"DJ Prince: Breaking barriers in the maskandi music scene

At just 26, Sixolile Sotashe, known on stage as DJ Prince, is making history in Cape Town’s music scene.

Once a taxi conductor and driver, Prince has become the first DJ in the province to perform an entire set of maskandi music in local grooves - bringing a genre often considered “old-fashioned” to modern dance floors.

Prince’s stage name has roots in his teenage years, when he earned the nickname Prince while playing football. His journey through music has been just as dynamic-starting with gqom, transitioning to hip-hop, and eventually discovering his true passion, maskandi. 

“When I started playing maskandi, I used to mix it with afro pop to build momentum,” he explains. “People weren’t really interested in the genre at the time, especially in the groove scene. I wanted to make it exciting-to show how maskandi can live on the dance floor.”

Now focused on producing maskandi full-time, Prince says his love for the genre developed during his time as a taxi conductor.

“In the taxi industry, maskandi was the soundtrack of every day,” he said.

“But back then, it was seen as outdated-something for uneducated people. I wanted to change that perception.”

In 2022, Prince made his boldest move, performing a full maskandi set in a Cape Town groove. What started with rejection soon turned into admiration.

“At first, people didn’t understand what I was doing,” he said, adding that he didn't let it stop him.

"When you bring something new, it takes time for people to get it. I knew that if I stayed consistent and worked hard, the results would come.”

That persistence paid off. Today, DJ Prince is credited with making maskandi mainstream in places where it had never been played before. His performances not only entertain but also educate audiences about the beauty of our tradition and customs through music.

Prince and his team are currently working on two projects-a new maskandi single and a concept titled Pretty Girls love maskandi.

He said: “Everything I do now will be maskandi-related. I want to take the genre further and make sure it gets the respect it deserves.”

Behind the decks, Prince remains grounded. He holds a sports fitness diploma  from Northlink College and describes himself as “straightforward, kind, and hardworking.” His path hasn’t been easy-from conducting taxis in Milnerton while attending school in Mitchells Plain, to studying by day and performing at night.

“My mother didn’t know I was a conductor at first,” he said.

“When she found out, she stopped me immediately. But those experiences shaped who I am.”

Despite early doubts from his family about pursuing music, Prince stayed committed to his dream.

“My mom didn’t see DJing as a career-she wanted me to focus on school. I went to college mostly to please her, but music was always in my heart.”

Now, with growing recognition and respect in the local music scene, DJ Prince is not only performing - he’s redefining maskandi for a new generation.

“I have played my part in putting maskandi on the map. It’s time the world sees that this music is ours - proudly South African, full of rhythm, soul, and story.”