed paths with Kabza De Small, the pioneer of Amapiano. As his protégé, DJ Dench has had the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the industry.
“Kabza inspires. I’m captivated by his work and creative process. I aspire to contribute to Amapiano’s legacy, pushing the genre’s boundaries and venturing into related projects or beyond,” he said.
Collaborating with various artists has helped DJ Dench hone his skills and develop his signature sound. He credits his time working alongside vocalists, producers, and fellow DJs for broadening his musical understanding.
“Everyone had unique talents and personalities. I absorbed what I could from them, moulding these insights into something distinctively my own,” he reflected.
His recent track, Spoono, has been well received, resonating with audiences for its emotional depth and authenticity.
“No shortcuts, just direct feeling. It captures the emotion of loving someone, expressed through music. Creating it reaffirmed my love for soulful music, always aiming for strong relatable messages,” he explained.
As DJ Dench continues to rise in the Amapiano scene, he remains grounded in his roots, expressing gratitude to his kasi upbringing and the community that nurtured him. With his mentor Kabza De Small guiding him and his unwavering dedication to music, DJ Dench is poised to make a lasting impact in the genre.
