SodaWorld and R00Ts club: Bringing Unique South African Vibes to Somnium Space

NEO SANCHEZZ:
Thank you so much for having me! I really appreciate the opportunity. I’m so so excited about the chat that we’re gonna have. Firstly, greetings to everybody. My name is Neo, aka Neo Sanchezz. I consider myself as someone who is gifted with passion, purpose, flair, and soul in everything I do. As I’m given the opportunity as a DJ here, which is a dream come true for the interview.

I am, by profession, a strategist, one that specializes in brand, marketing and communications. I have an undergraduate degree from the University of Johannesburg,honors degree from Vega School Johannesburg, and I’m looking into doing my Master’s sometime soon. For now, I’ve been focusing on the music phase of my life, which has been really cool.
 
I’ve worked in really amazing spaces with amazing people. Never in my entire life have I imagined that I would be playing on the metaverse and the meeting of awesome people from R00TS CLUB. A shout-out to Soda World TV for being the first platform in Africa to make our digital dreams come true. So I’m excited to delve more into who I am.

NEO SANCHEZZ:
I was born in South Africa, Johannesburg. Specifically, I was born and raised here! You know, it’s a very diverse country. It’s got 11 languages and different tribes (I’m not too sure how many), different  people from different walks of life, and they all come from different parts of the world. Actually, you know, I would say that it has influenced my sense of expressionism because I love to play and express myself through the gift of music.

I’m a multi-genre DJ, meaning I play more than one type of music. I love exploring the music that’s within my own country and beyond. For example, as a DJ, I started with  House as a genre of music. And then, I slowly moved into exploring different genres because I felt that being limited to one genre wasn’t going to make me stand out.  I’m a person who is very unique in terms of expression! I like to be different, so I wanted to include influences that I grew up with.

Deep House House is a very popular genre in South Africa. I’ve been influenced by my family, who is very musical in their own ways. Music has played a role, for example, in the businesses of my aunt’s; it’s taken my dad overseas, I’ve won awards plus was at the National School of Arts  during my high school years, and my sister is a competitive figure skater, and my mom simply has good taste too! 

It’s one of those experiences where I’ve been fortunate to see music in its different forms. Take all those different experiences and create something intimate. Allowing people to go in an interdimensional experience with music and time because you know—I believe that the power of music takes you places. It reminds you of moments. I also play Amapiano, which is something that I grew up with. I also grew up with Gqom—I really enjoy that a lot and love playing it too. 

There are spaces in Johannesburg that are very alternative and have great sound. I’ve been very fortunate to play in spaces like Kitchens, where a number of international DJs and artists have also graced the space too. It’s a place where people can come in and enjoy really good music. One can find me playing genres like… Hip-Hop, Neo-Soul, RnB and many more. The important thing is to be able to play your strengths and read a crowd. I always try to be different to create a very sonic and spiritual experience with my music that allows people to enjoy themselves.

NEO SANCHEZZ:
Thank you! 

NEO SANCHEZZ: 

I look up to quite a number of people in the space and have a lot of influences. 

The list could go on, here are just a few:

– DJ LeSoul
– DJ Zinhle
– Lamiez Holworthy
– Sam Divine
– Desiree
– Lady Du
– Rosie Parade aka CoCo. She is also the co-founder of P_ssy Party which runs an amazing space.
– Phatsoki (also a co-founder of P_ssy Party)
– Baby Boosh
– Janelle Monaé
– Anatii
– Daev Martian 
– Omagoqa 
– David Guetta
– Swedish House Mafia
– Nina Kraviz
– Stella Bossi
– Nodiggity (She has also performed on Soda World)
– DJ Lady Lea

It’s humbling that I’ve managed to work as hard as possible to play along with some of the names I’ve mentioned… and I’m very grateful for the opportunities that have been given as well. One thing that used to impact me a lot was confidence. I’ll never forget one of my mentors DJ Trish—shout out, I love her very much—She’s influenced me to realize that, it’s okay to be who you are as a DJ. It’s just important to play and to play for the right reasons, especially if it comes from the heart. Shout out to Baby Boosh for always pushing me to do so!

