Student feature - DJ LIONA

Every DJ’s journey is unique, and for Beat Bangaz DJ Academy graduate DJ LIONA, the path to the decks has been shaped by curiosity, resilience and a commitment to continuous learning. Having already completed a DJ course elsewhere before joining Beat Bangaz, her story offers a powerful perspective on why growth never stops, how the right mentorship can transform confidence, and why community is just as important as technical skill in becoming a well-rounded DJ.

Tell us a little about yourself and your journey into DJing. What first sparked your interest in music and inspired you to get behind the decks?

My name is Lungi, also known as DJ LIONA. I currently reside in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, and originally come from the Eastern Cape. I started my DJing journey in 2021 after being inspired by one of my clients while working at a shelter in Woodstock. He was passionate about music, and I often watched him mixing. Curious about where he learned his skills, I asked him, and he told me he had studied at Keu DJ Academy in Goodwood. I've always loved music, even before meeting him, but I never imagined taking it seriously enough to study it professionally. That conversation sparked my interest and set me on the path to becoming a DJ.

Before joining Beat Bangaz DJ Academy, you had already attended another DJ school. What motivated you to continue learning instead of settling for what you already knew?

After enrolling at Keu DJ Academy, I completed the course and graduated. I then took a break from music to further my studies in Psychology, graduating with my Honours degree in 2024. In 2025, I decided to return to music and enrolled at Beat Bangaz DJ Academy, which turned out to be the best experience ever. Although I had graduated from my previous academy, I never felt confident enough to go out and compete with other DJs. I knew there was still so much to learn, and I wasn't willing to settle for the knowledge I already had.

Having experienced two different learning environments, what stood out about the Beat Bangaz DJ Academy approach, and how did it differ from your previous experience?

Beat Bangaz DJ Academy is the best academy I've attended. The instructors are patient, supportive, and genuinely invested in their students' success. The skills and knowledge I gained there included many things I had never learned before.

Every mentor was willing to share their expertise and wanted to see us become the best DJs we could be. That level of commitment and openness was something I never experienced at my previous academy.

What were your intentions when you enrolled at Beat Bangaz? Were you looking to improve your technical skills, build confidence, perform professionally, or discover something new about yourself?

My main goal was to develop my skills and become the best DJ I could be. I wanted to improve my technical ability, build my confidence, and continue growing as an artist.

Was there a particular lesson, mentor, or moment during the course that completely changed the way you think about DJing and music selection?

Every lesson and technique we learned was valuable. If anything, I only wish the course had been longer because I wanted to keep learning more and more.

The mentors were incredible, and every class added something meaningful to my understanding of DJing.

Beat Bangaz places a strong emphasis on creativity, community, and culture alongside technical ability. How did that philosophy shape your experience as a student?

One of the best parts of the experience was the sense of community. As students, we were always willing to help one another without judgment. That supportive environment created unity and made learning enjoyable, while encouraging everyone to improve together.

Can you describe the atmosphere in the classroom and the relationships you built with your fellow students? How important was that sense of community to your growth?

The atmosphere was welcoming and positive. Everyone felt included, and we built great relationships with one another. Because of that, we were comfortable asking questions and helping each other during class, which played a big role in my growth.

Graduation is a milestone that represents dedication and hard work.

What did graduating from Beat Bangaz DJ Academy mean to you personally, and what emotions did you experience on that day?

Graduating from Beat Bangaz DJ Academy was one of the best experiences of my life. I would happily do it all over again if I had the opportunity.I had always dreamed of being part of the Beat Bangaz family, and seeing my application accepted made that dream a reality. Even today, I'm still proud and grateful to have graduated from an academy that I believe is home to some of the best DJs in the world.

How has your confidence changed since completing the course, both as a DJ and as a creative individual navigating different spaces?

My confidence has grown tremendously because I now understand concepts and techniques that I never knew before joining the academy. While I'm still eager to learn and improve, I'm incredibly happy with the foundation and knowledge I've gained.

Looking back, what do you think is the biggest misconception people have about learning to DJ, and how did your experience challenge those assumptions?

I haven't really come across many misconceptions, but graduating from Beat Bangaz completely changed the way I approach music. Learning how to analyse music was one of the most valuable lessons for me because it was something I had never been taught before. I'm focused on pushing my music career forward. I want to see myself performing on bigger stages, and I hope that, with the support of the academy, that dream will become a reality.

If someone who has already taken a DJ course is wondering whether Beat Bangaz DJ Academy has anything more to offer, what would you say to them, and why do you believe the experience is different?

I would absolutely encourage them to join. Graduating from Beat Bangaz DJ Academy was an unforgettable experience, and I'd do it again without hesitation.

I always wanted to be part of the Beat Bangaz family, and having that opportunity has been one of the highlights of my journey. The academy doesn't just teach you how to DJ — it builds your confidence, shares real industry knowledge, and creates a supportive community that wants to see every student succeed.

Even today, I'm proud to call myself a Beat Bangaz graduate.