DJ Zinhle has always understood movement, the movement of music, people, ideas and culture. Long before her name became linked to fashion, television and business, she was already reading rooms from behind the decks, finding the sound that could bring strangers together.
Today, that same instinct continues to shape her world. She is still connected to the music, but her story has grown into something bigger, a story about building, evolving and taking African creativity into new spaces. As Johannesburg continues to draw travellers, dreamers and makers from across the region, DJ Zinhle speaks to asambè about the city, style, Zimbabwe, women in culture and the Women’s Day celebration she is preparing for in August.
Q: MANY PEOPLE KNOW YOU AS DJ ZINHLE, BUT HOW WOULD YOUDESCRIBE YOURSELF TODAY BEYONDTHE MUSIC?
A: I’m a builder. Music will always be my foundation, but today I see myself as a businesswoman, a mother, and someone who is intentional about creating a legacy. Everything I do now is about impact – building brands, creating opportunities, and showing other women what’s possible.
Q: WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO DJING, AND WHAT DO YOU STILL LOVE MOST ABOUT CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE THROUGH MUSIC?
A: I was drawn to DJing because of the energy – the way music can completely shift how people feel. What I still love today is that connection. There’s nothing like being behind the decks and seeing people lose themselves in the moment. It’s powerful to know that you can bring people together like that.
Q: JOHANNESBURG HAS PLAYED A BIG ROLE IN SHAPING SOUTH AFRICA’S CREATIVE AND BUSINESS CULTURE. WHAT DOES THE CITY MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY?
A: Johannesburg has been everything for me. It’s where I grew, where I built my career, and where I learned how to move with intention. Personally, it shaped my resilience. Professionally, it gave me access, opportunity, and the drive to keep pushing. It’s a city that rewards those who are willing to work.
Q: OUR JOHANNESBURG-FOCUSED EDITION LOOKS AT ROSEBANK, HYDE PARK, OXFORD PARK AND MELROSE ARCH. WHEN YOU THINK OF THIS SIDE OF JOBURG, WHAT COMES TO MIND FOR YOU?
A: That side of Joburg represents growth and evolution. Rosebank, Hyde Park, Oxford Park, and Melrose Arch all reflect a certain level of ambition and lifestyle. It’s where business, creativity, and culture meet, and you can feel that energy when you’re there.
Q: ERA BY DJ ZINHLE HAS BECOME A STRONG FASHION AND LIFESTYLE BRAND. WHAT INSPIRED IT, AND HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE WOMAN WHO WALKS INTO YOUR STORE?
A: Era was inspired by the idea that every woman is in a different phase of her life, her own “era.” I wanted to create something that feels personal and empowering. The woman who walks into Era knows who she is, or she’s figuring it out. She’s confident, evolving, and she understands that style is part of how she expresses herself.
Q: SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC, FASHION AND TELEVISION CONTINUE TO TRAVEL ACROSS BORDERS. WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT HOW AFRICAN MUSIC IS BEING RECEIVED BEYOND SOUTH AFRICA, INCLUDING IN COUNTRIES SUCH AS ZIMBABWE?
A: What excites me is that we’re no longer asking for a seat at the table; we’re building our own. African culture is rich, and the world is finally paying attention in a meaningful way. Whether it’s music, fashion, or storytelling, there’s a pride and authenticity that people are connecting with, and that’s powerful.
Q: OSKIDO IS ONE OF THE NAMES OFTEN CREDITED WITH HELPING SHAPE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC AND OPENING DOORS FOR MANY ARTISTS. FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT ROLE HAS HE PLAYED IN BUILDING THE INDUSTRY AND INSPIRING THOSE WHO CAME AFTER HIM?
A: Oskido has played a huge role in shaping the industry. He’s someone who didn’t just focus on his own success, but also on creating platforms for others. That kind of leadership is important because it builds an ecosystem, not just individuals.
Q: ASAMBÈ IS THE OFFICIAL INFLIGHT MAGAZINE ONBOARD FASTJET ZIMBABWE, SPEAKING TO TRAVELLERS MOVING BETWEEN ZIMBABWE AND SOUTH AFRICA. WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF
TRAVELLING TO ZIMBABWE?
A: I’ve had the opportunity to travel across the continent, and every experience reminds me how connected we are as Africans. Zimbabwe is a beautiful country with a strong cultural identity, and platforms like this help tell those stories and connect people across borders.
Q: THIS SAME ISSUE ALSO FEATURES DAWN THANDEKA KING, ANOTHER POWERFUL SOUTH AFRICAN WOMAN WHOSE WORK SPEAKS STRONGLY TO CULTURE AND STORYTELLING. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SEE WOMEN LIKE HER CONTINUE TO CARRY AFRICAN STORIES WITH SUCH STRENGTH?
A: Dawn Thandeka King represents the kind of storytelling we need more of. It’s inspiring to see women owning their voices and telling our stories authentically. It reminds all of us how important representation is, especially for the next generation.
Q: WHAT CAN FANS AND FOLLOWERS EXPECT FROM DJ ZINHLE NEXT, WHETHER IN MUSIC, BUSINESS,
FASHION OR LIFESTYLE?
A: Growth. I’m in a space where I’m expanding everything, the music, the businesses, and the impact. There’s a lot more intention behind what I’m building now, and I’m excited for people to experience it. What I am most excited for is Zee Nation Fest, though, that’s my woman’s day festival on the 9 Aug 2026, it’s where I get to celebrate with my besties
CONCLUSION
For fans in Zimbabwe, DJ Zinhle’s upcoming Zee Nation Fest offers another reason to make Johannesburg part of the travel calendar. Taking place on Women’s Day, 9 August 2026, the festival promises to be a celebration of music, sisterhood, style and the energy that has made DJ Zinhle one of South Africa’s most recognisable cultural figures.
With fastjet Zimbabwe offering daily flights between Harare and Johannesburg, travellers can plan ahead, book early, and make the experience a memorable Johannesburg weekend. From music and fashion to business and culture, this is the kind of regional connection we continue to celebrate, one that brings people, places and stories closer together.
Text by Mukoma Bryan | Images © Blxck Natives Media
