Paballo Landu adds DJing to growing list of talents: 'I want to make people feel the energy'
Known to many South Africans for her charming performances in TV commercials and her lively social media presence, the young star has now added DJing to her growing list of talents.
Paballo recently began her DJ journey at FoReal House Music Academy, where she's been learning the ropes of mixing and mastering house and amapiano beats. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, the multitalented teen said her love for music and dancing is what drew her to the decks.
'I started DJing because I love music and dancing. To see everyone moving to the beat would be the coolest. I want to be the one to make people feel that energy,' she shared.
And so far it's been a rewarding experience.
'It's been amazing. I get to learn how to mix songs, play different styles such as house and amapiano. Everyone has been welcoming to me since day one. I love their professionalism and dedication towards their students. FoReal DJ Academy is not just an academy, for me they are family.'
Paballo learnt to mix her first song, Believe (ft Leelo_D & Zingelwayo) and is already dreaming about performing live in front of crowds.
Paballo's journey in the entertainment industry began long before she could even spell the word 'career'.
'My mom, I believe she saw something in me because she signed me up with an agency when I was only two years old,' she said. 'I was only five when I got on set for the first time. I didn't understand what was happening, but I was excited. There were cameras all around me and everyone treated me like a princess. I just enjoyed the attention.'
Since then she's appeared in various small-screen productions and gained a strong following online. While she doesn't limit herself to any particular type of content, her feed is a mix of dancing clips, funny videos, behind-the-scenes moments and cute lifestyle posts.
'I'm an all-rounder. I post whatever I feel like, sometimes dancing, sometimes just joking around. I also share my work. I post anything and everything.'
Her breakout acting moment came when she landed the lead role of Loli in an international film titled My Africa, which saw her performing in Russian and Portuguese.
'That was a highlight for me. I had to speak two foreign languages throughout the whole movie. I had fun shooting that film, I'd do it all over again.'
Paballo's ultimate acting inspiration? None other than South Africa's golden girl Thuso Mbedu.
'She's an insanely talented actress and can make you feel every emotion in her performance. Plus, she's humble, hardworking and represents our country with pride.'
Asked who she looks up to in the DJing world, she says Uncle Waffles.
Between acting, DJing and maintaining her online presence, Paballo manages her schooling thanks to a flexible online curriculum that allows her to pursue her passions.
'I do online schooling, which gives me more time to do all these other things.'
Despite her fast-growing fame, she remains grounded, crediting her parents as her biggest supporters.
'My peers telling me I inspire them to follow their dreams means the world to me. That's the best part of what I do.'
As she looks ahead, Paballo hopes to continue growing in acting and music, with the dream of inspiring audiences around the world.
'Never stop believing in yourself. Don't be scared to try something new even if it feels big or scary at first. If you love it, go all in. Most importantly, have fun while you're doing it, that's when the magic happens.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Kaizer Chiefs are everywhere — sparking a national dialogue in SA
Celebrating Chiefs' victories — and South African resilience — one tot of tequila at a time. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Kaizer Chiefs — they're everywhere And by everywhere, I mean especially after they won their first two matches of the Betway Premiership. Even more so if you are caught wearing an Orlando Pirates shirt after those victories, with my side of the aisle looking rather grim following the opposite results — two losses in as many matches. Walk around town in the iconic black, the skull and crossbones embroidered on your breast, and you are more than likely to get the customary greeting — arms crossed at the wrist — or a sardonic smile from those who follow the Glamour Boys, challenging you with an 'Amakhosi for life.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Find yourself in a pub, and you might just be forced to shoot a grim shot of tequila, crowned by a slice of orange, to the health and victory of Chiefs — as was the case this past Wednesday at a launch event wholly unrelated to Premier Soccer League matters. That's the type of national dialogue I enjoy … the one that reminds me that, when it comes to South Africans, we are all very much the same despite creed and politics; and in spite of what the toxic cesspools of social media will spout, or our political leaders might blast over a loudhailer. And it doesn't take an eye-watering amount of money to inspire it. Truth be told, domestic football needs Chiefs to be successful. They remain the biggest brand — the marquee sporting name in this country — regardless of the success of Mamelodi Sundowns or Orlando Pirates, the Springboks lifting two consecutive Rugby World Cups, or the Proteas finally getting their hands on a major ICC trophy … cup … mace … thing. Despite the PSL's shoddy administration — poor officiating, suspect scheduling, last season's Royal AM saga, and clubs being sold like cookies at a church bazaar — football in this country continues to thrive. That resilience is mirrored across other major sporting codes, which survive despite questionable boardroom decisions and a lack of adequate state support. All goals scored within regulation time contribute towards our Goals For Charity initiative. After our Quarter Final round, we're sitting at a whopping 15 goals! The #MTN8 Defending Champions, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns both contributed 6 of those goals! 🔥 How… — MTN8 Wafa Wafa! (@MTN8) August 14, 2025 If our football can flourish under such conditions, it's no surprise that South Africans as a people continue to persevere through far greater challenges — a resilience that defines us beyond the pitch. Our sovereignty might be undermined by nations with ridiculous foreign policy agendas, while graft cripples infrastructure and service delivery, yet no nation can pull itself up from the bootstraps like we do. If recent sporting events have proven anything, it's this: we South Africans are a bunch of champions, consistently let down only by the fumbling ineptitude of our leaders across the political spectrum — right to left. On Saturday, that camaraderie will once again be on display.
