South African hip hop DJ DJ Zan-D responded to criticism on the social media platform X during a discussion about the role DJs play in promoting music. The exchange followed a post in which the DJ reflected on how music discovery worked before streaming platforms became dominant.
In his initial post, Zan-D wrote: “Before streaming and playlists, DJs were the algorithm. They decided what the streets heard.” He added that DJs in other genres still operate in a similar way today, writing: “Piano and House DJs still do that and it works so well for the said genres.”
His comments drew responses from some users who questioned the role of hip hop DJs in identifying and promoting new music. One X user replied: “Then when we say SA Hip Hop DJ’s are the problem yall make it seem as if we bashing yall.”
The commenter continued by comparing hip hop DJs to their counterparts in other genres, stating: “That time y’all ain’t even doing your job like the rest of your peers in other genres.” The user also referenced the historical role of DJs in the music industry, writing: “Back then DJ’s used to be thee A&Rs now y’all can’t even tell us what’s the latest heat in the streets.”
Zan-D responded with a detailed reply addressing the criticism and referencing his own role in promoting South African hip hop music.
He began by stating: “I’ll take it this is not about me but I’ll say this.” He then added: “By the time you hear those popular songs, I would have broken them already.”
In his response, Zan-D listed songs he said he helped introduce to wider audiences before they became widely known. He wrote: “The last few real SA hip hop hits were broken by me.” He then listed examples including “Kwesta + Makwa – Umguzumbani,” “Cassper – Kusho Bani,” and “Woodblock Dj’s – Skuta Baba.” He added that the examples were not limited to those songs, stating: “…list is endless.”
Zan-D also addressed the broader discussion about the role of hip hop DJs, writing: “I’m the reason many hip hop djs have jobs today.” He continued by explaining what he meant by that statement, writing: “We forced to play hip hop in corners of SA where they’ve never had hip hop play before.”
He also said the history of those efforts is known by DJs from other genres, adding: “Even House Djs will tell you my story.”
Expanding on his role in the genre, Zan-D wrote: “Forget breaking songs; I broke the whole genre.” He further stated: “I’m the first to play SA hip hop in premium clubs when other Djs found it uncomfortable.”
The DJ also referenced his experience in radio broadcasting, writing: “I had the first 100% SA Hip Hop radio show when the industry said it was not possible.”
He ended his response by indicating he would not continue the discussion, stating: “I will never entertain this conversation ever again.”
The exchange reflects an ongoing conversation online about the historical and current role of DJs in identifying and promoting music within South Africa’s hip hop scene.
