1). How did you get into the whole DJ scene? Is it as glamorous as most people tend to think it is?

I was introduced to deejaying by my brother Zak, who owned a sound company at the time. One of the deejays didn’t make it so I decided to stand in and play. The response was amazing and as they say the rest was history. Many people think that it’s glamourous and it’d not.

2). Which genre of music do you specialise in and which is your personal favourite?

I love house music and I play a lot of local music. South Africa is starting to produce a lot of talented producers which is great.

3). Clearly this was all spawned from a love of music. What does music mean to you?

Music is my life. Music is the one thing that helps me put things into perspective during both hard and good times. I love music.

4). Tell us more about Fuse Academy? What lead to you taking that route?

FUSE was something that has always been in the pipeline for quite some time. Having undergone the hardships that I went through as a female deejay , my business partner, Nomndeni Mdhaki, and I wanted to introduce an academy for females where they would be equipped with all the info and skill to help them succeed in this male dominated industry. As cheesy as it sounds, the saying knowledge is power is actually true.

5). Are you happy with what you have achieved so far with the Academy?

I’m very happy with where the academy is at the moment. So far we have graduated over 40 girls at the academy. So yes I am very happy.

6). How do you manage to juggle being a DJ and Fuse Academy? Do you still find the time to relax?

Things are hectic considering that I also have a clothing shop called Spotlight Celeb Boutique but I do find time to relax every now and then. When I am free I sleep most of the time.

7). What’s the biggest gig you ever played? What would be your ultimate gig?

I have played at numerous big gigs and I really cannot single out a specific one as every gig is different and there’s always something special about it. My ultimate gig would be for me to play in Japan! People are always talking about how crazy it gets there so that’s where I’d like to be.

8). Give us a breakdown a day or night in the life of Zinhle? What’s the preparation like, leading up to the event, and what happens afterwards, what food you eat?

Geez, most of my shows tend to be on weekends so I’ll look at a normal Saturday. I would usually wake up around 10am considering that I probably slept at 4am having done a gig the previous night. This again depends on whether I don’t have any meetings scheduled or if I don’t need to be at FUSE. I would have brunch and watch TV (I love TV) and then prepare for my show with Oskido on YFM. If I’m playing around Gauteng I would then spend time with my man or friends before my gig. If I’m playing outside of Joburg then it would mean having to drive to the gig after doing YFM. We do spend a lot of time on the road. Oh an d I love food and eat almost anything.

9). Is the entertainment industry your only source of income. Are there any other ventures that you are involved in, other than Fuse and “The Industry”?

I also own a clothing shop called Spotlight Celeb Boutique. I am involved in a number of things which I can’t mention yet.

10). What about time with family and friends – How do you manage that?

With family, making time is a bit difficult as they are not in Gauteng, so having to find time to go home is not easy. My family is supportive and understands though. My friends are always around so I never feel like I have to make time for them.

11). Given your insight into what’s hot on the urban dance scene, what do you think the trend for summer will be? Has the economic climate affected your pocket?

Yes the recession took a bit of a knock on the entertainment industry and I think most of us were affected but things/events are starting to pick up now. Besides my album, which will definitely be hot, I think Big Nuz’s Umlilo and that move they do will be hot this summer.

12). Do female DJs get groupies? How many groupies do you get?

Yeah we do. I think people genuinely appreciate what you do when you are a female and always complement you.

13). Have you had any awkward moments with fans? Have you performed at an event that made you go ”WTF???”

Yes I have. I did a show once in Pretoria and there was this one guy who just knew all the lyrics to the songs that I was playing. He was dancing in singing right in front of me. It was like he was performing live – it was crazy. There’s a lot of those moments though and I really wouldn’t know where to start.

14). Did you always know you’d end up where you are today? Do you have any qualifications under your belt for any studies you may have completed?

Yes I always knew I would be where I am today considering my love for music. I guess if I wasn’t deejaying I would’ve found a way to become singer or a piano player.

15). You’ve achieved so much, what’s in store from Zinhle? What aspirations do you have?

Thank you so much. I continue to work hard and would like to see myself being successful in everything that I do. I am venturing into business now and the experience is great.

16). Do your male counterparts give you problems at events?

Not really I think , there’s always minor problems here and there but nothing major really. I’ve learnt to be a strong character so most of the things I just brush off.

17). Who do you regard (aside from yourself) as a female DJ that’s making strides in the industry?

Lady Lea is doing very well.

18). How may budding female DJs get in touch with you should they be interested in joining your academy?

They can call the Academy on 011 726 2131.

Thanx for the luv
Session One