21 Questions with Ismail Abrahams

This week’s interview for 21 Questions is with the talented DJ, Ismail
Abrahams, of P4 radio station in Durban. He speaks to us about breaking
into the radio industry and life as a DJ on one of Durban’s hippest and
hottest radio stations.

Between running his club Havana Lounge, DJing and now being a father,
Ismail is a busy man these days. And if this isn’t enough, he plans on
opening a DJ school one day for young wannabe’s. Read on to find out
more about the man behind the ‘voice on the radio’, and the advice he
offers to up-and-coming talent.

First things first – biographical details:
What’s your full name?
Ismail Abrahams.

Nickname?
Smiley

What’s your date of birth?
5 May 1975

Where were you born and raised and briefly describe growing up as Ismail Abrahams?
I was born in Durban and raised in Overport and Newlands East. Growing
up was good as my mother made sure she gave me what I needed, not
wanted.

Which schools did you attend and what did you enjoy most or hate the most about school?
I didn’t move around at all – I’m a very stable guy. I attended
Briadene Primary School, and then moved on to Hillview Secondary. I
enjoyed break time, but wasn’t into school – I can’t pay attention for
long periods of time!

How would you describe your personality?
Shy at times; I have a good heart – and I smile when I’m smiled at.

What were your ambitions / career goals while you were growing up?
I always wanted to be a DJ, and to be involved in the media.

Briefly describe your road to fame. How exactly did you get your first
break into radio and how did you wind up on one of Durban’s hottest
stations?
It all started at high school, DJing at house parties, nightclubs,
weddings and other private functions (all of which I still do). I’ve
always had a passion for work in this industry. I used to listen to all
radio stations; then I later hooked up with Lee Downs and he gave me
some advice about radio. I started retail radio in Joburg, and then in
Durban. I’d send my demo tapes to radio stations every month until P4
called me. They liked what they heard. I got my break after lots of
hard work. And I’m still working hard.

I understand that you recently became a father. How has that experience gone for you?
Cutting the umbilical cord was the moment I knew that this child was
going to have me wrapped around her finger. It has been a few months
now, and all I can say is that it’s something you can’t explain, just
experience.

Are you managing to balance fatherhood with your career?
Let’s just say, I now know when to go home!

What was the defining moment in your career?
When one of the DJs I listened to back in the day told me that I was “banging!”

You have your own club, Havana Lounge, what can people expect from the club?
If you like drinks, conversation and lounging around, with the option to dance to RnB, Hip Hop and House then see you soon!

What would you say was the most daring thing that you have done?
I will get sued if I say, but I’m normally a cautious person who believes in thinking first.

Who is your favourite DJ at the moment (locally or internationally)?
Lee Downs – former Goodhope FM DJ, who’s now at P4 Cape Town.

What is the biggest high you get out of your job, and what do you dislike the most?
The biggest high is the feeling I get every time I turn on the mic. I
dislike the comments people make, like, “Oh, he thinks he’s all that
‘cause he’s on radio”.

Are there any local or international DJs that you would like to emulate or do you just have your own style?
I constantly learn new things, even from a guy starting out. I believe you can take from others and make something your own.

Getting into the industry must be really difficult. What advice do
you have for up-and-coming local DJs who would like to pursue this as a
career?
Do it because you love it and you’re passionate about it, because it’s
tough and can get boring. Passion and love will pull you through, so be
persistent.

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?
Driving long distances or sleeping – but I don’t do much of that.

Where exactly in Durban are you based?
North Beach

As a DJ, what is your opinion on South African music on a whole?
It’s getting better by the day. I think they [people in the music industry] now know that the stakes are high.

What do you think is the biggest problem facing artists?
Image, fan support and decent pay – they lack all of this.

Is your career going according to plan, beyond your wildest dreams or are there still things that you would like to do?
Going as I planned but there are still many things I want to do, such
as opening up a radio DJ school to make it easier to learn and know
about how to get into this industry.

What can you tell us about Ismail Abrahams that nobody knows, or would have expected?
I am a big boy band fan – I like Westlife.

What do you think about Bruinou.com apart from asking you too many
questions? Do you support the concept and if not what would you like
changed?
It’s always good when something like this is born and then held so
close with love and passion, so that one doesn’t have to sell it to
people – they just feel it. Long live Bruinou.com!

Thanks for the interview @Ismail…hopefully we’ll see you in Havana Lounge soon!