Remember DJ Arch Junior, the winner of South Africa’s Got Talent in 2015? Well, he’s 11 years old now, and ESA caught up with him to find out what he’s been up to lately.
But first, a bit of background:
From the tender age of three, Oratilwe AJ Hlongwane, known as DJ Arch Junior, made history by winning the sixth season of South Africa’s Got Talent in 2015. This victory earned him a place in the Guinness World Records as the youngest DJ and Got Talent winner ever.
Despite his fame in 2015, many wondered what happened to him afterward. He has since grown into a prominent figure in the industry, headlining various children’s events and gaining a large social media following. His parents have kept him grounded, prioritizing his education and privacy.
He has competed in several world competitions, including America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions, solidifying his brand. His career has been very impressive, with appearances at prestigious events, award ceremonies, and on radio and television shows. DJ Arch Junior has also secured endorsements and sponsorships, showcasing his talent and passion for music at a young age.
Now, let’s hear from him:
ESA: How did you know that you were musically gifted?
DJ Arch Junior: So, my dad used to be a DJ, and I wanted to DJ as well. That’s how my story with music began.
ESA: Which instrument did you pick up first after deciding you wanted to start deejaying?
DJ Arch Junior: I think it was the mixer because it wasn’t difficult for me to learn it.
ESA: Let’s go back to the three-year-old Arch Junior, who enters South Africa’s Got Talent and wins. What went through your mind when you realized that you had won the competition?
DJ Arch Junior: When I was little, my dad took a video of me, and he submitted it, and that’s how I got into the show. At the time, I didn’t really know what was going on. I was excited to win *chuckles*
ESA: If you weren’t doing music, what would you be doing?
DJ Arch Junior: I would definitely be doing music production.
ESA: Which artists would you want to work with?
DJ Arch Junior: I would want to work with Nandipha808 because he is the DJ that made Mnike, which was also a trending song on TikTok.
ESA: You recently competed on Britain’s Got Talent, how was that experience for you?
DJ Arch Junior: That experience was exciting as I made it to the Top 3.
ESA: How was it different from South Africa’s Got Talent?
DJ Arch Junior: The difference this time is that I knew what was going on laughs
ESA: How did your parents influence your success? What role did your parents play in getting you where you are today?
DJ Arch Junior: My parents supported me being a deejay. It made things easier for me.
ESA: What specific genre do you specialize in?
DJ Arch Junior: I do Afro house and Amapiano. Those are my favorites.
ESA: What have been the highlights of your career so far?
DJ Arch Junior: Uhmm, so I won SA’s Got Talent, and then I went to Britain’s Got Talent, and then I also went to different places like America and China.
ESA: What does music mean to you?
DJ Arch Junior: I like music because it makes people happy.
ESA: What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
DJ Arch Junior: Most people don’t know that I am 11 years old now. They think I’m still little little.
ESA: How do you balance school and music producing?
DJ Arch Junior: So, I would go to school, and then when I get home, I would do my homework, and then in my free time, I would produce music.
ESA: How do you stay disciplined in your craft?
DJ Arch Junior: I practice a lot of deejaying and producing.
ESA: How do you prepare for your sets?
DJ Arch Junior: For my sets, I would go to my studio and play my sets before my gigs.
ESA: Who is your favorite DJ right now?
DJ Arch Junior: My favorite DJ right now is Black Coffee.
We also sat down with DJ Arch Senior, DJ Arch Junior’s father, to learn more about how he continues to raise and support Arch Junior.
“Let’s start with me being a DJ. A lot of people get it confused; I was never a DJ. DJing was something I would do at home at family functions. I would be the sound guy because my father was an actual DJ. I was more into sports and gadgets.”
“So with Arch Junior, he got exposed to me always playing, so he grew fond of it. He saw it from me, and he showed interest, and I mentored him throughout. He is actually talented in how he hears music and how he mixes. He has an ear for it.”
Having a child get into the industry at such a young age should also come with protection. Arch Senior says that’s what parents should do.
“As a parent, it’s my job to do research on where he is playing to make sure the environment is child-friendly. It’s not just about showing up to an event and having him play. It’s about checking the environment and making sure that his brand aligns with the venue; otherwise, he stays away.”
“I do not hope for him to be a full-on Producer/ DJ; it’s a hobby that gives him a good life. As soon as he is grown and has his own space to do what he wants to do.”
Arch Senior gave Arch Junior some advice for his career:
“Be humble. Never stop learning. I always say that there is a big difference between school and education. So school is a facility that provides education, but you can get education everywhere. Whether it be from the person across the road or on the internet. You can go on YouTube and learn how to become an Animator. Always educate yourself. Stay away from the streets; there is nothing there. And invest in yourself. Always help others because God gives you a gift to share with other people. Travel a lot. Make lots of money. Never let anyone tell you that money isn’t everything. So, work hard, make money so you can have the life that you want. You don’t want to wake up to a boss; trust me.”
We ended the interview with some quick lighthearted questions:
ESA: What’s your favorite color?
DJ Arch Junior: Blue.
ESA: Which parent is your favorite?
DJ Arch Junior: I cannot answer that because I love them both chuckles
ESA: Your favorite thing about music?
DJ Arch Junior: It’s that music makes me happy and it makes other people happy.
ESA: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are one day?
DJ Arch Junior: I would tell them to practice what they are doing.
Main image: Instagram @djarchjnr
