My passion for music was ignited during my youth in Ivory Park, a township in Johannesburg. I was fascinated by the blend of the visuals and sonics as well as how the artists developed their alter ego in the creative process or stage. As a fashion enthusiast, I was inspired by the music accompanying the runway shows I followed. Artists like Thom Yorke, Nick Cave and Warpaint were early influences. Coupled with my African roots, my passion for music grew, leading me to explore and collect a wide range of music and ultimately developing a unique taste which caught the attention of promoters and those on the dance floor.

My transition into DJing began during my university years in Johannesburg’s Braamfontein district, where I experienced the transformative power of the dance floor. As I continued to collect records and develop my own musical taste, I began envisioning myself as a DJ. This inner confidence and the desire to share music with others were the driving forces behind my journey into the DJ booth.

My creative process as a DJ involves a deep and continuous exploration of various musical styles and genres. I aim to curate sets that tell a compelling story, blending different sounds and emotions, invite the community to let loose, connect with their ethos – or opposite to– alter themselves. I find inspiration in the unique and infectious rhythms of my home nation, South Africa, while also taking pride in my eclectic tastes.

Desiree is not a character; it’s an authentic reflection of who I am as an artist. While there’s an element of alteration in DJing, it’s primarily an expression of myself. My public and private life are intertwined. My music reflects my passion and identity. There’s an energy surge on stage. I wouldn’t call it playing a character. It’s definitely a more heightened version of myself. Think of it as an extra splash of personality as an alteration.

Sharing my intersex identity was a deeply personal journey of self-acceptance and empowerment. These last two years have been transformative, marked by personal growth and a deeper connection with my identity. It has allowed me to be more authentic in both my personal and public life, and I’ve received incredible support from my community. It’s been transformative, like discovering a new dimension of who I am and embracing it wholeheartedly.

My journey as an intersex individual has been both enlightening and challenging. Sharing my identity has led to important conversations and increased awareness, but it has also highlighted the need for more education and understanding. Intersex can be a maze for folks to navigate, and that’s exactly why it’s so important to shine a light on it. Since I let the world in on my identity, it’s been an eye-opening journey. It’s not just about awareness; it’s about demystifying the topic. I strive to raise awareness on this topic through my various platforms. In my DJ sets, I aim to create an inclusive space where everyone can come together to celebrate music and diversity in all its wonderful forms.

Working in the music industry as an intersex individual comes with its unique challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to advocate for greater representation. I’ve encountered both supportive individuals and those who may not fully understand, but I believe that being true to ourselves can pave the way for more inclusivity in the industry.

The gist of it is that the more you book a diverse lineup (whether it’s musically or demographically) the more people from a diverse background will feel comfortable enough to let themselves go and enjoy your club or festival. This also goes for the staff you keep. More women behind the scenes means that you have a team that is more sensitive towards issues of diversity which includes recognition of intersex persons like myself. Providing safe spaces for dialogue, actively seeking out and promoting diverse talent, and creating inclusive policies and practices that embrace diversity in all its forms will be of great benefit not just to intersex individuals, but also others coming from marginalised groups.

Striking the right balance between my privacy and public representation is all about a calculated approach. I decide what to share by evaluating its potential to bring about positive change in terms of awareness and understanding. While I keep certain aspects of my life under wraps, I’m always ready to step up if there’s an opportunity to spark change. I have a degree in politics, philosophy and economics, so rest assured that I am itching to raise awareness on many things.

As a kid, I always wanted to be a diplomat or political journalist, hence the degree I decided to pursue. I’ve also wanted to help raise awareness or try to better humanity in some form through promoting good relations. I do think that I am doing that at a smaller scale with my music as I am able to introduce music inspired by my roots to new audiences and ultimately uniting the rest of the world with the beautiful sounds coming out of Africa.