Talented DJ, radio host, and creative entrepreneur Faith Makubung, popularly known as DJ Fae Fae, is not just spinning decks; she’s shifting the culture.
As the host of YFM’s “All Girls On Deck” (AGOD), Makubung has created a powerful platform dedicated to amplifying female DJs in an industry that still often questions their credibility.
Now back for another radio season, speaking to IOL, she reflected on growth, purpose, and why the movement is bigger than just music.
“People are constantly trying to say female DJs in South Africa are just showing off their bodies… but when they come to my show, they actually hear these girls playing,” she said.
From its inception, AGOD has always been rooted in intention. While the concept of a mix show wasn’t originally exclusive to women, as the show evolved, a choice was made to centre female DJs.
“I wanted to open up the opportunity because there are so many female DJs who deserve the platform,” she explains.
That decision has paid off. What started as a late-night mix show has grown into a recognised space where women DJs of all ages and backgrounds can showcase their talent.
“It’s not age-restricted. You can be 40 and still come in and play an epic set,” she added.
But for Makubung, radio is just the beginning. She has her sights set on taking AGOD beyond the airwaves and into real-life experiences.
“We want South Africa to see these DJs live, not just judge them from social media clips.”
Off-air, Makubung is just as intentional about her growth. Currently studying music production, she is determined to fully understand the craft before releasing her own music.
“If I’m going to release music, I need to understand what I’m releasing,” she said.
“I don’t want to be in a position where people take advantage of me because I don’t know the business.”
Her decision to further her studies was driven by a desire for independence and ownership, a theme that runs consistently throughout her career.
“I’m the only girl in my class, and I’m there to prove I deserve to be there,” she adds.
Beyond music, Makubung is also building a business in the beauty space, specialising in wig-making, another example of her forward-thinking approach to sustainability in the entertainment industry.
“I’m not going to be on stage forever. I had to think about how I make money beyond DJing,” she explained.
While she is already taking orders, she’s intentionally holding back on a full launch until everything meets her standards.
“I’m not about to launch something half-done. I want it to be perfect.”
Balancing multiple ventures requires discipline, something she admits doesn’t come without effort.
“I write everything down and prioritise, and I’ve had to learn how to say no.”
For Makubung, success is not defined by external validation but by personal goals and manifestation.
“Success is looking at my vision board and realising I actually achieved those things,” she shares.
“I’m big on manifestation. You have to see it, think about it, live it.”
With “All Girls On Deck” continuing to grow and her personal brand expanding across industries, one thing is clear: DJ Fae Fae is not just creating opportunities for herself, but for an entire generation of women in music.
“The girls want to prove everybody wrong, and we’re going to continue to dominate,” she says.
IOL
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