American DJ takes over SA with residency at posh eatery

American DJ and artist, DJ Icon, is ready to take over South Africa with a limited residency performance at the posh Just Badela restaurant in Midrand this coming week.

The Mississippi-born DJ will become a prominent figure between Thursdays and Mondays at the Midrand establishment until after the elections on May 29.

DJ Icon, real name, James Bennet, said he was looking forward to performing for his Soweto fans as the next house music DJ at the one of the Joburg’s elite food establishment.

“It is really is awesome that South Africa is a great country that attracts people from the different parts of the world,” the DJ said.

DJ Icon said he decided to leave his country of birth to follow his passion and chose South Africa to be his next stop because the “people and the food there are just great”.

He said after visiting South Africa more than five times, he fell in love with the country and decided to move here permanently to pursue his passion to become one of the top DJs Mzansi has to offer.

Even though he is a qualified dentist, he has always been a music fan.

“I used to listen to my dad’s jazz, funk, and soul records and was there when hip hop became popular. I loved hip hop and was into it and only later got introduced to house music in the military and college,” he added.

Founder of the establishment, Dumile Badela, said he was looking forward to hosting the American DJ, adding that part of the restaurant’s vision is to be a mecca for entertainment.

“As Just Badela Restaurant, we are not only serious about food and beverages but about excited on behalf of our patrons that we have identified a rare talent in DJ Icon from the US who now has settled in South Africa. As a personality, that would add value and excitement in our brand. We are equally excited about the new vibe and weave that has already started every Saturday and Sunday at Just Badela Midrand in Blue Hills shopping centre,” Badela said.

The Star

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za