Divas are Doing it For Themselves
Wearing their trademark Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses, beach wear and Havaianas flip-flops, blonde bombshells Vanessa Holliday and Margaret Westergreen are used to turning heads. But they are also quick to point out that their duo DJ act, Digital Divas, is about more than just good looks and sex appeal; it’s also about great music and oodles of talent.
Both ladies had built up their own reputations, spinning the decks in Cape Town and Johannesburg, but it was when they decided to DJ together during Margaret’s birthday party that the magic really happened. “It was an absolute hit – the crowd went off and had their hands in the air. That was the day that we decided to work together as a duo act,” explains Vanessa.
Though Vanessa and Margaret have only been DJ-ing together as Digital Divas for the past 18 months, they have already built up a loyal following on the local Cape Town club scene, and have begun to make their mark both nationally and regionally. Plus with two weekly radio shows and a debut CD on the way, these savvy she-jays look set to ruffle quite a few feathers in the previously male-dominated domain of professional DJ-ing.
But is there really a difference between having two ladies on the decks as opposed to two men? “I don’t think that there is much of a difference in terms of the music, but I do think that maybe girls have more of a ‘wow’ factor,” explains Vanessa. “DJ-ing has always been a male dominated industry and we have broken through that stereotype. I think we are an inspiration for all young female DJs out there who want to get into the industry.”
But while the girls may have the advantage of the ‘wow’ factor, that doesn’t mean that they are sitting back and resting on their laurels.
During the week, Margaret cares for a number of horses and is also a professional rider, while Vanessa runs her own events company. She’s also planning on hosting a new dance event in Cape Town next year. Over the weekends, the girls are often booked solid with gigs – sometimes corporate events, but usually club and dance events, where the Divas’ particular brand of “progressive sexy house with uplifting vocals and massive bass lines” is sure to get bodies pulsating on the dance floor. Recently, the Divas were also given the star treatment in Kenya when they performed in Nairobi for Earthdance. “When we went to Kenya, the people there thought we were A-list celebs, which was actually quite overwhelming,” says Vanessa. “But it was also absolutely amazing. There were 3,500 people there and they were just going off!”
But while they enjoy the excitement of playing to such huge crowds, the Divas still love playing to their local fans and are very much proudly South African. This is certainly apparent on their upcoming debut album – which the Divas hope to release Summer 2011 – which will feature only locally produced artists. “The style of the album will be dance, ranging from house to progressive house, and our mission with it is to support South African artists and give them a platform to showcase their talent,” says Vanessa. Local artists also feature prominently on the Divas’ weekly online radio show, Electronic Erotica, (which is streamed on http://www.dancewebradio.co.za/ every Friday at 08h00, 16h00 and 24h00) as well as on their MFM 92.6 radio show every Wednesday night at 19h00.
The Divas also work tirelessly to constantly reinvent themselves. “We are inspired by Madonna– we are constantly changing our look and our sound and keeping up to date with new trends. You need to keep coming up with something new to stay fresh and on top, otherwise people get bored,” explains Vanessa.
And while they are unlikely to get bored on the decks, doesn’t all of that time spent working together cause the occasional diva-like cat fight? “No, I can’t actually say that we have ever had a huge rip roaring fight,” Vanessa laughs. “Mags is like my other half. We seem to compliment each other and we’ve got a really good balance.”
And when the Divas do finally have a day off, you’ll most likely find them out hiking or chilling, enjoying a cocktail at Caprice in Cape Town. They’re also pretty hard to miss when they are out and about in their Digital Divas bakkie with their trademark angel wings logo on the front. If you see them, make sure to give them a smile and wave, because based on the way these ladies are working their way to the top, it won’t be long before they will have well and truly taken off.
For more info on the Digital Divas, visit http://www.digitaldivascapetown.com/, email info@digitaldivascapetown.com or tune into their show, Electronic Erotica every Friday on http://www.dancewebradio.co.za/and every Wednesday on MFM 92.6 (www.mfm.co.za).
<sidebar> Quickie Questions
Vanessa
Favourite wardrobe item: A good push-up bra.
First album you owned: You’re going to laugh, but I think it was Celine Dion!
Age of first kiss: 16
What did you want to be when you were a child: A teacher
What would people be surprised to know about you: I’m a sucker for romance, candle lit dinners and love letters.
Margaret
Favourite wardrobe item: Leopard print sequin tights
First album you owned: Kylie Minogue and then Celine Dion
Age of first kiss: 14
What did you want to be when you were a child: Madonna’s or Kylie’s double!
What would people be surprised to know about you: I’m a farm girl at heart.
Story by Nicky Furniss
