Start From Scratch - AlphaTheta Pioneer DJ Celebrates Women Behind the Decks

Music That Bring People Together 

Music has always brought people together across borders, backgrounds, and identities. Start From Scratch creates opportunities for people to explore DJing. The initiative also supports representation behind the decks. Start From Scratch helps create spaces where participants can connect through music, learn, and build confidence.

Creating Access Through Music

The initiative comes from AlphaTheta through the Pioneer DJ brand. It provides free access to the DJ industry for underrepresented communities. Free, community-led workshops teach participants the fundamentals of DJing. They also develop practical skills and learn about opportunities within the music industry.

Building a More Inclusive Industry

AlphaTheta believes “We are One Through Music.” This belief shapes the initiative and its approach to community learning. The workshops create safe and accessible spaces for people from different backgrounds. Participants can explore creativity while developing confidence behind the decks.

By opening access to DJing, the programme supports greater diversity within the industry. It also gives people opportunities they might not otherwise receive. The goal reaches beyond learning equipment. It helps participants discover their own potential within music.

Proaudio's First Women's Day Workshop

Proaudio hosted its first Start From Scratch Women's Day Workshop on 16 August 2025. South African DJ and industry figure Lady Lea led the workshop.

The event created an opportunity for women to explore DJing within a supportive environment. Participants could learn directly from an experienced industry professional. The workshop also demonstrated the importance of providing accessible opportunities for aspiring female DJs.

Returning for Women's Day 2026

Following the success of the first event, Proaudio celebrated Women's Day again in 2026. The second workshop took place at the AlphaTheta Experience Centre on 15 August 2026.

Lady Lea returned to lead the workshop, with assistance from DJ Tinkz. Together, they created a practical and encouraging learning environment for every participant.

Who Took Part?

The workshop welcomed 11 women from different musical backgrounds. Their experience levels also varied. Some participants experienced DJing for the first time. Others returned to the fundamentals and used the session to strengthen existing skills.

The participants were:

•    Ntebatse Poo 
•    Mel Sibaya 
•    Nzilani Keli 
•    Lillian Van Aswegen 
•    Snazo Velebayi 
•    Ntokozo Lily Bophela 
•    Wethu Taitai 
•    Danika Farrar 
•    Minky Chokoe 
•    Zanele Khumalo 
•    Nerishka Subban 

Learning the Craft

Throughout the morning, Lady Lea introduced the fundamentals of DJing. She presented the information in an approachable and engaging way. Her teaching helped participants understand both equipment and techniques.

The session covered the AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ, looping, beatmatching, rekordbox, and more. These fundamentals created a practical foundation for anyone stepping behind the decks.

An Encouraging Environment

The workshop created an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and encouragement. Participants could ask questions throughout the session. They could also experiment without feeling pressured to perform perfectly.

This approach made the learning experience accessible for different skill levels. Beginners could discover DJing, while experienced participants could revisit techniques and sharpen their abilities.

The workshop showed that learning DJing can involve experimentation, patience, and confidence. Each participant could take the information and apply it through practical experience.

A Visit From Tamara Dey

The morning also featured a visit from legendary South African artist Tamara Dey. Her presence highlighted the different pathways available within the music industry.

Her visit also reinforced the importance of women's representation throughout the music scene. Participants could see another example of how women contribute to the broader industry.

Why does representation matter? Seeing successful women across different areas of music can demonstrate the opportunities available beyond performing. It can also encourage aspiring artists to consider their own paths.

More Than Just Learning DJ Skills

The workshop focused on more than equipment and techniques. It created opportunities for women to meet, connect, learn, and build confidence together.

At the end of the session, every participant received a certificate of completion. The certificate marked the end of the workshop. However, it could also represent the beginning of something much bigger.

For some participants, this experience could become their first step towards becoming a DJ. Others may use their new confidence to develop existing skills further.

Building a Supportive Community

The workshop also gave participants an opportunity to meet women who share a passion for music. These connections can help create a stronger and more supportive community.

The experience demonstrated how education can help people discover new possibilities. It also showed how shared interests can bring people together through music.

For participants, the day offered knowledge, practical experience, and an opportunity to become part of something bigger. Music created the connection, while the workshop provided the space to develop it.

Because Every DJ Starts Somewhere

What does every great DJ have in common? Every DJ has to start somewhere.

Learning the fundamentals creates a foundation for future growth. Access to equipment creates practical opportunities. Support and encouragement can help transform uncertainty into confidence.

The Women's Day workshop brought these elements together through AlphaTheta, Pioneer DJ, Proaudio, Lady Lea, DJ Tinkz, and the participating women.

The message remains simple and powerful:

Because every great DJ has to start somewhere.

Sometimes, you simply have to…
Start from skratch.

 

 

 

 

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