Since his very first music release, DJ Tira, real name Mthokozisi Khathi who has been in the music industry for 25 years, says his success has been due to discipline.
DOG EAT DOG INDUSTRY
Tira tells ZiMoja that his secret to longevity has been staying humble. "Whatever you do, just try to remain humble, respect the industry and the people in it, and work hard. The rest will follow. Treat people the same way you want to be treated,' he adds. "After one hit, don't think that you have made it. Nobody makes it here; we hustle every day.' Tira is certainly well known for being humble and opening doors for aspiring stars.
DURBAN JULY
With Durban July just two months away, the music maestro gave Zimoja a glimpse into the photoshoot for the event. He has been hosting guests at the Fact Durban Rocks marque at the Durban July since 2011, and every year it gets bigger. Although his list of performers is not done, he hopes to have the like son Mörda performing. This year, he has Big Brother contestant, Liema, singer Cici, Mawhoo, Gugu Khathi, Zari The Boss Lady, Vuyo Biyela and Wiseman Mncube as ambassadors for the marquee. This horse-riding event is themed Ride The Way and he is being dressed by celebrity designer, Sello Medupe of Scalo Designs "I keep going back because I love fashion and I love to host. Durban July is an opportunity for us to host the people that don't normally come to our gigs, the clubs, the elegant and elite people who want to dress up and look glamorous,' he says.
HIS TOP FIVE SECRETS TO SUCCESS
1: Pay people: Pay people the best way you can. Never expect people to work for nothing or exploit them. Take care of the people you work with financially.
2: Work: Keep on working, never have seasons for working. Work even when you think things are not going right for you, don't stop working.
3: Stay humble: Don't grow a big head and have the mentality that you have arrived. It will make you delusional.
4: Be disciplined: This industry iyadlalana and ziyakhala ke, ama temptations maningi.( This industry is a dog eats dog industry and there are plenty temptations). There are plenty of opportunities to mess up. Discipline is very important, knowing what you stand for, having a routine, and taking care of your mind, body, and soul.
5: Enjoy the ride: What is the point of doing this If you are not going to enjoy it? Have a good time. Go with the flow, don't be too hard-headed. Understand that when you get rejected, it's not the end of the road. After 25 years in the game, I still get rejected. Some people blue-tick me even today. Some will be back, some won't return. I can't be angry in life. I take it easy and enjoy the ride.