It’s different from what you would usually expect to hear in terms of the sounds. These artists produce themselves in terms of the sound experiences they provide… One thing I value about each of them is their uniqueness. Which is also what I strive to inspire.

NEO SANCHEZZ:
Wow. I’ve worked on many projects that I’ve been very fortunate to work on and win awards for. If I’m looking at it from the corporate side of my life, there were amazing brands I’ve done work for I’ve produced work that has been  nominated for awards in my career as a strategist… but the most exciting thing for me was actually becoming a DJ that actually gets to play at a number of events (and spaces)  I’ve dreamed of playing at. Another highlight was when I got to be a part of Prototype Wednesdays on Soda world TV. That was where it was my first time playing in the metaverse when I debuted  my first set online and it was a surprise to have been featured more than once, I am so thankful!

It was an amazing experience because technology in South Africa, in general, is not where it is compared to other parts of the world. We are slowly but surely getting there. There is the problem of the digital divide due to the history of my country and the fact that it is the most unequal country in the world  is very sad. For example, things like load shedding are real. 

Load Shedding also creates a negative impact on being able to join virtual experiences and our ability to connect due to having no power at unexpected times of the day. The prices of certain virtual gear can be very expensive in SA and only a few spaces, like Soda World, provide access to the equipment that only a certain few might be able to afford to have in the comfort of their homes.

Enabling an outlet to be featured or a platform to do this for the very first time is so cool. I wish Soda Studio the best and growth because it’s exciting! That was one of my career’s most exciting turning points. I would have never expected it to be where I am today… I was mainly focused in the creative industry as a strategist… but now, I’m taking a leap into the music side of things! I’m excited to work on many projects in the upcoming months, and I hope you guys will be ready to watch! The most exciting overall is just being able to take the leap to become  and build my brand as a DJ in the virtual space and in real life. Building a brand definitely takes time, and I’m grateful for the time it’s taken.

NEO SANCHEZZ:
The greatest challenge with immersive technologies is the load-shedding issue that has been prevalent. It impacts you no matter where you are in the country and creates a disadvantage in connection to the internet. You’re restricted to using it whenever it’s on.

The cost of data to access the internet is ridiculous. There are different network providers which are all growing to provide faster and reliable internet access as time goes on. Nowadays more places provide free WIFI while some allow this for short or long periods of time, it just depends on where you are. Sometimes you have to pay for more time or ask for permission to use it, so with that said, I can say that as a country we are slowly moving forward in the right direction with the different systems available to access the internet.

 The systems, for example, in my house, how we’ve set it up… we’re very forward! I am very fortunate to live in an area that provides fiber internet, which you have to subscribe to and set up independently using one of many service providers offering it within the area. 

At home, we use fiber-based internet that is transmitted through a built-in WiFi router and tends to be much faster than the data I use through my cellphone as it carries multiple signals at 1 GB/ps (Gigabit per second). It is often picked up through telephone wires within one’s home but requires a technician to set it up for you. In short, this kind of internet access uses optic cables which have small glass fibers that use pulses of light, much like in the same way electricity would travel through copper wires from coal powered stations.

You can see that the cost of being online has the ability to disrupt so many opportunities. I used to play on Playstation and the costs of being on the internet before the fiber-based Wi-Fi were a challenge. It’s expensive to stay online… especially if you’re going to be on VR platforms. Just the cost of being able to buy the VR headset or the necessary gear to allow me to be in those virtual worlds is more expensive than more technologically advanced countries, where it might not be so expensive.

Soda World TV prides itself on being one of the only  spaces in Africa that focuses on providing access to the world of VR, unlike in other countries where you would find one with their own gear at home. We go into that designated space, which helps people to become and create themselves in the virtual world, which is really cool for someone who has never experienced VR before. There’s equipment that allows people to make their avatars as well as join the virtual parties that are often hosted there. Believe it or not, I’m so embarrassed that I haven’t even created my own avatar yet! I am still in the process of doing so as I’ve spent time watching how they have developed over the years in my country and globally.

