Calvin Botha aka DJ Darkness — music producer, DJ, all-around creative force. He loves making music with people who are talented.

I speak with Calvin Botha, also known as DJ Darkness — a phenomenally talented music producer and DJ whose passion for both life and his craft is unmistakable. Calvin is driven by curiosity, a love of learning, and a deep love of making music with people who are talented. You will feel his energy throughout this episode!

Born at just 29 weeks as the first of five siblings in a set of quintuplets, Calvin lost his sight due to receiving too much oxygen in the incubator. Despite this early challenge, his story is one of perseverance, talent, optimism, and humor.

Calvin shares highlights from his journey, including his participation in SA’s Got Talent in 2017, where he performed as a DJ and music producer. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and discipline and recalls his memorable encounter with DJ Fresh during the competition.

Calvin started school at Prinshof School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Pretoria, where he discovered his passion for music, singing in the choir from a young age, and learning under the guidance of a highly influential music teacher. He speaks with pride about those formative years and the role they played in shaping his musical path.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of discrimination and misunderstanding faced by people with disabilities. However, Calvin refuses to be defined by victimhood; instead, he embraces life with confidence, joy, and humour.

To build a solid foundation beyond the arts, Calvin studied Corporate Communication at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He also holds an MCSA qualification and began his career in IT networking. While his technical skills remain valuable, he soon realized that working as a systems engineer didn't fulfil his artistic side. Today, Calvin blends his tech knowledge into his daily life and music career, using tools like speech-to-text software that allow him to interact with digital devices through audio feedback.

Notably, Calvin doesn’t advertise his services; he works entirely through word-of-mouth referrals. His work ethic shines through everything he does. This authentic, personal approach has enabled him to continue doing what he loves most — making music with talented people.

Tune in to hear the story of this dynamic creative whose passion for his profession and zest for life radiate from the moment he starts speaking.

Contact Calvin at: djdarkness.botha@gmail.com