Male DJs are outbooked by influencers, says DJ Cleo

Radio 2000's DJ Cleo has weighed in on influencers becoming DJs.

The DJ, whose real name is Cleopas Monyepao, was on MacG's Podcast and Chill with Sol Phenduka, where he was asked his thoughts on the state of DJing nowadays and on influencers being DJs.

“It's just sad. I saw somewhere on social media that 'no talent is the new talent'. I'm not talking about female DJs, even in acting, they now go for influencers, and radio — just because you have a big following,” the Tong Po hitmaker said.

“I know many DJs, many ... and generally the main, [most] conscientious among us as male DJs are getting outbooked by the influencers.”

Earlier this year TshisaLIVE reported that former Redemption actress Gugulethu Xofa said the acting industry is feeling the impact of influencers who are landing more roles ahead of actors, which she feels is disappointing.

“A lot of things have changed in the industry. A lot of aspiring actors flock to theatres to be great actors but get to the auditions to be sidelined by influencers. Auditions are no longer about talent but rather about how many followers you have on your social pages,” said Gugulethu, fondly known as Mama Sgebengu.

“Even on set, influencers get preferential treatment over us. They can skip their lines continuously and they won't get reprimanded — but [if] you skip one line then all hell will break loose.”