“Afrohouse speaks to my soul”: Meet Joy Steffens, aka DJ Mamabearsteffs
Videos of Joy Steffens have rocked social media as she mans the DJ booth at various events. East Coast Radio had the opportunity to catch up with her and learn more about her journey.
At 64, Joy Steffens, affectionately known as Mamabearsteffs, is redefining what it means to follow your dreams at any age. By day, Joy works as an assistant for a property company in Gauteng, keeping her mind sharp and engaged by taking on digital challenges and thinking outside the box.
However, it's her evening persona as a DJ that has truly captured the hearts of many on social media.
Joy's unexpected rise to social media fame began when a young colleague pointed out her viral TikTok video. "I was so surprised," Joy recalls.
"I must admit my viral take off on social media has been such a surprise to me and it took one of the youths in my office to tell me, ‘Hey Joy, you have just gone viral on TikTok’ for me to pursue this channel," she said.
With over 300,000 views on a single reel, Joy's joyful and humble disposition has won over fans who affectionately nicknamed her "Durban Gogo number 2", "White Coffee”, and “Black Coffee with Cremora”.
@mamabearsteffs0 finished work at 11 and was happy to be behind the #cdjays at 6 #deejaying ❤️ and the people I meet along the way ....... lv ❣️ deejaying in my #vans my fav ...... @laparada #dainfernsquare ♬ original sound - Mamabearsteffs
The inspiration behind Joy's DJ journey is deeply personal. After losing her 22-year-old son, Dylan, to liver cancer in 2016, she decided to carry on his dream of becoming a DJ and music producer.
"His biggest dream was to be a DJ and music producer. In 2016, he passed away, and I have just decided to continue with his journey, which has given me incredible healing as a mom, and I learnt how to deejay,” Joy shared.
She learned how to DJ, creating mixes for radio stations, and perfected her craft with every opportunity she got. Joy's debut performance was at Newscafe, arranged by her DJ school.
She vividly remembers the surprise on people's faces when she arrived:
“I was asked by my DJ school to perform at Newscafe – I just love this story, and when I arrived at the entrance – I was greeted with, 'Hi, are you meeting a friend, or do you want a table for 1?’,” Joy recalled.
“I said, ‘hellllllll nooooooo, I’m the DJ’. I wish you could’ve seen their faces!”
Since then, Joy has performed at various venues and events, including the H20 festival at Wild Waters, Jozi Gin Bryanston, and Black Coffee’s store in Sandton City. Each gig brings her immense joy and fulfilment, honouring her son’s memory with every set she plays.
@mamabearsteffs0 dreams get fulfilled and hard work pays off. Getting up at 3 a.m. to go through my set before I go to deejay haha 😄 so old school right ✅️ nothing can atop me . hugs for the organizer ❤️
♬ original sound - Mamabearsteffs
Joy’s favourite genre is Afrohouse, but she is versatile and enjoys playing various music styles.
“I do love Afrohouse as that music speaks to my soul. I can play most genres, but leave the Hip Hop, R&B, and Amapiano to the specialists. I love dance music too, but I always love to find tracks that are new to the ears of the attendees," she explains.
Despite the physical challenges she faces, Joy remains enthusiastic about her DJing career. "Performing for 4-6 hours is a big challenge, but it's so rewarding."
Looking ahead, Joy has several exciting projects on the horizon, including a secret venture she can't yet disclose. She’s also preparing for a gig at the market at the Sheds in Arcadia and plans to start a podcast soon.
"There's lots happening, and I can't wait to share more. Watch this space!"
@mamabearsteffs0 better better every day I say #wounds feeling better loved deejaying today #laparadarestuarant #dainfern ♬ original sound - Mamabearsteffs
Joy's advice to others is simple yet profound: "Don’t give up on your dreams and no dream is too big. I think that I have learnt and am still learning as I go along – it's great to be able to do things and stretch your capabilities to a level that you can be so proud of. Never say ‘I cannot’ – always say ‘I’ll try’.”
She concluded by mentioning her inspiration behind it all, her late son:
“Sometimes this journey is so hard and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t have to talk about my son, but I have accepted that I am doing this for him and that this is going to be my life.”
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Image courtesy of TikTok