A Quick Interview With DJ Arthur Jr
March 27, 2012 by Zamani Khethelo
There’s a certain fascination most of us have with not only celebrities, but their children also. Look at how the world has suddenly shifted its focus on Whitney’s only surviving child Bobbi Kristina. We are always curious to find out if they are as talented as their parents, if the fame gene is hereditary. Will they make a mess of their lives? Repeat their parents’ mistakes or learn and grow from their parents’ careers, if they choose to also pursue a path in entertainment?
A young man who is willing to take on that pressure and follow behind his father’s legendary footsteps is DJ Arthur JR, the son of King of Kwaito Arthur Mafokate who’s trying to pave his own way in the entertainment industry.
A good friend and Just Curious resident Jade Williams managed to hook us up with an exclusive chat with the DJ, just to get know him a little better. This is how the conversation went down:
Q: U grew up in a musical family, you’ve just matriculated, has DJ’ing always been a plan or a dream – did the 999 Family have an influence?
A: Obviously my dad is in music, but I never thought I would end up there. As much as I liked it, I always thought it is one of the most difficult things to do, till one day I decided to give it a try and luckily my parents were very supportive.
Q: Aside from your 999′s influence, how has your father had an impact on you in your entertainment career and or future?
A: He is very helpful in trying to shape the artist brand that I would like to become, and with the experience he has in the industry I am very lucky to have him on my side helping me. You can imagine he has helped people like Mandoza, Chomee, Lira and many more who succeeded in this tough industry.
Q: You have an album entitled ‘Mandela’, your debut album, tell us about it, also your music genre?
A: I titled Mandela because that is the name my dad gave me as a kid and since it is a great name I had to honor it with my best album as I also hope I became a great brand in this industry. My album is mainly house music.
Q: What else are you doing besides DJ’ing?
A: I go to school, I am trying to further my studies, and the rest is just trying to help my dad whenever he needs my help in running some of the 999 duties.
Q: You are currently busy with a National DJ AJ Promo tour. There are 9 Provinces in South Africa … Is there a province we might not see u in?
A: I will definitely do all the provinces as my dad says it is very important to know all the relevant people in the industry when you begin your career.
Q: Unlike your father, who’s sustained himself for decades in the South African entertainment industry other musicians come and go like dust, aside from your father’s guidance how do u plan on sustaining yourself in the
industry?
A: I don’t want to pressurize myself but I am hoping and praying that I don’t get distracted along the way. He likes saying to me respect, discipline, hard work and perseverance will get me far in life. So I am hoping to live by his words and continue to do the best that I can, and who knows, with God’s will I might just become a legend
Q: Tell us about your future plans / dreams / ideas / DJ or artists you’d like to work with.
A: My future plans are to have my own company one day, I also dream of touring the whole world as a SA DJ. I would also like to work with people like David Guetta, Faithless, Avicii, Deadmau5 and many more including Black Coffee.
Q: Where do u see DJ Arthur Jr in 5 years time?
Continuing with his music, having one or two artists under his wing and establishing my company. Hopefully still studying and doing what I love DJing.
Q: Celebrity Crush?
A: My secret
Q: Views on Twitter (Social network)
A: Its good when used positively
Q: Favorite pastime/hobby?
A: Reading, Movies, Being with my family, Going to shows with my stable mates, Film making
Q: Favorite city in SA?
A: So far Cape Town
Q: The last thing that made you go ‘TJO’?
The things my dad is able to do that I never thought he could do including DJing.
Q: What’s hot on your iPod/MP3?
A: DJ AJ, This Day featuring Jamela
Q: When is your birthday?
A: 20th October
Q: Favorite holiday destination?
A: So far it’s been Durban
Q: Any other interesting fact you’d like to share with the nation about DJ Arthur Junior!
A: He loves fun
I wish DJ Arthur all the best for the future and may he have a long fruitful career like his father.
Those are very huge boots to fill, but I am sure that he is not trying to be his father and is trying to set his own footprint in the world. I just hope that the industry does not pressure him too much.
I literally cringed when Bobbi Kristina told Oprah that the next step is to now follow in her mother’s footsteps, take over the mantle and will be singing, dancing and acting.
