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For more than 20 years, Novice Taylor has been active in Zimbabwe’s music scene, making people dance with his signature R&B and Hip-Hop mixes. The definition of longevity in the game, his story is about crafting experiences, connecting people through sound, and making sure every set he delivers leaves people with memories that last a lifetime. For bookers looking for a DJ who understands the pulse of a crowd, blends genres seamlessly, and brings an infectious energy to every performance, Novice Taylor is the name to call.
Novice’s love affair with music started young. His mother was a vinyl collector, filling their home with records of all genres and sizes. “That’s where I got most of my experience,” he shared with The Movement. “Through her records.” By high school, he was excelling in music class, pulling straight A’s. But it wasn’t until he saw other DJs mixing tracks regionally and internationally that he had his eureka moment. “I figured I might as well learn how to make my own tracks,” he recalls. “Then I saw DJs killing it, and I thought—this is my thing too.”
Although he’s an open-format DJ, Novice is deeply rooted in R&B and Hip-Hop. He’s constantly sharpening his craft, refining his technique, and pushing boundaries in ways that keep his sets fresh and unpredictable. His Zimbabwean roots play a major role in his artistry, too. Inspired by legends like Alick Macheso, Simon Chimbetu, James Chimombe, and Leonard Dembo, Novice knows how to mix and match local sounds in a way that electrifies an audience. “These guys recorded world-class albums,” he says. “That made me want to deliver sets that take people on a journey.”
Every artist has a defining moment, the gig that changes everything. For Novice, that moment came in 2012, when he got to meet and play right after Black Coffee at a show in Harare. “It was an amazing gig,” he remembers. “One of those nights you never forget.”Then came the Mapopoma Festival, an experience that took his career to new heights. Sharing a lineup with heavyweights like Yo Maps and Nutty O, he saw firsthand what it meant to command a major stage. “Much love to Dollarbill for giving me that opportunity,” he says. “That event changed my life.”
Novice’s philosophy as a DJ is simple: music is about love. Whether he’s spinning slow R&B jams or high-energy Hip-Hop anthems, his goal is to bring people together under one vibe. “Let’s all vibe under the umbrella of love,” he says. “Being a Christian, I’ve learned that love is what actually makes the world a better place. Not money, lol.”
With two decades in the game, Novice has seen it all. The biggest challenge? Earning respect for his work. “It’s not easy to get people to acknowledge the effort you put in,” he admits. “But I’ve overcome that by staying humble. Being a good person goes a long way, both in work and in life.” And while awards and recognition aren’t his main motivation, he takes pride in something even more valuable: the moments he’s created for people. “After 20+ years of DJing, my biggest joy comes from knowing I’ve helped people make good memories.”
For fans and bookers looking to hear more of Novice’s signature style, he’s now uploading live DJ sets online. “Expect more good times and more intelligent music,” he says.
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