Recommended Mix: Mark Stent’s Marktronic Radio 18
It’s that time of the week again! Ok, it might be a few days late but trust me when I say that this week’s Recommended Mix is definitely worth the wait. Now, I’ve been following this man for quite some time now & I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him at this year’s H2O shindig – around April – in Johannesburg, South Africa. Which was pretty epic, but what I like most about this legedary DJ is the fact that, despite all he has achieved, he has somehow remained humble.
Mark Stent and Sole Essential at H2O presents Showtek – Wild Waters, JHB
That said, this week’s update features an awesome selection of good house music mixed and selected by South African DJ Mark Stent.
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South African DJ, producer, remixer and self confessed music lover Mark Stent’s passion for his craft is plainly evident from every energy-fuelled, funked up DJ set he delivers to his dancefloor. Hailing from the City of Gold, Mark’s love affair with house music began in his early teens and led to a still insatiable obsession with the art of mixing and blending beats. He earned his DJ stripes with an apprenticeship at Johannesburg rave institution Azzuri Lounge, before 1st place in a Black Fly’s Battle of the DJs paved the way to sets at Flyhouse, Nexus, DNA and legendary dance mega-fest H2O. Even a 6-year, self imposed hiatus from the DJ booth whilst welcoming daughters Kiara, Chicane and Skyla-Jean into existence could not stand in the way of Mark’s fated pilgrimage into the world dance now close on a decade in the making.
Re-emerging behind the decks at infamous Boksburg nightclub Sutra in 2007, what began as a once a month ‘old school’ speed garage set quickly resulted in a full blown residency as punters warmed almost instantly to Mark’s music and magnetic energy. His distinct physical appearance due to a background in competitive bodybuilding made Mark easily recognisable and led to the affectionate and enduring title, “The World’s Strongest DJ”.
Image: Mark Stent | Facebook
Over the ensuing 18 months Mark’s profile grew exponentially. In demand at prestigious clubs all over SA, he performed regularly at venues such as The BBC, Raffles, VIP in Plett, 52 Parliament, The College, The Workshop and JHB nightspots Taboo, Vertigo, Ruby Blue, Chicago, Casablanca and Voodoo Lounge. Past and present residencies include H2O, Sutra, Chilli Lounge and for party brands KISS and the Sound Factory. During this almost overnight rise to prominence Mark enjoyed billing alongside industry greats including Maxi Jazz (Faithless), Fatboy Slim, Chris Lake, the Hoxton Whores, Sexual Chocolate, Defunct, Tom EQ, Aquilaganja and Ed Kurno and made his international debut at the F1 Grand Prix Opening Parties, Cocoon Lounge and Club Z in Bahrain, Mass Club in London and The Escape Club in Wales.
Forging fearlessly into the realm of production during his sojourn from dance almost 4 years ago, Mark has since released tracks on such lauded imprints as Champion, Junky Trunk, Casual Kickback, More Music and 2008-launched, self-owned, pride and joy Flexual Records. Flexual, along with its more recent tech-edged, sister label, miniFlex; showcases not only Mark’s own music, but the music of both established and up and coming artists with whom he has a special affinity.
Image: Mark Stent | Facebook
Already boasting a string of top 10, internationally charted hits and sporting a label roster graced by the likes of Nick Supply, Kyle Watson, Geoff K, Guy Herman, Sexual Chocolate, Tom EQ, Aquilaganja and Jay Robinson, Stent’s fledgling imprint has raised many an eyebrow, earned widespread industry respect and been earmarked as “One To Watch” in the world of funky, jackin fidget and electro house.
Image: Mark Stent | Facebook
With a family that adores him and fans that aspire to be like him, Mark Stent mania shows no sign of abating. A starring role in forthcoming locally produced movie, ‘The Race-ist’ and the inception of a signature line of ‘Mark Stent’ branded apparel stand testament to Mark’s immense cross-over appeal and imminent status as a “Proudly South African” brand. Such popularity and experience leave little doubt that Mark Stent is a world class DJ unmistakably privy to how privileged he is to be living his dream each and every day.
