DJ Roto continues to inspire as an artist with a disability
Society is encouraged to be part of the conversation online by using the hashtags #DisabilityInclusiveSA and #DRAM2019.
Disability Rights Awareness Month is observed annually between November 3 and December 3 with the aim of building a disability inclusive barrier and a free South Africa where persons with disabilities can contribute actively to the development of their communities.
The month-long campaign carries weekly sub-themes which are reflected in the Medium Term Strategic Framework (2019-2024) of government.
In line with the commemoration, the Advertiser spoke to Morena Tsotetsi, famously known as DJ Roto, the man who needs no introduction as his been featured in various newspapers and on television shows.
DJ Roto, from Windmill Park, was born with one finger on each hand.
He, however, doesn’t view himself as someone who has a disability, but as being uniquely designed by God.
Having that mentality while growing up, DJ Roto made sure he achieves his dreams in spite of how he looked or what people said about him.
He is an artist, producer, dancer and has his own clothing line.
He also runs an entertainment dance school at his home, where he teaches children from primary and high school how to dance.
Tsotetsi went to a regular school, but he said he wasn’t really taken serious so he had to prove that he could cope, just like any other child.
With his two fingers he did everything an able-bodied person did, like writing and bathing himself.
He was also called ‘pencil’ because of his fingers.
“I wasn’t really bothered by that name because I ended up using that name as a stage name until I got the name of DJ Roto.”
After matric in 2004, he won a talent show called 30 Seconds to Fame that was aired on TV.
He has since been featured on shows such as Daily Thetha, Big Up, YoTV, as well as in various national newspapers.
Currently, he is working with the Department of Education along with Babsy Mlangeni and Steve Kekana, where they visit schools for the disabled and motivate the learners.
He has so far released six albums – Sikhokho, Izikhotane, Eventually, Aliphelumoya and Roto the One.
Hits songs from his latest album, Roto the One, include Standard, Theka, Mina Ngifuna Wena and Nyaope.
According to the multitalented artist, disabled people are not treated the same as able-bodied people.
“We don’t see people with disability presenting shows or acting. Often we see people with a physical disability on soapies or drama series and at that time it’s just a character they are portraying, it’s not really someone who is physically challenged.
“Disabled people who use wheelchairs are not catered for in malls or in public transport,” DJ Roto said.
His message to people with a disability is to not to be scared or doubt themselves, they should prove to themselves that they can do things.
“Don’t let your disability limit you, keep pushing until you make it. I’ve got two fingers and I’m doing wonders. I never go to bed hungry because I don’t feel sorry for myself,” he said.
Disability is the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental or some combination of these.
A disability may be present from birth, or occur during a person’s lifetime.
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