Zinhle Jiyane: DJ & Business Woman, Adds Motherhood To List

Ntombezinhle Jiyane
32
DJ & Business Woman

At what age did the DJing bug hit you?

I started DJing in 2004.

The feeling you got when you first witnessed a crowd dancing to your music?

I was in disbelief and got less nervous than I was. It gave me so much confidence; I knew I could do it.

 

Describe the kind of woman that Zinhle is…

I am a very simple person. I am a body of love: I love my family, friends and fans. I love successful and ambitious women. I love music. I am the kind of woman who wants to see other women being successful and happy.

How has motherhood changed your priorities in life?

I don’t think it has changed me at all, I feel like it has heightened some of my characteristics. I love love and I feel an overwhelming feeling of love for my baby.

Your dream for your daughter is?

I want her to be happy! I want her to pursue her dreams and do whatever makes her happy as long as she does not hurt or disrespect anyone. I want her to have dreams and not be afraid to go after them. I also want her to know that she is loved and beautiful.

When Zinhle isn’t out working, what’s her best way to unwind?

Spending time with Kairo or with friends…I also love a good book and nap.

What’s your secret to maintaining staying power as a female DJ in the industry?

I stay true to myself.

Favourite quote?

“You are your thoughts.”

Got any phobias?

I have a phobia for balloons…Kairo is helping me face that fear, it’s not easy but I can’t expect my child to not have balloons at her parties just because mommy is afraid of them.

Besides DJ work and your Era by Zinhle line, are there any other projects you will be focusing on this year?

I will be releasing a new single featuring Tamara Dey.

Follow Zinhle!

Instagram: @djzinhle

Twitter: @DJZinhle

Facebook: DJ ZINHLE

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

Some Time With Thiwe Mbola, All About Her Soul Therapy Album

Thiwe Mbola / 31 / Singer/Songwriter

Tell us about your album Soul Therapy…
Soul Therapy is my second album, released last year September. It has eleven tracks and was produced by Demor with the exception of ‘I Am Woman’, which was produced by Sun-El as well as ‘I Care For You’, which was produced by Mondli Ngcobo. I wrote six of the songs and co-wrote two. Sbu Nkomo wrote a beautiful Sesotho love song, and two were written by Mondli Ngcobo. The album has three features, which include Zano, Ziyon and Busiswa. It’s a beautiful body of work that showcases my songwriting, vocal capabilities and growth as a storyteller.

What inspired the album?
The album is inspired by my own personal journey. I sing about faith, prayer, spirituality, heartbreak, loneliness, love, a man’s role in society and female solidarity.

What are your favourite songs on the album, if any?
‘I Am Woman’ (a celebration of being a modern day woman and encouragement for women to celebrate their individuality and that of others). ‘Just A Matter Of Time’ is also close to my heart as it’s a reminder that as much as I am nowhere near where I want to be, things will work out eventually.

Any collaborations on the album that stood out for you?
All three collaborations are special. I believe Zano and I are vocal soulmates, what we make together is just magical. Ziyon came in to do vocal arrangement and ended up recording a verse for ‘Just A Matter Of Time’. We really blend well together. The collaboration with Busiswa is special because the one thing I wanted most for the album was female collaborations and she’s the only one who agreed. Her energy on ‘Ubuhle Bendoda’ was exactly what I expected.

Have you always been in the music business?
I have been in the music business since 2004. I started out with doing backing vocals, and then got into the music business learnership, from there I got into artist management and worked on The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz and did PR for Kem when he came to South Africa for the first time. So even when I’m not making music, I’m somehow still involved in the background.

What can you reveal about your journey in the industry so far?
My journey has not been all moonlight and roses but I wouldn’t change anything about it. I have grown a backbone and learnt to do things myself and all this really does come in handy, especially when you are a woman in a male dominated industry.

How’s your schedule for 2016 looking like?
2016 started off on a good note when I got nominated for a Metro FM Music Award in the Best Female category. So God willing, I’ll be bringing it home. I’m heading to the Miami Winter Music Conference in March for two performances and to record a collaboration with the legendary house vocalist Barbara Tucker. One other collaboration with Charles Webster has just been put to bed. I’d love to take Soul Therapy on the road to promote it as I know that many people still don’t know me and my work. Other than that, I’m working behind the scenes for a few projects close to my heart. I’ll definitely be revealing them when the time is right.

What can you tell young talented women that would love to take the same road as you?
When talent is there, don’t ever compromise your values in order to succeed. It’s very appealing to fast forward the hustle by doing things you wouldn’t normally do that compromise everything you stand for, but it’s so rewarding to see your hard work paying off.

*Soul Therapy is available on iTunes and in music stores*

Follow Thiwe!

Instagram: @thiwem

Twitter: @Thiwe

Facebook: Thiwe Mbola

 

–Bridgette Makhela