The Citizen
20 hours ago
- The Citizen
Join Socks for Smiles and help change a child's life
Join Socks for Smiles and help change a child's life Smile Foundation has launched its bold Socks for Smiles campaign, aiming to raise R2.5 million to fund 100 life-changing reconstructive surgeries for children across South Africa. South Africans are encouraged to wear their brightest socks on 19 September and buy a R20 Socks for Smiles sticker at Dis-Chem, Cape Union Mart, Baby City stores nationwide, or online. 'We wanted to create something that's fun, simple, and accessible but still powerful in its purpose,' said ambassador Loyiso Bala. 'Socks for Smiles is a reminder that even the smallest act can have a life-changing impact.' Joining the campaign are well-known personalities, including Lady Zamar, DJ Milkshake, John Vlismas, Themba Robin, and Miss World South Africa Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg, who said: 'It's more than a fundraiser. It's a movement. It's about showing up, standing together, and helping children step into their futures with confidence.' Acting CEO Moira Gerszt thanked all partners and participants: 'Together, we are changing more lives.' For more details or to get involved, visit the Smile Foundation's website or follow @smilefoundationsa on social media.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- TimesLIVE
Paballo Landu adds DJing to growing list of talents: 'I want to make people feel the energy'
At just 14 Paballo Landu is already building an impressive résumé — and she's just getting started. Known to many South Africans for her charming performances in TV commercials and her lively social media presence, the young star has now added DJing to her growing list of talents. Paballo recently began her DJ journey at FoReal House Music Academy, where she's been learning the ropes of mixing and mastering house and amapiano beats. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, the multitalented teen said her love for music and dancing is what drew her to the decks. 'I started DJing because I love music and dancing. To see everyone moving to the beat would be the coolest. I want to be the one to make people feel that energy,' she shared. And so far it's been a rewarding experience. 'It's been amazing. I get to learn how to mix songs, play different styles such as house and amapiano. Everyone has been welcoming to me since day one. I love their professionalism and dedication towards their students. FoReal DJ Academy is not just an academy, for me they are family.' Paballo learnt to mix her first song, Believe (ft Leelo_D & Zingelwayo) and is already dreaming about performing live in front of crowds. Paballo's journey in the entertainment industry began long before she could even spell the word 'career'. 'My mom, I believe she saw something in me because she signed me up with an agency when I was only two years old,' she said. 'I was only five when I got on set for the first time. I didn't understand what was happening, but I was excited. There were cameras all around me and everyone treated me like a princess. I just enjoyed the attention.' Since then she's appeared in various small-screen productions and gained a strong following online. While she doesn't limit herself to any particular type of content, her feed is a mix of dancing clips, funny videos, behind-the-scenes moments and cute lifestyle posts. 'I'm an all-rounder. I post whatever I feel like, sometimes dancing, sometimes just joking around. I also share my work. I post anything and everything.' Her breakout acting moment came when she landed the lead role of Loli in an international film titled My Africa, which saw her performing in Russian and Portuguese. 'That was a highlight for me. I had to speak two foreign languages throughout the whole movie. I had fun shooting that film, I'd do it all over again.' Paballo's ultimate acting inspiration? None other than South Africa's golden girl Thuso Mbedu. 'She's an insanely talented actress and can make you feel every emotion in her performance. Plus, she's humble, hardworking and represents our country with pride.' Asked who she looks up to in the DJing world, she says Uncle Waffles. Between acting, DJing and maintaining her online presence, Paballo manages her schooling thanks to a flexible online curriculum that allows her to pursue her passions. 'I do online schooling, which gives me more time to do all these other things.' Despite her fast-growing fame, she remains grounded, crediting her parents as her biggest supporters. 'My peers telling me I inspire them to follow their dreams means the world to me. That's the best part of what I do.' As she looks ahead, Paballo hopes to continue growing in acting and music, with the dream of inspiring audiences around the world. 'Never stop believing in yourself. Don't be scared to try something new even if it feels big or scary at first. If you love it, go all in. Most importantly, have fun while you're doing it, that's when the magic happens.'
