DBN Gogo: First female DJ to perform a historic 24-hour set in South Africa

In a groundbreaking move set to reverberate across the South African music scene, multi-talented DJ and producer DBN Gogo is poised to make history as the first female DJ in the country to perform a full 24-hour set.

Born Mandisa Radebe, in Durban, and raised in Pretoria, she first gained attention with her debut single Khuza Gogo, which was certified Platinum in South Africa.

Scheduled from midnight on Saturday, April 4, 2026, through to midnight on Sunday, April 5, with doors opening at 10pm on Friday, April 3, this event - framed as "a marathon of music, energy and community" - promises to redefine the boundaries of live music performance and cultural celebration.

For DBN Gogo, this ambitious undertaking represents not just personal achievement but a broader statement of legacy and leadership in a field often dominated by men.

“This is really a musical story of who I am,” she expressed in an exclusive interview. “I want people to understand where I came from, what influenced me before amapiano and where I’m going creatively.”

The journey will commence with high-energy tracks intended to energise the audience into the early hours of the morning. As dawn breaks, DBN Gogo plans to transition into deeper, more emotional rhythms, crafting a soothing atmosphere to match the daylight, before building back to a vibrant close as night falls again. Essential genres will include deep house, gqom, amapiano, Afro house and tech, interwoven with unexpected musical twists. “It’s about taking people on a full journey and rewarding the ‘strong soldiers’ who stay the course with me,” she noted.

Beyond the music, DBN Gogo aims to inspire aspiring female artists in the industry. “I hope it shows women that they should constantly challenge themselves and never accept limitations placed on them,” she said. “This isn’t just about music; it’s about mindset. Your ambition is valid and you’re allowed to take up space in any room you walk into.”

DBN Gogo has emphasised the importance of a strong mental approach, saying, “This is as much a mindset challenge as it is a physical one.” Her preparation has involved intentional focus on routine, health and rest leading up to the event, as well as digging deep into her music library to ensure a narrative flow throughout the performance. “It’s about pacing myself and being present for every hour of the journey,” she added.

Although details on the venue and ticketing are still under wraps, DBN Gogo envisions a space that fosters an intimate connection with the audience, where attendees can dance, relax and immerse themselves in the musical experience. "The environment should allow the music, the people and the energy to carry the moment,” she expressed. “It should feel like a community gathering as much as a performance.”

More than just an event, this 24-hour DJ set represents a cultural landmark commemorating sound, stamina and creative leadership. “I want people to associate this with courage, creativity and intention,” she said. “I didn’t just play music; I created experiences and moments that people will remember for years. More than anything, I want this to be remembered as a moment where I pushed myself, trusted my vision and invited people to take that journey with me.”

Throughout this set, she will be joined by prominent DJs within the industry, collaborating for select segments that promise to uplift the South African music culture.

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Saturday Star