In Johannesburg’s dense and fast-moving music ecosystem, where access to equipment is easy but structured development is rare, Trendscend Academy has positioned itself as a quiet but consequential force. Less concerned with hype and more invested in process, the academy has steadily built a reputation as a launchpad for DJs and music creatives seeking longevity.
At its foundation, Trendscend Academy is a community-driven music lessons and instruction school committed to transforming passionate music lovers into industry-ready professionals. The institution offers comprehensive DJ courses alongside beginner piano lessons, anchoring its approach in both technical proficiency and musical understanding. This emphasis on fundamentals, often overlooked in contemporary DJ culture, has become one of the academy’s defining strengths.
What distinguishes Trendscend Academy is not only its curriculum, but the tangible outcomes of its work. Graduates of the academy have earned performance opportunities at respected cultural platforms such as Any Given Sunday, a cornerstone hip-hop event and Blume Spaces, known for its refined curation of House, Amapiano, 3-step and alternative music. These are not incidental bookings, but environments that demand musical maturity, crowd awareness, and technical control.
First-hand experience at multiple Blume Spaces events over the past year reinforces this credibility. Hosted in the heart of Johannesburg, the gatherings stood out for their clean aesthetic, intentional programming, and diverse yet discerning audiences. The line-ups consistently balanced established, mainstream DJs with emerging talent, among them Trendscend Academy graduates, who performed with a level of confidence and polish that signalled professional preparation rather than novice experimentation.
Beyond club and lifestyle events, Trendscend Academy alumni have also taken to major festival stages. Graduates have performed at well-renowned platforms such as Once Upon A Time in Joburg and Bacardi Holiday Club, further underlining the academy’s role in bridging education with real-world industry exposure.
The academy’s impact extends beyond DJ culture alone. Among its notable graduates are internationally acclaimed fashion designer Thebe Magugu and media personality and influencer Mbali Nkosi, underscoring Trendscend’s broader creative influence and its ability to nurture talent across disciplines. These success stories speak to an institution that understands creativity as a transferable skill set, rooted in discipline, identity, and confidence.
In conversation with the founder, Khanyisile Dube, it becomes evident that Trendscend Academy’s philosophy prioritises sustainability over spectacle. With applications no open for a new intake, the academy is preparing for what is expected to be one of its most significant cycles yet. The objective remains clear: equip students with the tools, mindset, and exposure required to thrive in a competitive and often unforgiving industry.
As part of this next chapter, Trendscend Academy will be hosting an Open Day on 24 January, offering aspiring DJs a free lesson and an opportunity to engage directly with the academy’s instructors and facilities. The Open Day will run from 9am to 3pm at 99 Juta Street, Braamfontein, providing a rare, accessible entry point for those curious about formal DJ training or seeking to refine their skills.
In a city rich with talent but short on structured pathways, Trendscend Academy fills a vital gap. It is not merely teaching people how to DJ—it is building artists who understand music, professionalism, and the demands of live performance. If current trajectories are any indication, many of Johannesburg’s future main-stage moments will trace their origins back to this institution.
Open Day: 24 January
Time: 9am – 3pm
Location: 99 Juta Street, Braamfontein
Entry: Free lesson
Further information and application details please click here.
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