Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
4 July 2009
Harare — SEAN HASSEN as a name would draw recognition from only a select few outgoing revellers and enthusiasts. But mention the name DJ Storm and Wham!
You'll get everyone chanting any one of his popular remixes.
DJ Storm has become the face of Harare's most "kicking" open-air joint known as Car Wash or "Kumahuswa", adjacent to the Harare Magistrate's Courts
Usually, he takes charge of the decks starting at 10pm until the wee hours. He plays house, kwaito, R&B and what-have-you.
Storm, easily the dominant force in local dee-jaying, has paid tribute to music lovers for making the joint what it is today.
"Obviously, I am not the one to blow my own trumpet but I really thank music lovers for making the place what it is today," said Storm.
"It has become a favourite of many and credit should go to the masses. They made the place their own this is why people know it by different names, although it does not have a name."
He said the popularity of the joint couldn't have been possible without the people who supported it since it opened last August.
"You can't really credit just one thing because the location, the sound and the vibe all add up to making the joint what it is today.
"Yes, I managed to turn the place into a gem through my kind of music, but when I played at the joint for the first time, there was a crowd that used to frequent the place almost always.
"However, through the word of mouth it grew in stature and attracted huge crowds. Of course, people say they like the way we play the music. I'd like to think that I've added value to the hangout."
He said the DJs 'make or break" the party.
"We're the soul of the party because we either make or break it. Whenever the DJs fails the party just doesn't kick.
"So for us at Car wash we're very consistent because whoever comes for first time they don't leave disappointed and that the biggest trick. Instead of saying we got sloshed people would always remember that the place kicks."
He applauded his team of DJs, including Tendai "Sweet Thing" Chakanyuka, Destiny and the resident DJ TI, for giving music fans a real treat.
"Their music tastes and selections make the joint the best. As you know I can't play there all the time: there has to be variety."
Storm hit the spotlight after winning the prestigious Sprite DJ of the Year Contest preliminaries held in Harare, after shrugging off competition from other DJs. He then went for the big one in Zambia in the continental contest and won the title in 2005.
"There were few doors that opened up within and outside Zimbabwe. I became the most wanted DJ in the region, including Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique and Namibia where I had shows alongside local DJs.
"It was unfortunate that the contest came at a time when the Zimbabwean economy was under- performing but the contest was itself a great idea. If it wasn't for the economy the local sponsors would have taken it to dizzy heights," he said.
By winning the title, Storm made a name for himself, to become one of the most sought-after DJs on the land. He said he was using his popularity to promote urban grooves artistes through his "mixtapes".
Mixtapes the world over are used for promotional purposes as DJs get to remix the songs, experimenting with other beats.
"We're working on a project with South African artistes and DJs. The first ever gig will be held in Gweru this month. Hopefully we'll get the support of the people," he said.
There were plans to focus on the 2010 Fifa World Cup and boost the local entertainment industry to give visitors quality entertainment. Part of this plan would mean collaboration with South African promoters, DJs and artistes.
"As DJs we can play a big role in marketing the country especially in view of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. So far we're working with the tourism authority to find new ideas we can explore," he said.
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