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Step-by-step guide

Mobile DJ and sound hire: from your first party to regular bookings

Play music and supply sound for birthdays, weddings, school functions and corporate events, or hire out a PA. This guide covers kit, SAMRO music licensing, what SA DJ companies charge in 2026 (about R2,550 to R8,650 a package), deposits and contracts, and a worked rand example with clearly labelled example figures.

  • 23 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • About 2 hours
  • First lesson free

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • You know music and can read a crowd.
  • You have, or can save for, a reliable speaker setup and controller.
  • You have transport for your gear.

Think twice if

  • You can't work late nights and weekends.
  • You have no way to move heavy speakers.
  • You need a full income straight away.

Honest expectations

  • Published SA packages run from R2,550 (a ceremony package) to R8,650 (a five-hour package with full lights).
  • DJs who play music in public need a music licence, and SAMRO says DJs and promoters should hold one.
  • Bookings come and go with the event calendar, so plan for quiet months.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How a mobile DJ business worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Set up step by step: ready for your first booking6 min (in the full guide)
    3. Pricing your packages: real 2026 figures5 min (in the full guide)
    4. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Check your music licence3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Set your packages3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first bookings5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Your 14-day playbook to your first paid booking6 min (in the full guide)
    6. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Play a showcase event3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Contact venues3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Common mistakes for mobile DJs4 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Add sound hire3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Plan for December3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Free courses to fill your skill gaps4 min (in the full guide)
    5. Getting paid and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    6. Tax: what to put aside, with worked examples6 min (in the full guide)
    7. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

ItemCostNote
Two powered speakers with stands, a DJ controller, a laptop, microphone, cables and a basic light (example range, second-hand to new)R5 000 to R40 000Example range. Start small with kids' parties and small venues, and hire extra gear for big events.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 26 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 26 April 2027.