I’m a fan of cruise liners – I won a Mediterranean cruise in 1997 and also done the Durban – Portuguese Islands in Mozambique – Durban route, about 5 years ago. Cruising is an all-in-one combo – you get the food, drinks, accommodation, entertainment and fun in the sun and sand! And with Oh Ship! the cherry on top is that you get 72 hours of some of South Africa’s top DJs and comedians, to keep you entertained, while you sip on our sangria.
Oh Ship 2016 features the likes of DJ Fresh, Euphonik, producer/singer/songwriter TiMO O.D.V, hip hop rocker DJ Capital a.k.a. Topless Cap and actress, presenter and 5 FM’s queen of the airwaves Thando Thabethe, as well as Roger Goode, Sphectacular & Naves, Forbes & Fix, DJs Shimza, Speedsta, Milkshake, Dino Bravo and Ryan the DJ.
Comedians on board include Tats Nkonzo, Lihle Lindzy, Mojak Lehoko and Richlieu Beaunoir, with Comedy Central sponsoring.
DJ Dino Bravo
Being an avid fan of DJ Dino Bravo, I jumped on board the opportunity to interview him. Here’s what he had to say:
ML&S: Dino, not many people know this, but you speak 3 languages – please tell us where you are from and where you grew up?
DB: I’m originally from Cuba & raised in Angola, so I speak Spanish, Portuguese & English. I can also understand Italian.
ML&S: You are known to really get parties pumping – describe the type of music you play, what’s your musical genre?
DB: My music style is called open format, which means that any style of music will be welcome to get the party started.
ML&S: You recently released a new single called “My Tum Hi Ho Remix” which is getting air play from as far afield as Mauritius and India – what are your thoughts about this, and what is your international reach?
DB: The “Tum Hi Ho Remix” is not a single, it’s simply a bootleg that I did with my friend Mozaik. We were just in the studio messing around, and we came across the song and decided to do something about it. I’m not surprised about the song’s reach, as the original was Song of the Year, about 3 years ago in about 20 countries. I’m just glad that my bootleg is following the same path of the original. Music travels and I really just want people to enjoy my sound.
ML&S: What other singles or albums are you working on at the moment?
DB: I’ve just dropped a single called The Ladies (Chandra Beechawo Baalma). It features an MC called Kagan, who is a very talented Rapper that I’ve been admiring for a few years now. The song also has some Indian influences, due to the chorus. That’s my last single for this year. Next year I’m dropping my new album. I’ve been holding it back for 3 years now, but I think 2017 will be the year to drop it.
ML&S: Back in the day, we called it a Mix Tape – nowadays it’s a Play List – please list what songs you would add to the Mzansi Life & Style Mix Tape / Playlist, compiled by DJ Dino Bravo.
DB: Wow!!! Ok, I’m big on Caribbean or Latin styles of music. There’s something about Latin Rhythms that can get anyone in the mood for a good party. So I would definitely play some Shakira, Daddy Yankee, and I would include some AFRO sounds as well, like Wizkid, Davido, P Square, Mafikizolo, etc.
ML&S: If one glances at your Facebook page, you have lots of motivational posts – so do you believe in the power of positive thinking?
DB: Hell Yeah! I think the world is full of negativity at the moment. From the moment that you wake up, read the papers, watch the news, it’s negativity. I believe in positivity all the way. That’s why I take time to post positive vibes on my social media.
ML&S: You are quite buff – tell us about your work out regime?
DB: (Laughs) Come on, do I really look that buff? I simply take 30 minutes to an hour to get a little exercise done. I do around 5 laps around my block, and after that, just 50 push ups and 50 sit ups.
ML&S: Tell us about what to expect from Oh Ship, having played there last year as well?
DB: Oh Ship is the gig that I look forward to the most. I spend all year asking the calendar “Are we there yet?” Expect nothing but a groovy open format set from me and lots of Latin Music as well. That vibe goes down well on a ship full of party animals.
ML&S: On this year’s “Oh Ship” you will be joined by industry legends such as DJ Fresh, Euphonik, Sphectacular & Naves and Milkshake – who has had the greatest influence on you and why?
DB: Fresh has had the biggest influence on my career. He took me from club to radio. South Africa knows about DJ Dino Bravo because he pretty much put me on the map. He has kept me motivated throughout the years, even though I’m no longer part of his show.
ML&S: What advice do you have for those who want to follow in your musical footsteps?
DB: My advice to anyone that wants to follow in my footsteps is, don’t aim to be like me, aim higher, aim to be better than me. We are all great and unique in our own ways, but we often fall short because we can’t see us passing the success of our mentors or idols. Always shoot for the moon because even if you fall short, you’ll land amongst the stars.
ML&S: Talking of following in your footsteps, you also have a DJ School. Tell us more about that?
DB: I started my DJ School because I wanted to teach and empower the new generation of African DJs. I believe that today’s schools are so focused on making money that the students fall short on the talent side. I want to change that. I give you what you need in order for anyone to be able to succeed in this industry. I want my students to be as skilled as I am.
ML&S: What gigs are you playing over the next 2 weeks, so fans can catch you in action?
DB: I’m crazy with the corporate season at the moment. My public gigs will kick off with Oh Ship, then Aquafest in Durban on 17 December, also Vacca Matta & Rocca Bar all in one day.
Oh Ship takes place as follows:
Dates: Friday, 2 December 2016 – Monday, 5 December 2016
Venue: The MSC Sinfonia Cruise Ship
Durban – Portuguese Island, Mozambique – Durban
Time: Sunrise – Sunset – for 72 hours of non-stop entertainment!
Mzansi Life & Style by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem 