DJ | Whitney Swartz

There's a moment that sparks inspiration in every creative field - when you witness someone doing what they love, and you're suddenly driven to follow in their footsteps.

Maybe it's seeing Whitney spin a mesmerising set that makes you want to become a DJ, or stumbling upon an artist's work in a gallery that ignites your passion for painting. For me, Babywhitz's sets are that catalyst. With her infectious energy, she has the power to transform the room - and anyone who experiences her music.

Words Khaya Mnisi

BabyWhitz is a talented house and techno DJ from Johannesburg, South Africa. With a background in news production, BabyWhitz transitioned to DJing in 2023, driven by a passion for music and performance. Her sets are characterised by deep house beats, which she's particularly fond of for their emotional and sensual impact.

Photographs by Peyton Basson

“I’ve been partying for a very long time and I’ve been blessed to experience different party scenes in the city.”

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When did you start DJing - and what or who were your early passions and influences? What is it about music (especially deep house) and/or sound that drew you to it?

I  started DJing in 2023. I had been in a constant battle with myself about what I wanted to do with my life and who I was. I felt stuck for a really long time. I was eight years into my career as a news producer and I still felt lost. But something always stuck. Music. I kept having these thoughts that maybe I could be a DJ. I knew I meant it when I said it out loud for ten first time to my fiancé. He wasn’t shocked. A few months later I left my job. My fiancé sent me a poster for DJ classes at the underground club ANDCLUB. The same place I fell in love with techno music. 

One of my early influences are my parents. My Mom is no stranger to stage. She used to be a performer back in the day. From an early age I could feel I wanted to be  creative I just didn’t know how. At some point I thought I would be a contemporary dancer. Every school talent school I was front and center. From dance competition to acting monologues. I was that teen whose parents were strict. Going out with friends, sleep overs weren’t always the easiest thing to navigate. So I spent a lot of time at home consuming music and dancing. My parents had a huge selection of CD’s and Vinyls. From Bob Marley, Luther Vandross, Cece Peniston, Crystal Waters , The Manhattans. I’ve always had an old soul. 

Deep house entered my life in first year. I remember being at a rooftop party in Kramerville with a mate. We were right in front listening to Jullian Gomes and Kid Fonque. I had no idea who they were at the time. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It was that moment filled with goosebumps. The bass, the crowd’s excitement; it was just beautiful. I went home took, a stack of CD’s and burnt all the deep house jams I could find. Deep house is that; DEEP. There is nothing like the bass of deep house. It makes me emotional but at the same time feeling sexy. And that’s what I want the girlies to feel when they hear me, okay. 

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How would you describe your mindset when performing a DJ set? What helps maintain this optimal mindset, and what are potential distractions? Are there techniques to more easily achieve this state?

Good question. I get nervous  every set no matter the capacity, the set . But that’s because I care and I want to kill it and play like it’s my last set every time. You’ve got to leave it all on the dancefloor. This is something that takes nurturing. It’s so important to bring yourself towards yourself and be present. Yes it’s easier said than done. But I believe in pre groove self pep talks and prayer to center myself.  It’s understanding what you are here to do and not forgetting this gift of music. At the end of the day I’m not at home with my controller playing for myself. I care about the audience and I want that to show during my sets. 

This is supported by my decision to not drink during sets. I am two years into my career and I still haven’t found a good enough reason to do it and it’s something that has helped with anxiety and staying present. Find what works for you. Breathing is very good and allowing yourself to not be caught up in all the technicalities of DJing and to have fun. Also, how I look plays another important part. It’s that ‘look good feel good’ mentality and for me it really does impact my sets. 

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What role does collaboration play in your DJing process? Is it crucial? Like do you sometimes work with other DJs, producers, to create sets or tracks?

Collaborations are so important. I didn’t get here by myself. Yes I practiced and invested in myself. Whether it’s playing back to backs with another DJ, hosting , making music or collaborating with photographers. It’s just so crucial in being the best DJ you want to be paying it forward. Learning never stops with DJing. 

If you were given the task of building a sound system for a large outdoor festival/event, which brands would you choose for turntables, speakers, and headphones, and why those specific brands?

Headphones: Sennheiser HD 25-PLUS DJ On Ear 

Turntables: pioneer CDJ-3000 x4

Speakers: Void Sound System & L - Acoustics sounds 

The classes I took at ANDCLUB really shaped me into the DJ I am today. I was blessed to practice on CDJ 3000s & hear deep house on void speakers. Incredible experience. These brands are just amongst the best of the best. Yes pricey I won’t lie but durability, clear sound, aesthetically pleasing hell yes. It’s an investment at the end of the day.

T-Shirt: Lukhanyo Mdingi. Modular Mini Skirt: Ntwana.

What do you love the most about the DJing industry in SA right now?

I love that the girlies are doing their thing. We are so blessed to have hard working female DJs. I also love being able to make deep house sexy. I want the girlies to feel the same.

What else are you into besides DJing? Are you experimenting with music production, visual arts, or something else entirely?

I’m really into fashion, and collaborating with brands. I love dressing up and it translates into my sets. Music production is in the works. You’ll be hearing a Baby Whitz track in the near future.

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