In a township that has birthed many stars, Pearl Mokhema from Sharpeville is carving her own lane as a DJ, curator, and event visionary — and she’s doing it with a rhythm that’s both soulful and disruptive. A proud mother of two — a son and a daughter — Pearl balances motherhood, music and mission with a grace that commands respect.
Known by her peers as a soft-spoken powerhouse, Pearl’s story isn’t just about spinning tracks — it’s about reinventing how her community unwinds and connects. A child of Sharpeville, she attended schools like Parkridge Primary and General Smuts High, but her real education came from watching people, vibing with them, and understanding the pulse of what makes a good moment unforgettable.
Brunches, beats & bravery
What started as an experimental idea to host a daytime Saturday brunch event evolved into something deeper — a reflection of Pearl’s attempt to give Sharpeville something outside the norm.
“I didn’t want to do what everyone else was doing. I wasn’t trying to host another soul session or a piano party. I wanted something relaxed, something mature. A space where grown folks could pull up and just breathe,” she says.
Her Saturday brunches were soulful, curated with purpose — soft background music that gradually built into deep, rich house grooves as the sun dipped lower. For a while, it worked. Until it didn’t. Not because of the vibe, but because Saturdays, as she learned, are for errands, weddings and life admin.
“I think I was fighting against lifestyle patterns. Everyone wakes up on Saturday and runs around. That’s just the rhythm of the Vaal. Maybe I should’ve done it on a Sunday,” she reflects.
Resilience and Rhythm
Despite challenges, Pearl doesn’t stop. She isn’t just a DJ — she’s an observer, a community-builder and a quiet revolutionary. “I didn’t want to copy what’s been done. I wanted to lead with intention,” she says.
There’s something comforting in how she speaks about failure — like it’s part of the journey, not the end. Her tone is never bitter, just reflective. She’s constantly evaluating, listening and adapting — a quality that’s often missing in an oversaturated DJ landscape.
Soundtrack of her life
Behind the decks, Pearl is a mood-setter. Her style is slow-burn. It’s not about dropping hits, it’s about building moments. She’s got a love for soulful house, deep cuts that stir your emotions, and grooves that give you goosebumps. Watching her play is like watching someone write poetry in motion — head down, heart full, completely in the zone.
Her love for music started early, tracing back to high school. “There was always that one person playing loud music. I had cousins who were older and into music. I had VHS tapes full of recorded shows and tracks. Jam Alley, Zero Hour Zone, Studio Mix, Channel O, the works, I’d record and rewind over and over,” she says.
One of the standout moments in her career was playing a set at a live recording session hosted at Victoria Yard Christos in Downtown Johannesburg. “They used to host live sessions with people… that was a highlight for me. To be able to play on a platform created by someone I used to listen to from a young age. I never thought I’d ever cross paths with him — and there he was, nodding his head to my set. I’m a very sentimental person, and that really stayed with me.”
Pearl has also been a resident DJ at popular venues such as Capello, MCafe, and The Gee Lounge — spaces that further solidified her presence in the Vaal nightlife and entertainment scene.
The long road to the decks
Her journey was not linear. Pearl first encountered the idea of DJing in 2005 when a friend suggested she had what it takes. But life had other plans. She put her dreams on hold as she became a mother and wife. Years later, feeling lost and unfulfilled, she gifted herself DJ lessons for her birthday in 2018.
“It was time. I was done living for everyone else. I needed to pull myself towards myself,” she says. That same year, she completed a course at Soul Candi and received an unexpected gift from her then-husband — a pair of Pioneer headphones.
“He didn’t really want me to do this, but he still surprised me. It was confusing but beautiful,” she says.
Her first official gig? The Sharpeville Food Festival. And she didn’t walk alone. Her mother, son, and daughter were right there cheering her on. That moment cemented everything.
“House music is everything,” she says. “It has all the genres in one. Soulful, afro, deep — it’s emotion, it’s life.”
Keeping the vibe alive
From there, gigs came in slowly, sometimes unpaid, sometimes underpaid. But for Pearl, it wasn’t about the money — not yet. It was about purpose, healing, and sharing joy.
“Music saved me,” she admits. “It gave me a reason to live for myself again.”
She’s since played at events like Deep Soul Sensation and continues to build her brand and sound. She speaks openly about the journey, about the importance of introspection, and about the need to pursue your calling even when it’s inconvenient, even when it’s delayed.
Whether you find her behind the decks at a cozy Sunday set, vibing at a corporate event, or sharing wisdom in a heart-to-heart conversation, one thing remains true: Pearl is more than a DJ — she’s a vibe curator, a storyteller, and a living reminder that it’s never too late to do what you love.
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