Obakeng Gaailelwe, popularly known as DJ Taitha, is not your ordinary DJ. The 25-year-old artist from Moiyabana has been on a steady rise in Botswana’s music industry, defying expectations and turning dreams into reality. Known for her unique sound that fuses amapiano with acapellas and local house influences, DJ Taitha has been affectionately nicknamed Ms. Acapella by her growing fanbase. But her story is far deeper than her stage name. It is one of resilience, passion, purpose, and the unwavering belief that no matter where you come from, your dreams are valid.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be a celebrity,” Taitha says with a laugh, reflecting on her childhood. “I didn’t know what exactly I wanted to do, until the thought of being a DJ crossed my mind.” Interestingly, what began as a pursuit for financial gain quickly evolved into a true passion. “At first, I just wanted to DJ for the money,” she admits. “But as I started playing, the passion caught up with me. I fell in love with the craft. Being a dancer before also made the whole journey much easier.”
Taitha’s roots in dance played a pivotal role in shaping her unique performance style. “I used to dance to anything I heard, literally. That’s where my love for music came from. I realized I didn’t just want to dance to the music, I wanted to make it, shape it, and control the crowd’s energy.” Her sets are far from ordinary; they’re a blend of rhythm, emotion, and movement. “Since I used to dance, I add a bit of performance here and there in my sets. It’s not just about playing songs, it’s about connecting with people through energy.”
Unlike many who struggle to balance academics and passion projects, DJ Taitha prioritized education and emerged victorious. “I wouldn’t say it was challenging. You just need to know what to prioritize first,” she explains. “For me, school came first, always. I made sure I was done with whatever I needed to do academically before diving into music.” Her commitment paid off. Today, she holds a degree while actively performing as a DJ, making her one of the few who have successfully juggled both worlds. “Life became easier after that. Now I have my degree and my DJ career, and both mean a lot to me.”
It was during her studies that Taitha discovered the value of brand awareness, a principle she now swears by. “Even though my course was broad, the one thing I picked up and still apply to this day is the importance of branding. To remain relevant, you must find ways to keep people talking about you, for the right reasons. Always find creative ways to grow your brand.”
The music industry, especially the DJing scene, has long been male-dominated. For many women, this poses additional challenges, but Taitha is not one to be easily intimidated. “In this male-dominated industry, we are often underestimated and undermined,” she shares. “But I’ve always believed in myself and stayed consistent with the work I put out. That’s how I’ve managed to stay relevant.”
Despite the hurdles, DJ Taitha has accomplished a lot in a relatively short time. “The highlights for me? Being featured in local newspapers, sharing stages with international acts, and playing at big events like Brutal Fruit and Corona Sunsets. Those moments remind me that I’m on the right path.” Her focus remains clear: to use music as a bridge between cultures. “I hope to leave behind an environment where music connects cultures, locally and internationally. I want music to build people up, to help them feel understood and uplifted.”
Beyond music, DJ Taitha is a philanthropist at heart. Through her initiative, Hands of Hope, she donates to the less privileged whenever she can. “I pray that God strengthens me to do even more than what I’m doing right now. Every little act of kindness counts.” and she’s not stopping anytime soon. Taitha is currently working on her debut music release, a project that marks a new chapter in her career. “This will be my first release, and I’m super excited,” she beams. “Expect local artists too! I’ve shared stages and played back-to-back with amazing DJs like Lebgee, Casper The DJ, and FME. I’ve learned so much from them because they each have their own style.”
When asked about dream collaborations, she doesn’t hesitate. “Kabza De Small, DBN Gogo, Mdu the list is endless. One day, I’ll be able to tell that story, that I worked with the greats.” With amapiano going global, Taitha’s strategy is to blend it with local sounds to offer something different. “Amapiano is originally from South Africa, but I try to blend our local sound into it using acapellas,” she says. “That’s how I earned the name Ms. Acapella. I give people a unique sound by mixing vocals with piano vibes.”
Her unique blend of house and amapiano defines the Taitha Sound, a dynamic and evolving style that keeps fans coming back for more. “I’d describe my sound as a blend of house and piano. I like to be different and mix things up.” As for her goals? “They’ve changed over time,” she laughs. “I once wanted to be a teacher, then a prison officer, then a TV presenter and actress. I guess I was always meant to end up in entertainment.”
DJ Taitha’s message to young dreamers is simple but powerful: “Dream it and do it! You don’t have to come from a big village to achieve big things. Don’t be afraid to start small.” With her passion, energy, and relentless drive, DJ Taitha is not only shaping the sound of the future, she’s inspiring a whole new generation to believe in their power and embrace their uniqueness.
Celebrity World