Ntombezinhle Jiyane
Tribute
The sound systems in South Africa may amplify Ntombezinhle Jiyane (DJ Zinhle)'s beats, but her most meaningful compositions are the rhythms she creates for her two daughters. Beyond her platinum records, we honour the lullabies hummed during midnight feedings, the patient tempo she maintains during childhood tantrums, and the harmonious integration of her career ambition and maternal presence.
Profile
Ntombezinhle Jiyane, professionally known as DJ Zinhle, is a DJ, producer, media personality, and businesswoman. She initially aspired to be a television presenter but discovered her passion for DJing through her brother’s influence. Her career began around 2004, gaining prominence as the resident DJ on SABC 1’s youth dance show, Jika Majika. Over the years, DJ Zinhle has collaborated with notable artists and released several hit singles, including ‘Umlilo,’ which achieved triple platinum status and was voted 2019’s Song of the Year. Beyond her music career, DJ Zinhle has ventured into entrepreneurship and acting. She co-hosted the talent show competition 1’s and 2’s on SABC 1 and starred in her own reality show, DJ Zinhle: The Unexpected, which premiered on BET Africa in 2021. Her accolades include being named one of Oprah Magazine’s ’21 Most Powerful African Women,’ Glamour magazine’s Woman of the Year, and winning the Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer Award in 2020. DJ Zinhle has two daughters.