DJ Tino Celebrates Carling Black Label DJ Clash Success

A celebration party has been organized for DJ Tino (real name Spencer Chirinda) in honor of his remarkable achievement at the Carling Black Label DJ Clash national finals held in Harare last year. The talented DJ secured second place nationally after emerging as the Bulawayo provincial winner.

DJ Tino, a Bulawayo-based DJ, has been in the industry since 2016 when he was still in high school. Speaking about his journey, he revealed that his deep passion for music led him to become a DJ.

“Music inspired my love for the decks. I used to be a big-time music collector, sharing and downloading music on memory cards, flash disks, and CDs. Some might argue that it was piracy, but I always aimed to make genuine purchases,” he said.

To refine his craft, DJ Tino engaged in extensive research and daily practice. He does not confine himself to a specific genre, preferring versatility in his performances.

“To improve my skills, I researched, listened to other DJs, and relied on a good ear for music. Rehearsing day and night has helped me perfect the craft. I consider myself an open-format DJ, meaning I don’t limit myself to one genre. I enjoy challenges, and in my opinion, sticking to one genre limits creativity,” he said.

Reflecting on his recent success, DJ Tino expressed excitement and motivation to keep pushing forward.

“I never imagined reaching such a milestone in my career. Coming second in the Carling Black Label DJ Clash national finals took countless hours of rehearsals, creativity, and passion. This win, I hope, will open doors for me in the industry,” he said.

He added that this achievement validated his hard work and dedication.

“I’m excited about the future and plan to use this momentum to reach even greater heights. I believe this is just the beginning.”

One aspect that makes DJ Tino unique is his signature mask, which has become part of his identity. Interestingly, he initially started wearing it to conceal his face due to restrictions imposed by his former employer.

“Initially, I wore a mask because I wasn’t allowed to do private gigs by the guy I was signed to. Then, eventually, it became my style as it was unique to the craft.”

However, the mask has posed challenges, particularly with security personnel.

“Because I wear a mask, there are many stereotypes associated with it, particularly from security personnel who perceive me differently. But that’s my brand, and I’m working to grow it.”

Despite his talent, DJ Tino revealed that he struggles to secure bookings and mostly performs at home.

“I usually perform in my bedroom since I don’t have a residency anywhere. Since the last clash, I’ve received some inquiries but no bookings yet. The biggest challenge I face is that people often misinterpret my style of play. Many are not familiar with the extremely creative side of DJing, so not everyone understands it.

“Another challenge is getting my name out there, especially with my day job. It’s hard to sustain myself with just one source of income.”

Despite these struggles, DJ Tino acknowledges that DJing has its benefits, including the ability to connect with new people.

“One of the best benefits of being a DJ is the creative freedom. There are no limits to how creative you can be, and it helps me express myself. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet many people, including fans, promoters, and musicians.

“However, there are downsides too. The industry is highly competitive, exhausting, and can be isolating. Rejection from nightclubs and promoters, financial instability, and the expectation to play for free under the guise of ‘exposure’ make it hard to survive solely on DJing. Working multiple jobs and getting little rest is draining, and fatigue has become a familiar companion.”

DJ Tino prides himself on his unique creativity, manipulating music through wordplay and tone play, which sets him apart from other DJs.

Dubbed the Champion Party, DJ Tino’s celebration will be held in Bulawayo today.