.....Supa CDQ on building his brand beyond borders
For years, Supa CDQ, born Linda Dlamini, built a reputation as one of Eswatini's most respected DJs.
Known for his seamless transitions, energetic sets and versatility behind the decks, he became a familiar face in the country's nightlife.
This earned him major bookings, sharing stages with some of South Africa's biggest artists and holding down a residency at Solani's in Mbabane.
Today, the DJ is writing a new chapter thousands of kilometres away in Seattle, USA.
Starting over in a new country came with excitement, but it also meant rebuilding from scratch.
"I stayed for almost a year not playing or not being fully outside to experience the entertainment scene because I didn't know people," he says.
Beyond finding his footing socially, the nightlife itself was another adjustment. Unlike Eswatini, where DJs often move between venues in one night, Seattle's entertainment scene runs differently.
"The nightlife mostly happens for a few hours. Most venues close at 2AM after opening around 9PM or 10PM, making it hard to hop from one venue to the next. You can't double yourself," he jokes.
While audiences enjoy different sounds, he says the gap isn't as wide as many might think. His biggest challenge has been introducing himself to event organisers, promoters and venues that had never heard of him before.
Rather than disappear while finding his place, Supa CDQ doubled down on content.
"The presence online is everything a DJ, creator or artist can do for themselves because it's what people use these days to see what's what," he explains.
His consistent mix uploads have done more than keep existing fans engaged. They have introduced his brand to new audiences across Seattle, the United States and beyond while helping him connect with fellow DJs around the world.
"Content will always take you to places you never thought you'd be," he continues.
Although many fans associate him with hip-hop, the shift towards Amapiano, Afro House and Afro Tech wasn't a sudden reinvention.
"I've always been a house head," he explains. He first learned to DJ through deep house before switching to hip-hop after noticing there were fewer hip-hop DJs in Eswatini.
Even then, he wanted audiences to see his versatility, but patrons usually wanted him to stay in his hip-hop lane. Relocating gave him the opportunity to introduce himself differently.
"I easily went into Amapiano and Afro House/Tech when I moved to a new location because it was so easy to introduce myself that way," he says.
Hip-hop and R&B still form part of his sets when the occasion calls for it, but house music is where he feels most at home today. Performing for a new audience has also strengthened his confidence as a DJ.
"It does have a different music scene but I liked the challenges it came with and still comes with," Supa says.
Rather than changing to fit every crowd, he focuses on staying true to his sound.
"I continuously introduce my brand, what I'm about and what I play. People will appreciate and follow your lead if they listen and love the same music," he continues.
His growing list of bookings abroad hasn't happened by chance. For Supa CDQ, consistency matters just as much as networking.
"I've always known that in everything you do online or offline, there's always someone watching and listening," he says.
He also believes every creative should expect quiet seasons.
"Not everyone will appreciate what you do and there will be dry days too, but always keep it moving," he says.
While social media often shows polished performances and packed venues, he says people rarely see everything that happens behind the scenes.
"Time makes it so challenging. Twenty-four hours can feel like 16 hours when you have an actual job, you're getting new music, doing market research to stay relevant, planning content and editing," he added.
For now, he's managing everything himself, although building a team remains one of his long-term goals. Despite living abroad, Eswatini remains central to his identity.
"Every time, I am proud to mention where I'm from and what I'm about," he says proudly.
Representing the country means proving that Eswatini belongs in global conversations about entertainment.
He emphasizes, that, it means putting it out there and making it known that he makes best cut too when it comes to entertainment.
While music trends continue to evolve, particularly within Amapiano, Supa CDQ says his approach is simple.
"It's staying true to yourself, doing what you love and worrying less about trends," he encourages.
Still, he believes there's room to balance both. Mentioning that mixing trends and what you love can also be a good combination.
Looking back at his Solani's residency days, he believes listeners would immediately notice growth.
"I think growth within sounds is what people would take note of, improved playing skills and a more trained DJ ear," he confesses.
With his sights firmly set on the future, Supa CDQ isn't limiting himself to DJing.
He wants to release original music, is currently learning music production, hopes to collaborate with artists, DJs and brands he admires, and dreams of creating an event concept that stands the test of time.
For a DJ who has already rebuilt his career on another continent, it is clear the next chapter is only getting started.
Stream Supa CDQs here: https://youtube.com/@supacdq?si=eAUmxMfaTCCd2GIw
