When I arrive at Durban’s Royal Hotel, DJ Happy Gal is sitting waiting for me in the corner of their coffee shop. Her yellow and red cropped hair and her tight black rock star outfit is at odds with the former glory that was the Royal Hotel.
The Royal was a star on the Durban hotel circuit and that coffee shop back in the day was the meeting place for all the glamorous Berea baronesses and famous thespians, The Playhouse being next door.
Now the place is forlorn, a bit mothbally and in dire need of a cheerful revamp. DJ Happy Gal’s positive energy and sexy attitude would have just added to the glamorous atmosphere of the Royal’s bygone era.
“I have this thing about being on time,” she smiles. “Have you eaten? Please get something to drink.” We are meeting because her single Wa-Unene is a big hit in KZN and its success is about to spread nationwide. She has left the debacle that is Mbongeni Ngema’s KZN Music House and joined Universal Music. She declines to comment on this bar from saying they did not do much with her debut album, First Offering. It is rather amazing that more than two decades after the Sarafina/Aids controversy, the government is still giving Ngema millions and millions of rands.
Referring to her deal with Universal Music, she says: “They signed me because I am unique and I am also one of the few female DJs.”
The track Wa-Unene is produced by Mondli Ngcobo who she believes is “the best producer in Durban”. His list of customers includes Black Coffee and Zakes Bantwini.
The track features male and female vocalists. “The song is about my life. It’s about how I don’t want to be hurt any more. I want someone who will understand me.”
She says it is difficult trying to have a relationship in her chosen industry. However, since she was young she always wanted to be a DJ.
“I grew up in Empangeni and there was no option there. However, when I went to DUT to study Human Resources I got into it and became the first female DJ on that campus. Then in 2010, through all my jobs I received via the World Cup, DJ Happy Gal was born. I was everywhere.”
After receiving her diploma she became a full-time DJ.
Her first paying gig was for the notoriously dodgy Mpisane couple, Shaun and Sbu.
Four years later she is working on her second album which she plans to release through Universal Music early next year.
She also believes that her image is integral to her career. “My image is unique. It’s new and fresh. They will always notice me because of my image. I like being beautiful and wearing unique stuff.”
Her aim with her new album is to go national. While she is known in her home province and is much loved by Ukhozi and Gagasi FM, she believes it is time to stretch her wings. She has played Berlin as well as Botswana.
But her plans also include other ventures. “I want to go national with my DJing. I also want to have my own clothing range, shoes and jewellery. But right now I want to work so that my album is out by Easter next year.”