By: Anele Mdzikwa

Loyiso Mdebuka is on his way to the top! After enduring weeks of public voting online, our very own village idiot emerged as SA’s top performing Smirnoff Turntable DJ.

The Smirnoff Turntablist DJ experience was held last year to seek and groom the next superstar DJ. Mdebuka, famously known as DJ Loyd conquered the challenge with the freshest music on the decks to win himself a trip to the 2010 DJ conference in Miami.

His story is in fact ‘the flip side of ordinary’. From small beginnings as a student DJ at UWC Radio, to becoming the next big thing in entertainment. The 24-year-old from Cape Town has achieved what many of his peers can only dream of. “I’ve made moves that have established me as a public brand that can flourish and create a legacy,” he says.

Although DJ Loyd has clearly reached celebrity status, it’s his candid personality and love for his peers that has enabled him to maintain a likable profile. “My past experiences have formed a foundation for most my achievements,” he humbly adds.

He gives credit to Student Village CEO Ronen Aires and his mentor Lloyd Msomi for shaping him into the person he is today. “I was introduced to these two gentlemen when Student Village appointed me as a Smirnoff Spin agent. Student Village became my life”, he says. “I took every opportunity they sent my way – from setting up at their campus events right through to being an MC or DJ”.

DJ Loyd adds that his experiences at Student Village have helped him achieve his goals. “I got to meet and network with a lot of public figures”, he says. “One memory that sticks in my mind was nagging DJ Euphonik to give me a chance to play on his radio show. He eventually played my mix, and it was at that moment that I realised I would have to work harder than your average DJ in order to achieve my dream.”

The first step was entering the Smirnoff Turntable competition. Much like the Student Village Smirnoff Spin Agent ambassadorship, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. “I got the call to audition while I was working on the TV show Hectic 99. I literally ran from the studios, make-up and all, to go audition.”

The experience has made him realise his potential. “The Smirnoff Turntable programme has given me the opportunity to develop my brand,” he says. “I auditioned, played my heart out, spoke from the heart and left the rest to God. And He delivered. I am an inaugural Smirnoff Turntablist!”