I was like why are you doing that to yourself child? Why are you setting yourself up for them to deliberately wait to break you using your own mother’s legacy as a weapon?
Where in this DJ Arthur’s case I don’t get the sense of him to trying take over where his is or be him, but he just wants to carve his own path, using his father’s guidance and the wisdom he accumulated over the years.
Interview By Zamani Khethelo
(A special Thanks to Jade Williams)
LeanMachine on Tue, 27th Mar 2012 11:32 pm
Eintlik! Is it Zamani or Jade that did the interview? *confused*… Anywho! I love this young man. He seems solid and focused. Let’s just hope he doesn’t get distracted by bo “mini-Chomie”. All the best for him
RexonaABC on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 2:44 am
Ba2ng, he is so cute and focused. Let me read again.
BlindFold on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 7:32 am
Can i humbly request that he changes the stage name *what the hell is DJ Arthur Jr*?? no no no
BlindFold on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 7:34 am
@Lean Machine, please read this slowly *Just Curious resident Jade Williams managed to hook us up with an exclusive chat with the DJ*
Fluffie on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 8:03 am
Aaah wish him all the best.
He is a young cute thang *hides*
siya on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 8:27 am
He must cange the name to DJ AJ! arthur juniour doesnt sound catchy enough.
Kusihlwa on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 8:38 am
I would like to know who his mother is coz I always thought Arthur had one child until recently.
Uthando on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 8:56 am
@Kusihlwa that is all i wanna know, who is his mother Zamani and where was he all along i mean lengane ivele yavumbuka eskhaleni nje.
his very cute though fana no baba wakhe ngathi wayemphika shame. i luv this bond abanayo it kind of cute
vundlas on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 8:56 am
what happened to the lovely of abashante**Ba Kae?
vundlas on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 8:57 am
what happened to the lovely Queen of abashante**Ba Kae?
Biskiti on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 9:24 am
Thanks for the interview Zamani.
I just wish DJ AJ would develop a personality while at it. I know he is a cute kid and all that, gosh but he comes across as dry, drier than a Savannah.
Anyway, i also wish DJ AJ all that is best in the industry! The Music Industry is not for sissies you know…ok except for abo 2some. Talking of those mamas, where is Amstel? And what does Koyo do for a living, cause he clearly ain’t pulling the crowds at concerts?
Vundlies, Queen of Abashante, is now the Queen of Mbhoro/Pastor Motshoeneng’s Choir…she is now singing for some church choir on SowetoTv.
Biskiti on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 9:33 am
Bathong after writing all that essay??
Monei on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 9:47 am
i knew of arthur having two kids. girls almost the same age. oh well, all the best DJ AJ!
Biskiti on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 10:00 am
Testing 1 2, 1 2??
Anyway, as I was saying before i was rudely interrupted by technology, I wish DJ AJ would develop a personality while at it, cause baby boy is drier than a Savannah. I know he’s still a kid and all that, but haayi maan he must exude some zest for life.
I wish DJ AJ all that is best nonetheless! The Music Industry is not for sissies, even 2some has been swallowed by it. Talking of those mamas, where is Amstel? And what does Koyo do with himself, seeing that shim is not pulling crowds at concerts??
Vundlie, Queen of Abashante is now Queen of Mbhoro/MOtshoeneng’s church choir, she’s swapped the bum-jive for the happy-clappy routine. She should talk to Arthur to sign the choir to 999, maybe he can help them like he did Lira***in DJ AJ’s voice***
Miss Thang on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 10:07 am
where was this boy all this time? i thought arthur only had daughters.
Sarafina on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 10:11 am
The pouting, is that his signature look. He seems like a focused young man. lets al hope he has music talent of some sort.
Nkey.. on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 10:27 am
wish the boy all the luck.With his Dad behind surely he will do well.Shame his mom is a joke acting all spiritual behind Moporo SHM @ things that we do jus to be in public eye..
Biskiti on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 11:08 am
My comment still won’t got through, and there are no profanities in my comment
Biskiti on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 11:09 am
Before ke latlhela towel, let me try one last.
Anyway, as I was saying before i was rudely interrupted by technology, I wish DJ AJ would develop a personality while at it, cause baby boy is drier than a Savannah. I know he’s still a kid and all that, but haayi maan he must exude some zest for life.
