DJ Stavo rising to stardom

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CHOOSING a career often generates conflict between talent and passion, with parental influence also coming into play.

CHOOSING a career often generates conflict between talent and passion, with parental influence also coming into play.

Report by Silence Charumbira

  Steven Sanders, now popularly known as DJ Stavo (pictured), simply  followed the dream of his heart.

  He used to torment opponents in the midfield while playing for Chrome Stars in 1998 and later Midlands Cables in the first division and looked set for a brilliant soccer career.

  Today, DJ Stavo, who runs Golden Mile Motel and King Solomon’s Night Club in Kwekwe, stands behind the decks, entertaining revellers in night clubs and pubs around the country.

  His passion for music has seen him collaborating with Ex Q and Roki for a single titled Sweet Love.

  He recently released a beautiful video for the single, which — in less than a month — has caused ripples on the local scene.

  “I have always taken music as a hobby, but I just decided to take it seriously for some time and that is how it all began,” said DJ Stavo.

  “Of course I could have made a career out of soccer but it is just a decision that I made and it is working out. To say I had a serious reason to leave soccer would be a lie. I have been a disc jockey since 1999 but I just recently upped my game and have had gigs in Mutare and Victoria Falls and the response has been good.”

  Filmed in the basement at Joina City, the video features Roki, Ex Q, Melody Musekiwa, Tariro Chadzeka, who used to dance for Beverly Sibanda and Zoey Sifelani, and a few other beauties.

  On the video, the characters appear with a posh car, with Roki and another girl on roller skates.

  The spectacular setting is complemented by the artists’ classy yet simple costume.

  Not to be outdone is the picture quality that is next to none.  “If anyone is serious about raising the standards of local videos, then they should start by developing a concept,” said DJ Stavo.

  “Everything else comes after a concept and of course hard work. We took a week to shoot the video and sometimes we worked for 12 hours without a break.”

  He said the video caught the attention of Botswana’s Simple Night and Zeus, who have indicated an interest to do a remix.

  DJ Stavo recently got a slot at Star FM, where he plays on Fridays on the “All style party”, where he says the response has been pleasing.

 

DJ Stavo working on debut album

Born in a family of three, the artist grew up in Kwekwe and is married to Kudzai with whom he has two kids, Shaun and Jamie.

  His speciality is in urban grooves, R ‘n’ B and hip hop, but says he is comfortable working on other genres like Dancehall.

  “I am now working towards the release of my debut album, which will be on the market before the end of the year,” he said. “I am taking my time because the aim is just to keep improving standards.”