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Deshnie Govender (born 5 April 1985), also known as DJ Roxxi, is a South African Indian creator, influencer, DJ, and record producer.[1][2][3]
Deshnie Govender | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Deshnie Govender |
| Born | 5 April 1985 Durban, South Africa |
| Origin | Durban |
| Genres | electro house, hip hop |
| Occupations | DJ, songwriter, actress, Social media personality,
|
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Labels | Independent |
| Website | thatdesh |
Govender made her debut in the South African music scene in 2004 as one of the first South African Indian female Djs and producers and went on to win a Global Spin Award in 2011.[1][4]
Deshnie Govender was born in Isipingo, Durban, South Africa to a family of Indian descent. She spent her childhood in Isipingo and then moved to Amanzimtoti on the South Coast of Durban.[5]
Although Roxxi first planned to embark on a music career straight after high school, she ultimately chose to attend secondary education first, as it was frowned upon in the Indian community for a young girl to become a club DJ. Roxxi enrolled in Natal University to study towards an LL.B. (law) Degree, studying journalism in her second year.[2] Towards the end of 2003, Roxxi dropped out of her course. During this break she discovered her musical talents while working part-time at her mother's nightclub in Amanzimtoti.[5][6]
During her first year at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Govender left her LLB studies due to her father's demise and stepped into the family liquor business.[7] Her childhood interest in DJing, particularly remix tracks, found an outlet when her mother bought a nightclub.[7]
After a two-year stint mastering R&B and Bhangra music, her career gained momentum through a radio interview.[7] Her music style evolved from Bhangra to house, to expand to wider audiences.[7]
Following her belief in the power of good music, Govender's popularity grew, and she started headlining some of 5FM's major gigs.[7] Her career peaked in 2009 when she headlined the 5FM Vodacom Durban July after-party and toured with the Rage Fest in Umhlanga, performing alongside notable artists.[7][8][9]
In 2009, Govender teamed with Nic Billington to release her debut single "Away".[10][11] The track features Nic Billington on vocals and was produced by Craig Massiv from Flash Republic fame.[5]
In November 2012, at the first Global Spin Awards held in New York, Govender was recognized as the Best DJ in the Africa category.[12][8] Global Spin Awards are known as the DJ Grammys.[8]
In 2014, Govender released a new single 'Musica Na Alma' featuring Weza Solange, Lection and Beatmachine.[13]
In 2015, Govender worked with artists Nadia Nakai, Reason, and Yung Swiss to produce the single "Like Whoo".[14]
In 2020 Govender released a podcast, Influence Insider, which was produced by Digi Hype.[15]
Govender transitioned into digital marketing in 2015 and now works for TikTok, heading up marketing for Sub-Saharan Africa.[4] She previously worked as the head of Channel of Influence at ABinBev Draftline.[1]
Debut single
In 2009, DJ Roxxi decided to embark on a new venture. She teamed up with a longtime friend and fellow artist Nic Billington and penned a track entitled "Away".[16] The track features Nic Billington on vocals and was produced by Craig Massiv of Flash Republic fame.[5]
- 2006: Cosmopolitan Magazine Awesome Women Awards[5][6]
- 2007: Standard Bank Women of KZN Rising Star[7]
- 2011: Global Spin Awards[11]
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