Bataung Moeketsi
HIP-HOP DJ and radio host, DJ Trybs, is determined to elevate the country’s hip-hop industry to newer heights one spin at a time.
The National University of Lesotho (NUL) Electronics Engineering graduate’s unrelenting over the past four years has earned him billboard placements across the country as he continuously graces numerous big stages. In the process, he has earned himself a Cuban Linx residency.
Born Thabelang Masuoane, DJ Trybs grew up in Khubetsoana before moving to Butha-Buthe after completing Grade 7 at Unity English Medium. He is the youngest of three in a single-parent household led by his mother.
In an interview with the Xpress People, DJ Trybs spoke of his transformation from an A student into becoming one of Lesotho’s top DJs.
He says he has been “geek” most of his life and found solace in reading books while excelling in his studies.
“I was a nerd, was in the science club and would participate in science exhibitions,” DJ Trybs said.
“I only became a DJ in university from 2014 having started off as a rapper in high school.
“I started rapping when I was in grade 11 and became part of a clique called I&I Entertainment with the likes of Bible Verse, Sadon, Malome Vector and Boshoa Botšoere.”
His love for hip-hop was stifled by a decline in conscious rap due to the rise of the trap sub-genre around 2016, which led to him finding an alternative outlet.
“I sort of lost my element but I still loved music and hip-hop, so my outlet became the turntables since that allowed me to play the music that I wanted as opposed to making it.”
He attributes his consistency as a DJ and love for the craft to his rise while also working as a network engineer at a local telecommunications company and manning his Sky Alpha HD show, The Kartel.
With a tight schedule revolving around his 9am to 5pm job, DJ Trybs allocates Mondays to updating his schedule and reviewing upcoming gigs while on Tuesdays after work he creates mixes for his radio show.
“I must do something that benefits my craft daily. Dedication and commitment are some of the reasons for which I have risen so quickly.
“From the first time I stepped onto the stage at Black Affluence in December 2016 up to date, I have always delivered my best. I have always dug deep from my soul.”
Last year, he performed at some of the biggest shows in the country including Pop Bottles at Afriski, Summer Shakedown and Regal’s The Resolution on New Years Eve.
DJ Trybs says promoters’ unwillingness to pay, lack of government support for the entertainment sector and Maseru’s small audience are some of the setbacks that he has faced in his career.
While his day job restricts him from branching outside the country’s borders, he insists that if artistes were to travel to the country’s districts more, they would soon realise the love they enjoy across the country.
“I am one of the best DJs this side. Numbers don’t lie and according to my bookings for the past three years, I have been the highest booked DJ in Lesotho.
“I have a vision of placing the hip-hop industry here at home on a higher platform,” DJ Trybs said.
Only time will tell whether he will be able to achieve this feat but, in the meantime, DJ Trybs promises his followers new mixes and music. He also hopes to host a battle between himself, TenOver10 and Mura before the end of the Coronavirus induced lockdown.