SOUTH AFRICA-BASED Zimbabwean wheel spinner DJ Gonzo has revealed that his unique ability to blend amapiano with Zimbabwean tracks has received positive reception, earning him admiration from fans across the Limpopo River.
Born Redgis Viriri, DJ Gonzo, who has lived in Mzansi for the past 27 years such that he now considers himself at home away from home, told NewsDay Life & Style that his vision was to unite nations by creating music that transcends borders.
“Being a DJ based in South Africa has not been tough for me because of the love and appreciation I get from both South Africans and Zimbabweans here. Fans love how I blend the music of the two countries,” he revealed.
“My desire is to unite nations through song and dance. In this showbiz industry, I hope to see collaborations between established and up-and-coming artistes, combining their talents and performing on the same stage.”
DJ Gonzo, whose career spans over two decades, credits his ability to fuse different genres into a single beat, as well as combining old classics with modern sounds, for making him stand out among other wheel spinners.
Despite the love and support he receives, DJ Gonzo admits to facing challenges just like anyone in the industry.
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“My main challenge is being underestimated by some Mzansi DJs who think Zimbabweans are here to take their jobs. However, I simply let my music do the talking,” he said.
Currently performing at clubs and social events in South Africa, DJ Gonzo has plans to expand his presence in Zimbabwe.
“Zimbabwe is home and I was overwhelmed by the love I received last October when I had interviews on several Zimbabwean top radio stations,” he said.
Reflecting on his career, DJ Gonzo shared how he got his stage name from a fan in the 1990s who likened his skill on the turntables to a chef’s precision.
“I started my career in 1996 in Beitbridge town, where I formed a deejaying group called Klub Kamato. We hosted talent shows with legends like Otis Fraser and Dereck Beats across Bulawayo and Harare,” he recalled.
Over the years, DJ Gonzo has shared the stage with industry heavyweights like Oskido and has collaborated with veterans such as musicians Clive Malunga, the late Mzansi artiste Doc Shebeleza, and Otis Fraser.
In Zimbabwe, he provided sound systems for events at venues like the Harare International Conference Centre. After relocating to South Africa in 1998, he became one of the founders of listening committees — a panel of music critics who approve new releases.
Speaking on his 2025 resolutions, DJ Gonzo said he had set sights on empowering young talent and educating them about the business side of the creative industry.
He got this motivation after noticing that many artistes were being conned by producers and promoters because they did not understand the business aspect of showbiz.
“I have noticed many artistes are being conned by producers and promoters because they don’t understand the business aspect of showbiz. This year, I want to promote and give exposure to rising Zimbabwean stars,” he said.
As part of his resolutions this year, DJ Gonzo plans to bring emerging artistes such as Superman of the Pfira Dandy fame and Shona Boy to South Africa while also preparing for a North American tour alongside other renowned DJs.
“My long-term goal is to become the biggest DJ in the world and to put Zimbabwe on the global map,” he said .