Celebrating Women With South Africa's Queen Of Club's - Lady Lea

Exclusive Interview With Lady Lea

"A lot of woman lack confidence and independence so they need to be reminded just how powerful they really are"

The founder of Divas on Decks, Lady Lea is an icon in the local music scene. Passionate about making music, Lady Lea has been in the music and DJ industry for 17 years. Lady Lea, now playing on CD players, vinyl and laptop, started DJing at the young age of 14. Since then, Lady Lea has been DJing around the world at various clubs, parties, raves, corporate events, fashion shows, festivals, parades, and sports games. Lady Lea is now rated the top female DJ in South Africa and is currently also rated # 368 in the world by the international DJ Mag voting poll.

On the 1st of March 1999, Lady Lea opened a record shop in Pretoria, called Flipside Records, which really became a much loved addition to the Pretoria music and DJ community. After that Lea successfully made the brand into a recording studio and record label, Flipside Recordings, and was soon producing her own music and recording her own albums.

One of Lady Lea’s dreams is to inspire people to do what they are passionate about and in 2009 Lea launched a female DJ agency called Divas on Decks, which main aims are to promote young, up and coming female DJ’s in a big way, help them grow as artists and reach their full potential and their dreams. Originally Lea was part of a group with 3 female DJs called Divas on Decks. Since Lea was the only Diva from the group still DJing full time, she decided to revive the brand and start the Divas on Decks agency, which now represents some of the best South African female DJs in South Africa and around the world.

How are you doing?

I’m great thank you. Getting ready for silly season to hit. ;)

1.     Tell us a little more about who you are and how you found yourself in Music.

I have been djing for 20 years so far, and also doing a lot of other work in the music industry such as events, Divas on Decks (female dj agency) ,  Beat Boutique record label etc. I always loved music since I was a little child, and I also loved the entertainment industry so it all just fell into place when I started djing.

2.     How easy was it to for you to break into a male dominated field. Did you feel you had to work much harder to gain any form of recognition because of being a female?

No, I think it was probably easier for me as a woman because people didn’t often see female djs so they definitely noticed me. That didn’t mean I could get away being a bad dj though… I still had to prove myself that I could live up to or even better the male djs performances.

 

3.     Female DJ are rare. The numbers of Female DJs internationally are increasing but in South Africa there aren’t many why is this?

There actually are a lot of female djs in SA. Most still up n coming but a lot of them are getting there quickly. Look out for them!

4.     In your opinion what are some of the major challenges which females in the music industry still face?

I think the hardest part of being a female dj is probably when you decide to have a baby. Obviously the woman carries the baby and also is the primary care taker so last nights and traveling can become hard, but it is doable.

5.     How is important is women empowerment not only in music but also in every career?

Its very important. A lot of woman lack confidence and independence so they need to be reminded just how powerful they really are.

6.     You are what we would call an Icon in South Africa’s dance scene, what has been some of the highlights of your journey.

Thank you! Wow I have played at so many top SA clubs, events and festivals. Also internationally I have played at the German Love Parade and in Ibiza, UK, Holland and many African Countries. I love to travel, meet new people and play to new dancefloors… But playing in SA is always awesome because I know the SA vibe and everyone is like one big family.

7.     What are some major traits women need to live by

Be strong and independent. Do what you love and make your own money. Be unique.

8.     Who are some female icons you look up to? 

Pink, Oprah, Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, Maya Jane Coles and many many more

9.     With large-scale festivals like Ultra officially taking over South Africa, how do you see the landscape changing?        

     

Festivals have been around in SA for many many years, they were previously called Raves. So actually I don’t think much will change. More people will go to the events, more people will love the music and the industry will grow.

                       

Do you have any last messages and words of advice for the ladies out there?

Yes … love yourself, be the best you can be and never accept anything less that what you really deserve. Dream big and never give up on your passion.

Connect with Lady Lea:

•  www.ladylea.co.za 
•  Facebook 
•  Twitter