DJ Switch’s Who Got the Aux? puts emerging artists to a real-time test

A sister initiative to Shoot Your Shot, this event strips things back even further. The rules are straightforward but unforgiving: artists sign up, step forward and submit a track. The first 20 seconds determine the outcome. If the crowd responds, the song plays in full; if the reaction is overwhelming, it may even be played twice, earning the artist a chance to perform live. The atmosphere carried the intensity of a hip hop cypher competitive, exposed and unfiltered. Many walked in wrestling with the same doubts and ambitions: Am I good enough? Will they connect with my sound? Will they remember me? That tension drove the night. The audience acted as judge, and silence was as decisive as applause. It was a process that sifted through hopefuls and highlighted those with a distinctive voice.

One piece of advice for artists: do not treat those first 20 seconds as a full performance. Approach it almost like lip-syncing, feel the track, move with it, and let the crowd ease into your energy. The actual performance only comes once they grant you that opportunity. Choosing a song that grabs attention instantly is crucial, and playing it from one of the major DSPs is a practical step many still overlook.

The event, however, has areas for improvement. The lack of female rappers and producers was noticeable, and future editions would benefit from stronger representation. Some artists also played tracks from lesser-used platforms, raising concerns about how well they understand their audience. Strategic uploading can make a considerable difference. In hip hop especially, confidence works best when paired with discernment; sometimes silence provides all the feedback needed. It would also be valuable to see this concept extended to other parts of South Africa, uncovering talent beyond Johannesburg.

Despite these points, the night delivered several strong performances. Ken Driz, Bdawg Madeira, Papi Chulo, Buoy Fly, DJ Madis and DJ Sgee stood out, while DJ Switch energised the room with KidLyric, BuzziLee and PrimoZa’s new track ‘Botshele’. A personal highlight was Big Ben, whose Setswana performance had the entire venue singing along. As one of only a few women in attendance, I felt both the intensity of the space and the potential of the idea. For any artist testing new material or seeking a fresh audience, Who Got the Aux? is well worth attending.