There are still so many of us that are still adapting to this trend. I’m learning a lot about web3. I’m very interested in it. I’ve been interested in it as soon as cryptocurrencies have been around. The world is shifting, and many South African artists are also trying to shift in that direction. Anatii is a great example of being one of the first musical artists in Africa to launch new music as well as his own NFTs on web3, which is so inspiring as I’ve seen how many artists around the world have done the same.

I’m grateful our eyes are being opened to these awesome technologies. Hopefully, we’ll be in a place where we can catch on to being able to be where you guys are—there’s still a lot that I’m learning! There’s still a lot that people are learning.
 
We do have people who are fully versed in VR… In South Africa, we have expos and conferences that are VR and tech-based… I wouldn’t say it’s very popular, but there is a great interest, not only from gamers but, most especially in the rise of the number of African artists that are in the NFT space.  I also feature part of it with my own collection that hasn’t yet been minted but will be hopefully soon, as I’ve also seen DJ’s from other parts of the world enter this space too. Those are my challenges, but I’m a very determined person!

NEO SANCHEZZ: 
I really respect the work that you do. Because wow—if it wasn’t for your kindness, we wouldn’t have been able to experience experiences like that. So thank you. Crazy, but as I said, it will get there with the help of people around the world, especially for spaces like Soda Studio. We are very, very thankful for the support. 

Soda Studio is an amazing project built from the ground up by a small team. It has so much potential… even for someone like myself! I’m interested in not only performing but also getting behind the scenes in terms of supporting others where I can. So I’m very grateful for that. Thank you.

NEO SANCHEZZ:
I am a big fan of expressionism. The concept, its different forms, and the movement is mind-blowing. We are at that stage where we can take what one could think they could only do physically now—digitally or now into the VR space. It’s a new reality! It’s a new reality where anything virtual has now become real!

NEO SANCHEZZ: 
Laughs. That question is just so mind-blowing. It points to the fact we’ve come so far in technological developments at this stage of life. Where we are currently is amazing. One would think that being able to move, express, and do things would all happen physically when there is a new reality of life being virtual now, which is just absolutely mind-blowing.
 
I’m such a fan of expressionism and movement in all its forms. I truly believe that art is life. It has empowered me to see how possible it is to make connections between people from distant and near parts of the world. What is even cooler for me is how VR can probably even bring a country closer together in one common space to experience something virtually together.

As technology develops with the headsets, we can experience a virtual dance floor in a virtual concert… and… even in the DJing space. People can even learn how to DJ in the virtual space, which is all sooo mind-blowing! I come from an era where I learned how to play using CDs, and I could only do this at DJ school where I had access to practice with equipment I didn’t have at home. 

As you know, technology has evolved. There are apps for everything… I remember being at a point where I was so used to DJing on my phone using apps that were available at the time before I got any equipment. 

It’s amazing how you can combine traditional aspects, good-quality cameras, a reliable  internet connection and the virtual software necessary for people to join the experience using their virtual headsets.

Who knows! In the future, it could be a simple login. There’s no telling where we can go with the expression of movements and how VR will play such a big role artistically. It was so groundbreaking for me to hear about the events you hosted just recently, with pole dancing and women expressing themselves in their purest forms. 

Being in a safe space online, virtually. Being in the comfort of your own home is like a dream come true, honestly, because I can tell you that everybody loves to be at home. Everybody loves being comfortable. Yes, we love to go out and party too but still, there is no place like home. It’s cool that you can just put on a headset and join the party as if you are physically there and have real-time connections.

It’s also necessary, especially for people who aren’t very social or struggle with social anxiety. For example, with myself, there was also a period when I was also personally going through a lot… From someone very confident, I became a very shy person— think that comes with age. A lot of my friends are usually surprised. I say that because I’m not the shy one! But it happens. I do get my moments of being scared. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to form connections for someone with social anxiety. 

