With a magnetic personality and an ear for infectious beats, Naked DJ (aka Quinton Masina) has quickly become a household name. But he’s much more than just a voice on your radio…
His appearance in the hit Netflix series Young, Famous & African solidified his status as a leading man in the African entertainment world – and one with great influence and musical prowess.
The reality show, which gained global acclaim for its fresh approach and authentic storytelling, follows the lives of young entrepreneurs and their journey to success in various fields.
Naked DJ adds a touch of genuine flair to the series, drawing from his own life experiences and sharing insights into media and music industries. With his talent, irresistible charm and dedication to making a positive impact on society, Naked DJ is a star on the rise.
Taking a break from his radio-hosting gig on MetroFM (going strong for 17 years now) and producing music, Quinton sat down at MAN HQ for an exclusive chat.
What have you been up to lately?
I’m currently celebrating good health, being in the best shape of my life, and just reaping the rewards of all the hard work I’ve put into my career. The Naked DJ brand is growing not only on the continent but globally as well.
Being a cast member of one of the biggest reality shows in the world, and continuing to host ‘Audiogasm’, and ‘Ask a Man’ – one of the most listened to segments on South African radio for almost 10 years now – I couldn’t be happier. I’m also so proud to be a father to a son who’s about to become a man, my greatest blessing, Phiwe, turns 18 this month.
Speaking of good health, how do you achieve a work/life balance with everything that’s going on?
Love drives me. When my siblings and I were growing up, my mom instilled in us that we must love and look out for each other first. When you’re brought up with unconditional love, you tackle the world head-on because you know that there’s a whole army cheering you on back home.
You go into the world with an invisible protective shield because nothing can break you. Family is very important to me; I have a great relationship with all my siblings and their children. We keep each other grounded and motivated. The cherry on top is my girlfriend Kayleigh – she’s the whole package.
Is it true love?
Kayleigh and I are great [readers will know fitness fundi Kayleigh Schwark from Young, Famous & African]. Relationships have challenges, so we go through our ups and downs like everybody else, but we’re good. We’re on the right path and starting to understand each other. The last few years have been wonderful. She loves attention and I’m glad she wants it from me! We have each other’s back. I know it’s been true love since day one.
What has it been like being a part of a hit Netflix series?
It feels like I’ve hit the entertainment Lotto! I guess one reason I got into entertainment was to show people who I am and what I’m about. Having the opportunity to do that on a global scale is unfathomable. Thirty years ago, I would never have expected that one day the world would watch my life in their living rooms or on their smartphones.
How do you deal with all the drama on the series?
Well, I view my cast members as my team. We might fight at times, but at the end of the day it’s us against the world. When the world is mean to any of us after a season premiere, we have each other to fall back on because only we know the hard work that we put in to make every episode a success.
Why did you agree to join the show?
I joined because I wanted to be part of the Netflix family. During lockdown, I binged on quality series like Stranger Things, Black Mirror and Narcos, and incredible documentaries like The Game Changers, Fear City and Spycraft. Having watched all those, I knew Young, Famous & African would be part of a great entertainment legacy.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind for your family?
I wouldn’t want my kid to achieve his goals faster because of the legacy I leave behind. I still believe that you love and cherish your own achievements way more than what’s handed down to you. If you trust and believe in the process, then you will never go hungry. Reaping the rewards of personal labour is the ultimate satisfaction.
Radio or TV… Which is your favourite?
Radio is most definitely my first love. I love creating magic; I love the theatre of the mind. Television is scary because the spotlight is literally on you, and the whole world is watching and listening at the same time. I’m actually a very shy person, so I get to hide behind radio; I just feel freer behind the mic.
Words by: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography: Zhann Solomons
