Deshnie Govender

Deshnie Govender (born 5 April 1985), also known as DJ Roxxi, is a South African Indian creator, influencer, DJ, and record producer.

Govender made her debut in the South African music scene in 2004 as one of the first South African Indian female Djs and producers and went on to win a Global Spin Award in 2011.

Early life and education Deshnie Govender was born in Isipingo, Durban, South Africa to a family of Indian descent. She spent her childhood in Isipingo and then moved to Amanzimtoti on the South Coast of Durban.

Although Roxxi first planned to embark on a music career straight after high school, she ultimately chose to attend secondary education first, as it was frowned upon in the Indian community for a young girl to become a club DJ. Roxxi enrolled in Natal University to study towards an LL.B. (law) Degree, studying journalism in her second year.

Career During her first year at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Govender left her LLB studies due to her father's demise and stepped into the family liquor business. Her childhood interest in DJing, particularly remix tracks, found an outlet when her mother bought a nightclub.

In 2009, Govender teamed with Nic Billington to release her debut single "Away". The track features Nic Billington on vocals and was produced by Craig Massiv from Flash Republic fame.

In 2015, Govender worked with artists Nadia Nakai, Reason, and Yung Swiss to produce the single "Like Whoo".

In 2020 Govender released a podcast, Influence Insider, which was produced by Digi Hype.

Govender transitioned into digital marketing in 2015 and now works for TikTok, heading up marketing for Sub-Saharan Africa. The track features Nic Billington on vocals and was produced by Craig Massiv of Flash Republic fame.

Awards and recognition 2006: Cosmopolitan Magazine Awesome Women Awards 2007: Standard Bank Women of KZN Rising Star 2011: Global Spin Awards