These virtual worlds make it easier to connect. For example, this opportunity to build an avatar is an awesome form of expression. People get to see who you want them to see. Like, it’s like having control of your own brand… I think it’s great.

I’m so embarrassed that I don’t even have an avatar yet, but I am working on it. My mind has been so taken into this whole experience. One day, I want to create a fashion line on virtual platforms and have virtual merch. I’m in the process of establishing my own brand further in real life and in web3.. So including elements of VR in my ideas makes sense. I am passionate about sharing everything I’ve learned and experienced in different ways as well as forms… if it inspires someone! Many organizations are trying to bridge those gaps.

And I love their work, including Soda Studio, which has grand plans to reach spaces that aren’t so fortunate to have these facilities. There’s so much substance that will allow South African talent to be exported to the world through virtual reality. I always say that Africa’s most significant export is talent. Providing many more South Africans with the opportunity and Africans in general with the opportunity of being online will indeed yield something so cool.

Through virtual reality, I promise you, the things that you will see will be mind-blowing. The future is looking very exciting from what has been developed so far. For example, the virtual market spaces for Africans and virtual things you can do with brands and social integrations have been quite interesting to see, like unique stickers, filters and so on.

It’s also interesting to see how VR is playing a role. I’m excited to see how far it will take us to help solve real problems of the world with empathy. Some of the ways and ideas I’ve seen implemented in VR are so crazy. More awareness is needed as there will be much to look forward to in terms of creative expression in the space.

NEO SANCHEZZ: 
First and foremost, I encourage everyone to be kinder to themselves. Give themselves a chance. I think it’s important to be kind and to remind ourselves that no matter what we do—what we think of ourselves matters first. That advice comes from a very personal place… we often get stuck in analysis paralysis, perfectionist tendencies, or lost in the ‘I can’t do it’ syndrome.

It gets difficult to do the things you want to do. You’re often so scared of what people would think or what life would do if you had to fail. Sometimes you really have to go through those experiences to understand yourself in the best way possible. My advice is to always put passion into it, you know, put soul into it, give it a lot of flair because it gives you purpose!

 You  don’t have to chase a specific purpose because the greatest purpose is being yourself—being yourself helps the world become  a better place. You end up inspiring someone else without realizing it; you are a piece of a greater puzzle or an ecosystem. You play an important part, and if you don’t take care of yourself, you don’t help yourself and affect how others function around you.

Being yourself is essential—we always underestimate that. It’s so important… advice I wish I had given myself a long time ago. I’m grateful to have learned that and preach it as much and, as often as I can. The essence of being yourself is important… that’s uniqueness. It’s all about you, you know? And to have fun! The important thing is to have fun and believe in yourself and what you’re doing so it’s easier for everybody else to understand and follow.

If you don’t make sense of who you are, how will anybody else understand? Give yourself permission to shine, to go out there to  try,  fail, see and explore. Go through life in its different forms and waves. That’s the best advice I’d give. At the end of the day, just be you, be true to yourself and have fun being you  because there’s nobody else like you.

NEO SANCHEZZ: 
Once again, I’m so humbled by the opportunity. You are doing amazing work, and I hope you continue to do amazing work. Spaces like r00ts club must exist. When you have an idea, you have a feeling—you just want to belong and find that space. It’s nice to know it’s possible—to know that what we  imagine—actually exists.

Another shout-out to Soda Studio & TV. I walked into their platform and gave it my all. It’s incredible to see how far I’ve landed, and I hope to continue to do more amazing work with them. To everybody that  has given me a chance — I’m really grateful, thank you so much! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all my friends and family who have supported me; I’m so humbled. Thank you to everybody who’s made an impact… even the people who have  heard me for the first time or are repeat listeners. Much gratitude to people who have  said nice things as all the kind (and unkind) words have indeed been a  positive influence in my career, thank you! I am really grateful, even to my divine squad in heaven (I hope you’re proud dad!)!

Thank you to everybody who’s allowed my diversity. Being different has been really sacred to me. I’m so grateful and looking forward to making more waves, especially  in web3  and the VR world; I look forward to it!