Black Butterfly – A multifaceted DJ Extraordinaire

September 18, 2017

We often overlook the contribution made by those who are not recording artists or producers in the cultural aspect of Reggae and Dancehall world, yet they play a significant role in enriching the scene through various roles they play. DJ Black Butterfly is one such contributor. She hails from Cape Town and is one who does not seek fame and attention, but rather focused on putting in the works and changing perceptions of how a Reggae Dancehall DJ is viewed. We reached out to her for a quick chat about music, DJing and being herself, read below to see what she has to say. Welcome to the World of DJ Black Butterfly.
IG: @danielle_truly_me

Who is Black Butterfly?
Me. Danielle Jeneria
Mother, Daughter, Lover, Sister, Friend… +
Clothing designer + Douala + Birth activist + Hemp Activist + DJ
Truly me

How did the name come about?
I went through a major change in my life a couple of years ago and the best way to describe or picture the change was looking at how a caterpillar transformed into a butterfly and Black being my favorite color. In that transformation Black Butterfly was born.

How did your journey as a DJ begin? At what point did you decide that you would like to be involved in/with Reggae?
I married an amazing dj and sound system owner and Rastafari and reggae goes hand in hand. Sooo with that combination and the LOVE of music who would not want to share great music and DJ .

..and you chose a tuff genre, Reggae and Dancehal [and hip hop?l. An unpopular choice, if you consider most vie for the pop commercial sounds and/or afrobeats to make their mark on the scene. What made you decide and stick to Reggae Dancehall?
It’s not a tuff genre. It’s bout playing music I love. My reason for playing reggae and dancehall is that I want to share the love I have for it. The reason for playing for people is to have them experience my joy. Reggae music is home.

The music has history and memories. The love for hip-hop started with NWA at the age of 7. Blues and soul started from the womb and maybe even before.

What do you feel distinguishes your work from that of other DJ’s?
Just by being me.

How do you strike a balance between expressing yourself and engaging with your supporters?
In being my authentic self everything naturally falls into place.

You are a fashion designer as well? Tell us more about Truly Me Designs
First I love doing custom work. Once off pieces is pretty much my jam but I’m also busy with Hemp, Cotton & Shweshwe clothing. Human beings don’t realize the clothes they wear contribute to their well being. The chemicals in your clothes filter through your pores and into your system. Hemp clothing is a must and this is my project at the moment. Hemp consciousness is what I’m striving for.

In this competitive cut throat industry, how do you carve your market and stay unique and afloat?
I don’t get caught up with the BS or at least try not to. Staying in my lane keeps me going. I believe that spirit will always guide you where you need to be.
I see you use a lot of Seshweshwe print in your designs, what inspired that?
Home. My Mother always wore Shweshwe and that’s what I saw growing up. So my love for African Print started with my Mother We live in the Western Cape and how sad it is how we aren’t influenced by it.

Where do you work from and how do you distribute your works?
I work from home. I think working from home is a must with having so many children (Lol). Having them trotting in and out and all around my work space comforts me and keeps me grounded. Thus being able to sell online.

It seem to have been an interesting journey for you, What would you consider as your highlights and downs so far?
My whole life is a highlight really. Being present in every moment is the greatest gift.
Downs is all about perspective

Where does your inspiration come from, in general?
Inspiration comes from moments in life. People, Nature and Sounds. Energy.

Besides DJ’ing and Fashion, what else are you involved in/with?
I’m a Douala. So midwifery and birth plays a huge role in my life. I do my Douala work at public hospitals. Supporting woman that don’t have anyone by their side. In my opinion we do not do enough for the woman that bring souls into the world.