DJ Jonnas grew up in Eldorado Park, and started to DJ back in 2006, whilst still being a major fan of mixed compilations by other DJs’ in South Africa.
How did you get started, and what has led up to where you are today as an artist?
I started to DJ back in 2006, whilst still being a major fan of mixed compilations by other DJ in South Africa, some of the compilations I used to listen to was: A Journey Through Guidance Mixed By Iggy Small, Phezulu Selections mixed by DJ China, others would be compilations by Vinny Da Vinci (House Afrika Records, as well the compilations mixed by various DJs on Soul Candi. After listening to these compilations, I was inspired to learn how to DJ, I was also blessed to become friends with some underground DJs from HaunTed HouSe who helped me learn how to mix, these DJs’ would be Kci, Brett, Barlow, Keagan, Koeks
I was a resident DJ on a local S.A radio show on Eden FM as well as The Show – Dancing Booth Radio, an online radio station, based in Puerto Rico. He contributed mixes from 2018 – 2021… I took this passion for house music even further when i started to produce got signed to Austrian label Visiomind Records. I released 6 EPs’ from 2017 – 2020. In 2021 i released one EP simply titled Instincts on another label: Nova Music Group in 2021, he also self-released 2 singles Chord Minimal & Funked…In That same year
Step Into 2022, he started his own label: Digital Divide Records with the aim of growing the label, as well as learning the complex, business side of the music industry. He has since signed 8 artists talented artists to the label: Adam Jesse-Harmony Mills, Aquarius, Endjour, FrankNoMore, K-Elements, KRU-SIDE, SizBlack, Teddy M…
Who do you feel has influenced your sound the most?
Well the influencers/inspirations would come from
Frank Roger, Jimpster, Kerri Chandler, Fred Everything, Opollopo, Shur-I-kan, Milton Jackson, Andre Lodemann, Keymist, the artists signed to my label & many other DJs’ & Producers
What do you feel sets you apart from other artists and gives you your own sound?
Well I hardly ever make use of samples, not that I have a problem with making use of samples. I prefer to create my tracks from scratch, or rather I try to stick to the word “original” as much as possible
What has been your biggest challenge and what do you feel you have learned from it?
Well the biggest challenge right now would be running my own label, andearning the intricacies about the business side of things such as advertising, marketing, PR etc and being considerate of the artists signed to my label
Tell us about your latest project, what have you got going on at the moment?
Well my latest single is being released in August. It took me nearly 9 months to create this track, I took my time with this track and did not want to rush to finish the track, as compared to my previous releases
What advice would you give to anyone new coming into the industry?
Maintain a positive attitude
Have faith & believe in your ability to reach your goals
Associate with people who share the same passion & interests as you
Is there anyone you’d like to thank for getting you to where you are now, anyone you’d like to give a shout-out to?
Well that would be God first, my family & friends Giorgio & the staff @ Beatrising Distribution, Alexander @ Nova Music Group, Alex & Andre @ Visiomind Records Judith & Charlie @ Dancing Booth Radio, Keymist, HaunTed HouSe, DJ Koeks & to anyone who downloads/streams my music or mixes, and to anyone who likes/follows my pages on social media.
How can fans find you?
They can find me on social media or drop me an email