Deshnie Govender, also known as DJ Roxxi, was born on April 5, 1985. She is a South African Indian DJ, record producer, influencer, and creator who has made a remarkable impact on the South African music scene. DJ Roxxi made history in 2004 by becoming one of the first South African Indian female DJs and producers, breaking new ground for greater diversity in the industry.

Her talent and influence have been recognized internationally, and in 2011, she won a prestigious Global Spin Award, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the world of DJing and music production. DJ Roxxi’s unique blend of creativity and skill has earned her a respected place in the music world, and she continues to inspire others, especially women, to pursue careers in the entertainment industry.

Early Life

Deshnie Govender, known professionally as DJ Roxxi, was born on April 5, 1985, in Isipingo, Durban, South Africa, into an Indian family. She spent her early childhood in Isipingo before her family moved to Amanzimtoti, a coastal town south of Durban. Initially, Roxxi followed a more conventional route after high school, enrolling at Natal University to pursue an LL.B. (law) degree, with a focus on journalism in her second year. However, societal expectations within her Indian community played a role in her decision to initially follow this path.

In late 2003, Roxxi made a life-changing decision to drop out of university and explore her true passion for music. During a break from her studies, she worked part-time at her mother’s nightclub in Amanzimtoti, where she was introduced to the world of DJing. This experience ignited her passion for music and set her on a path that would lead to her becoming one of the pioneering female DJs and producers in South Africa.

Career

DJ Roxxi’s journey took a significant turn during her first year at the University of KwaZulu-Natal when she left her LLB studies following the death of her father. Taking on responsibility for the family liquor business, she also found an outlet for her childhood passion for DJing, especially remixing tracks, after her mother purchased a nightclub. This marked the beginning of her music career.

After spending two years honing her craft with R&B and Bhangra music, Roxxi’s career began to gain momentum. A breakthrough moment came after a radio interview that helped raise her profile. She evolved her style from Bhangra to house music in order to appeal to a broader audience, and her belief in the power of good music contributed to her growing popularity. This success led to her headlining major gigs, including performing at 5FM’s events.

In 2009, Roxxi had a significant career milestone by headlining the 5FM Vodacom Durban July after-party and touring with Rage Fest in Umhlanga alongside notable artists. That same year, she released her debut single “Away,” featuring Nic Billington on vocals and produced by Craig Massiv of Flash Republic.

Her accomplishments reached a global level when, in 2012, she was named the Best DJ in Africa at the inaugural Global Spin Awards in New York, often referred to as the “DJ Grammys.”

Roxxi’s success continued in the years that followed. In 2014, she released the single “Musica Na Alma,” featuring Weza Solange, Lection, and Beatmachine. The following year, she worked with artists Nadia Nakai, Reason, and Yung Swiss to produce the hit single “Like Whoo.”

In 2020, Roxxi expanded her influence by launching a podcast called Influence Insider, produced by Digi Hype. That same year, she transitioned into digital marketing, becoming the head of the Channel of Influence at ABinBev Draftline. Currently, she heads up marketing for TikTok in Sub-Saharan Africa, further solidifying her position as a multi-faceted professional in both music and marketing.

Awards

2006: Cosmopolitan Magazine Awesome Women Awards

2007: Standard Bank Women of KZN Rising Star

2011: Global Spin Awards

Songs

2014 – On The Roxx

2014 – Musica Na Alma

2015 – Like Whoo!