I wish DJ AJ all that is best nonetheless! The Music Industry is not for sissies, even 2some has been swallowed by it. Talking of those mamas, where is Amstel? And what does Koyo do with himself, seeing that shim is not pulling crowds at concerts??
Vundlie, Queen of Abashante is now Queen of Mbhoro/MOtshoeneng’s church choir, she’s swapped the bum-jive for the happy-clappy routine. She should talk to Arthur to sign the choir to 999, maybe he can help them like he did Lira***in DJ AJ’s voice***
Kanti how many kids does Arthur have?
Biskiti on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 11:11 am
Haayi shem i give up!
Vundlie, Queen of Abashante is now Queen of Mbhoro/MOtshoeneng’s church choir, she’s swapped the bum-jive for the happy-clappy routine. She should talk to Arthur to sign the choir to 999, maybe he can help them like he did Lira***in DJ AJ’s voice***
Anyway, as I was saying before i was rudely interrupted by technology, I wish DJ AJ would develop a personality while at it, cause baby boy is drier than a Savannah. I know he’s still a kid and all that, but haayi maan he must exude some zest for life.
I wish DJ AJ all that is best in the industry, i hope he is talented as daddy dearest and that he makes a mark of his own! The Music Industry is not for sissies, even 2some has been swallowed by it. Talking of those mamas, where is Amstel? And what does Koyo do with himself, seeing that shim is not pulling crowds at concerts??
Biskiti on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 11:18 am
Vundlie, Queen of Abashante is now Queen of Mbhoro/MOtshoeneng’s church choir, she’s swapped the bum-jive for the happy-clappy routine. She should talk to Arthur to sign the choir to 999, maybe he can help them like he did Lira***in DJ AJ’s voice***
Biskiti on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 11:23 am
Hei ya neh…..anyway, i wish DJ AJ would develop a personality while at it. Baby boy is drier than a savannah. If he wants to succeed in the industry he must be alive maan. The music industry is not for sissies, ask 2Some. Talking of those mamas, where is Amstel? And what is Koyo doing with shimself seeing that she is not pulling crowds at concerts…..lol
Nkey o kae fela nana? who is his mother?
Wild Island on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 12:10 pm
ok nana we know gore ongwana Arthur but pls every line yahao enale my father this my father that….who is your mother? any siblings etc..thats what i wanna read about cos this we read abt nakwe oilo registara ko boston yamo sandton…so nna i wanna know more abt u not what your father is capable of doing or what he did (yes he influenced u in a good way) mara nou haretsebe legore onna kae, o how old…vital info
As someone asked la phezulu..ubuyaphi?ur still under your father’s shadow and i bet nkabe esentate wahao nkabe resa tsebe niks kawena..come on now…and hope he’s not using u to be in the lime lite again (but its the same cos le Arthur senior was going on and on abt his father the other day ko metro)..yes oood luck but now pls buwa without even being scared not mentioning him…he is Arthur and that wont change anytime soon but pls..Jade pls go back and ask him more personal info nyana..his first gig etc
Sweet soul on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 12:13 pm
Haibo guyz AJ is not Queens child, and he’s been around for a very long time he didn’t just pop up now, if any of u remembers the video song Pele pele he was there but he was a lot younger, and he’s always been busy with Arthurs dad ngamahashi.
Wild Island on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 12:39 pm
SSoul who said umtana ka Queen? cos wu mama kaOwami mos…
@Biskiti i saw her ka sunday hai ononne hore but its good to change akere..
Uthando on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 1:13 pm
@Nkey who’s AJ’s mom?????
@WI couldn’t have said it better
Biskiti on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 1:36 pm
Hello Wildy, i know change is good my doll mara ya Queen yona ke demotion ka higher grade. I guess she is more secure now, and her heart is at the right place. i just hope Mbhoro doesn’t nail her…excuse the pun.
vundlas on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 2:53 pm
Shuu Queen total transformation it wil great if thats her real calling,she was such a hottie back in the days,what can we say such is Life..
Letebele on Wed, 28th Mar 2012 5:31 pm
*smh* Bahlali kodwa nina ne?! From AJ to Chomee being a distraction to Queen being his mother to Queen being ‘nailed’ by Mbhoro! Kodwa what would life be without your comments?