Credit
Elah Ajene
In an interview with Rêves, Winnipeg-based DJ, Mahlet Cuff, alias DJ Konjo, reflects on the art of DJing and their philosophical approach, rooted in community connection and creating safer spaces
“DJs have the ability to transcend and go beyond that and make music meaningful” — DJ Konjo
Where beats echo through the air, melodies intertwine, and sounds fill space from ceiling to ground; you’ll discover a DJ at its core.
Who doesn’t love the DJ? With their fingertips on the pulse of the party, they are effortlessly delivering our favorite beats straight to the dance floor. A maestro in command, if I may. I personally think DJs have superpowers; they hold this power to change how people feel.
Think about it: You’re in this place where you immerse yourself in the embrace of music, you’ve left behind all the burdens of reality. At the end of the night, you step out of this experience, except this time, you find yourself on the other side, looking back on your experience.
A DJ did that.
The origins of DJing are somewhat elusive, lacking a distinct moment or figure in history that one can unequivocally pinpoint as the first DJ. It’s a historical guessing game, with ambiguity stemming from the debate surrounding the very essence of a DJ — who they are and the emotive depth of their craft.
For Winnipeg-based DJ Konjo, DJing represents a much sleeker, sophisticated affair.
Nearing the end of 2023, DJ Konjo delved into the roots of their DJing journey with Rêves, reflecting on the experiences, challenges, and the profound meaning that this art form holds for them.
With a retrospective glance at DJ Konjo’s start in Winnipeg’s music landscape, the catalyst was an art consultation mentorship program through Wall-to-Wall Mural Festival and Graffiti Gallery in September 2022. The month-long program, learning the craft from prominent figures in Winnipeg’s DJing scene such as DJ Tayne, culminated in DJ Konjo’s inaugural performance during Nuit Blanche, an event that marked the beginning of their journey.
“Learning how to DJ and actually know how to blend music together and blend genres was something that I’ve always wanted to do,” she said.
Konjo’s DJing journey has been a combination of learning and embracing new challenges.
Opening up about the nerves that accompanied that first performance, DJ Konjo highlighted the significance of the free program. The mentorship not only offered technical skills but also kindled a passion that had long been simmering beneath the surface. Konjo had always enjoyed curating music for friends, and this program provided the avenue to transition from playlist creation to live DJing.
Reflecting on the debut performance, Konjo recalled the surprise and praise from friends who initially had low expectations. This set served as a stepping stone, essentially launching Konjo into a whirlwind of opportunities and performances over the past year.
One notable highlight, Kojo recalled, was headlining QPOC’s Colour Me Queer Night, an experience that showcased their ability to command the crowd with a fusion of Afro Beats, hip-hop, and house. Another standout moment was the invitation to perform at Skratch Bastid’s BBQ — allowing Konjo to experiment with different genres and styles.
In exploring DJ Konjo’s evolution, the interview uncovered a shift in approach. The initial focus on technical perfection has given way to a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Konjo emphasized the importance of having fun, connecting with the audience, and creating a vibrant atmosphere where everyone can dance. The ability to read the crowd and curate sets that resonate with diverse tastes defines DJ Konjo’s recent approach.
“I’m taking you on a journey,” she said, “It’s like a progression.”
In exploring the philosophy behind DJ Konjo’s sets, a common theme emerged—expect the unexpected. DJ Konjo strives to create a musical journey, blending genres, and surprising the audience with tracks that challenge expectations. The goal is not just to play music but to push boundaries, introduce new sounds, and foster an atmosphere of exploration.
“I don’t want to become predictable,” she said.
The interview took a deeper turn as DJ Konjo shared the narrative they aim to communicate through their sets. Beyond the beats and melodies, DJ Konjo sees DJing as a means to challenge norms and expand musical horizons.
By weaving together diverse genres, DJ Konjo hopes to create a narrative that challenges this predictability.
“Just living in Winnipeg, there’s this predictability when you go out. The same 10-15 songs are being played. I want to try to challenge people to think out of the box in terms of what they’re listening to all the time,” said Konjo.
There is a deliberate effort to introduce audiences to music that may have been overlooked or excluded, with a particular focus on representing the queer community through diverse sounds.
Looking ahead, DJ Konjo expressed a commitment to encouraging others to take up DJing and contributing to the growing community of DJs in the city.
“There needs to be more of us, as many as possible, and then we can create a bigger ecosystem of DJs in terms of sharing gigs, collaborating and creating parties.”
The art of DJing, the expansiveness of what DJing means to Konjo prompted a thoughtful reflection. Beyond the technicalities and the thrill of live performances, Konjo sees DJing as a transformative force capable of creating trust, community, and joy. The ability to bring people together through music, challenge societal norms, and provide a space for diverse expressions makes DJing a powerful medium for Konjo—one that extends far beyond the turntables and into the hearts of those who revel in the sonic experiences crafted by this talented artist.
“The ability to share music with people is important, especially in times when things feel so hard. Music and dancing have saved a lot of people’s lives, including mine. It really does mean something when a marginalized group of people are able to have fun and feel joy,” she said.
As DJ Konjo continues to carve a distinct niche in Winnipeg’s music scene, their journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of DJing—going beyond entertainment and seeking to redefine the narrative of music, one beat at a time.
