3 days ago
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.'
