DJ Roxxi - Biography, Career, Songs and Awards

Deshnie Govender, widely recognized by her stage name DJ Roxxi, was born on April 5, 1985. She is a South African Indian creator, influencer, DJ, and record producer who has made a significant impact in the South African music scene. DJ Roxxi broke new ground in 2004 when she made her debut as one of the first South African Indian female DJs and producers, paving the way for greater diversity in the industry. Her talent and contributions to the music scene were acknowledged on an international level when she won a Global Spin Award in 2011, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the DJ and music production world.

Early Life

Deshnie Govender, known as DJ Roxxi, was born on April 5, 1985, in Isipingo, Durban, South Africa, to a family of Indian descent. She spent her early years in Isipingo before moving to Amanzimtoti on the South Coast of Durban. Although Roxxi had aspirations of pursuing a music career immediately after high school, societal expectations within her Indian community led her to choose a more traditional path first. She enrolled at Natal University to study for an LL.B. (law) degree, with a focus on journalism in her second year. However, by the end of 2003, Roxxi made the bold decision to drop out of her studies. It was during this break that she discovered her true passion for music while working part-time at her mother's nightclub in Amanzimtoti. This experience sparked her interest in DJing and set the stage for her future career in the South African music scene.

Career

During her first year at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, DJ Roxxi, faced a significant turning point when she left her LLB studies following her father's passing. She stepped into the family liquor business and found an outlet for her childhood interest in DJing, especially remix tracks, when her mother purchased a nightclub.

After spending two years mastering R&B and Bhangra music, Roxxi's career began to gain momentum, particularly after a radio interview that increased her visibility. Her music style evolved from Bhangra to house, aiming to reach a wider audience. Her belief in the power of good music led to her growing popularity, eventually leading her to headline major gigs for 5FM. A key moment in her career came in 2009 when she headlined the 5FM Vodacom Durban July after-party and toured with the Rage Fest in Umhlanga, performing alongside notable artists.

That same year, Roxxi collaborated with Nic Billington to release her debut single "Away," featuring Billington on vocals and produced by Craig Massiv of Flash Republic. Her success was further cemented in November 2012 when she was recognized as the Best DJ in Africa at the first Global Spin Awards held in New York, an event often referred to as the "DJ Grammys."

In 2014, Roxxi released the single "Musica Na Alma," featuring Weza Solange, Lection, and Beatmachine. The following year, she worked with artists Nadia Nakai, Reason, and Yung Swiss to produce the single "Like Whoo." 

In 2020, Roxxi expanded her influence by launching a podcast called *Influence Insider,* produced by Digi Hype. By 2015, she had transitioned into digital marketing, working as the head of Channel of Influence at ABinBev Draftline. Currently, she heads up marketing for TikTok in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Awards

2006: Cosmopolitan Magazine Awesome Women Awards

2007: Standard Bank Women of KZN Rising Star

2011: Global Spin Awards

Songs

2014 - On The Roxx

2014 - Musica Na Alma

2015 - Like Whoo!