GQ Chats to Zimbabwe’s Award-Winning - DJ Yugoe
Born in the small town of Plumtree, Zimbabwe, DJ Yugoe (Dumisani Magalane) recalls hanging around his father's' radio repair shop as a child aged 7, he would play around the shop listening to the different types of music his father used to play while working.
As he transitioned into his teenage hood, his passion for music evolved into something much more than he expected.
He would spend his free time recording music from radio stations and playing around with what he would have recorded. This sparked his now career as a DJ and music producer.
The award-winning DJ and Producer, who is known for blending Afro House, Afro Tech and Amapiano, has cemented his name in the music industry through playing at some of the leading entertainment and lifestyle platforms.
These include Garden of House, Kalawa Home Coming, Toropo Ya Muka Festival, Club Fairmount, HeadSpace and Sanganai Music Festival.
DJ Yugoe has shared the stage with some prominent African giants such as DJ Fresh, Black Motion, Oskido and Kabza De Small.
He has played in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Namibia and Botswana, and hopes to start touring the rest of the continent and the world at large, soon.
With 15 years of experience, he has worked with some of the leading vocalists and talents such as Thandy Dylan, Msiz’ Kay, Mzoe 7, Skaiva, Hwabaraty, Vuyo Brown, and enjoys connecting and creating memories through music.
His music is characterised by percussive and euphoric sounds that connect deeply with audiences.
Beyond music, DJ Yugoe is passionate about community development, cementing his role as a brand with a purpose.
Dj Yugoe was born in a family of 9 and went on to pursue his primary and high school education in his home town, at Dingumuzi and Phakamani schools, where he indicates that he gained a lot of experiences that shaped who he is today.
His fondest memory as a child was having to dj at his sister's 19th birthday celebration.
“ I was 15 years old when I deejayed at my sister's birthday party. It stands out because I believe this experience was a stepping ladder to my career.
As a child from a close-knit family, what I hold dearly about family is the sense of belonging. I cherish the love we have for each other.”
GQ: Take us back to your first AHA moment that introduced you to music?
DJ Yugoe: My first AHA moment with music was during a set at a local joint in my hometown.
It was my first time using CDJs at an event, and I couldn’t believe how I had gained the skill and knowledge of using CDJs.
I found myself moving to the beat, with the crowd on their toes. With that experience I said to myself, Bro you got this, now it’s time to push yourself up.
GQ: What is your biggest highlight so far regarding your music career?
DJ Yugoe: My biggest highlight so far was performing my single Khazimula at The PiChani 2024.
Khazimula was the theme song for The PiChani 2024 edition, and it’s a song from my EP titled Healer, which was released in October 2024.
It was a great honour to perform for so many influential people in the arts sector. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity.
GQ: What have you learnt about the music industry that you wish you had known from when you started?
DJ Yugoe: One thing I have learnt is that talent on its own is not enough. One has to build relationships and a network.
I love my space and by that, I sometimes prefer to be alone, but because of my craft, I have to attend events even when I am not playing and this has helped me create connections that have put me in places I never imagined.
I also learnt that collaborating with other artists can sometimes be a major influence.
GQ: What are some of the challenges you face as an individual working in the music business?
DJ Yugoe: The major challenges I face are adapting to the changing trends and limited resources to showcase my work.
Despite these challenges, I have learnt to navigate through the system, to be consistent and to keep my head up. I take these ups and downs as a stepping stone.
GQ: What is your dream collaboration and why?
DJ Yugoe: My dream collaboration would be with Lizwi SA. She has such a powerful voice and I believe that we could have a killer track together.
GQ: If you were not in the business of music, what would you be doing and why?
DJ Yugoe: If I were not in the music business, I would be focused on streetwear. Owning a label would allow me to express my love for fashion and music in the creative industry. I believe fashion is also a powerful way of expressing art and culture.
GQ: What do you hold dearly that keeps you going, and why?
DJ Yugoe: What I hold dearly is the growing passion of creating and connecting with the audience.
I also hold dearly the experiences I have had in the past which have helped me pull through.
Because of that I have managed to sail through and be where I am today, maybe if it was not for these experiences I could have given up.
GQ: Looking back, what would you say to your younger self?
DJ Yugoe: I would tell my younger self to be prepared for the unknown, never give up and be yourself. It is all possible, but the road is not easy.
GQ: What does the future look like for DJ Yugoe?
DJ Yugoe: Growth through collaborating with other creatives, creating more networking opportunities, pushing more of my music and maybe launching a clothing line.
Written by Gilmore Tee