I used to have a few parties a year during school, all really excellent and I did my own music since I know something but it. Basically just my PC hooked up to a reasonably loud PC sound system, nothing special, oh and my thousands of songs.

Have always wanted to get a proper DJ though to see how it would be, it's my 21st this year, so thought I'd try find out now. There a few DJs on the forums here, so how much do you guys charge for something like this? Not a bit area or anything probably just in my house, not more than 50 people.

I don't know about the guys here

but I have a friend that played at minestry in london who is a mobile dj.

He also runs a DJ school out of johannesburg

For 21st and other type parties you can expect to pay up to R4000 for a pro.

I know he also charges something like R5000 - R7000 to do a wedding.
Why? because he is good and his equipement will astound you.

He is able to act as the MC and can get a party rocking.

Other mobile dj's I know charge a bit less but don't come with the same credentials.

The guy-down-the-road set up with a mirror ball a few lights and a collection of mp3s can do the job for less than a grand but its not as cool

My 21st was 12 years ago and I paid R2000 to have my mate play for me.

For a professional R4000 doesn't seem like such a high price, if you have th money of course. I don't think I'd be able to get that much money together just for the music, but R2000 isn't so bad

I'm guessing that the DJ will use their own equipment unless you already have something specific setup that you'd like him/her to use?

depending on how many hours anywhere from $150 to $500.