DJ Fresh (South African DJ) - Life, Career and Albums

Fortune Samuel | July 25, 2024 | Biography | No Comments

Thato Sikwane, born on October 15, 1972, and popularly known as DJ Fresh, is a Motswana disk jockey, producer, and entrepreneur residing in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is particularly famous for his work on 5FM and Metro FM. During the 1990s, Sikwane gained prominence as a host on the YFM radio station in Johannesburg. He also released a series of South African house music compilations, commonly known as "Fresh House Flava," with various volumes being produced over the years.

Life and Career

Thato Sikwane, better known as DJ Fresh, developed an interest in deejaying while in Botswana before moving to South Africa in 1994 to pursue his studies. He earned a Media Studies diploma from Boston Media House in Johannesburg. During his third year, he started working at YFM and spent eight years at the station. He then moved to 5FM, hosting the popular "Drive Time" slot for over a decade before transitioning to Metro FM in 2017. At Metro FM, his "Fresh Breakfast Show" became a favorite among listeners. However, in August 2019, he was dismissed from Metro FM after a listener complained to the BCCSA about strong language he used during a live broadcast. Fresh then took over 947's Drive Time show but was also fired following rape accusations.

Apart from his radio career, DJ Fresh has appeared on television shows like Idols SA, SA's Got Talent, and Tropika Island of Treasure SA as a guest judge. In 2002, he married Thabiso Sikwane, and they have three children together. The couple separated in 2020 and began the divorce process.

In 2022, Sikwane co-founded a record label called Domboshaba Records with Zimbabwean producer/DJ Tich Ponde, known as Shona SA, focusing on Afro House music. Together, they formed the Domboshaba Duo and released an album titled "The Beginning" in October 2022, featuring artists like Rock’itMan, Nomvula SA, and Audius. In 2023, DJ Fresh released his studio album "Voices of Hope 2," which includes 13 tracks and features artists such as Shona SA, Gouveia, TorQue MuziQ, Starr, Bongiwe Indlovukazi, Mazet SA, Sazi Cele, and Thabiso Sikwane.