A Quick Chat With This Week’s Top Pick for Woman Crush Everyday, DJ Zoe

12 Questions is a weekly interview series that celebrates Africa-based female professionals who work in the music, media and entertainment industry. The multi-layered presentation is intended to inspire a bright new generation of young ladies to carve their own paths and overcome common challenges while learning about a few personal experiences from some (notable) professionals in the creative industry.

This week, we had an in-depth conversation with South African female disc jockey and rising star in her own right, Zodwa Matsebula, or more commonly known on the house music circuit as DJ Zoe.

Tell us about your journey & how you began with radio.

Music has always been something I’ve been passionate about from an early age – during my high school years. I always knew I would be in the music industry.

I was inspired by deejaying and decided to make it my career, so I went on to get myself musically educated at FoReal Records in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa in 2005 – which is where I can say that my journey to becoming a DJ began.

Is there an interesting story behind your name?

My stage name is DJ Zoe, taken from my full name Zodwa. I’ve always been called ‘Zoe’ since i was very young.

What does music mean, to you?

Music is my Life! There is no Zoe without music. House music is a form of expression for the passion for music that I share with my audience each time I play.

Music is also a form of relaxation and it causes joy and happiness if we take the time to listen closely.  I honestly cannot imagine life without music. The Deep House music I play, is intended to help ignite that rhythm that lies within every one of us – as my new single says.

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Did you have any bitter experiences with not being taken seriously, as a female working in the music & entertainment industry? kindly share.

It would happen a lot in my early deejaying years whereby you would be forced play very early slots (for empty dance floors) or not play at all.

Any thoughts on the current state of SA music in a digital age?

The digitization of music in South Africa has its advantages and disadvantages. The world has now become digital which makes downloading music (for free) and everything else easier. However, it can also kill the artist’s career in terms of selling their music.

The biggest challenge faced by women in the music & entertainment industry?

The music industry – especially deejaying – is male dominated, so as a female you will have to work twice as much so to prove that you know your story.

The biggest reward?

The biggest reward is that once you excel in what you do and still to your lane you will never go wrong. Things eventually work out on your favour.

Can you list the Top 4 social media do’s and dont’s for fellow professionals?

This is what i live by: (a) Never post too much of your personal life on social media. (b) Don’t let your life /career be run by social media. Have a life outside of social media. (c) Never discuss your next move on social media. (d) Stay away from all social media drama – the fights, negative comments and being affiliated with conflicts on any social media site has never been good for one’s image. 

What would you say makes your personal brand unique?

My brand is unique because it speaks to the power and Domination of Women in the Men’s world. I use my brand to run ‘She Power Sessions’ and to encourage women to be fearless in pursuing their goals.

Can you pick 3 women that you admire in the industry? Why?

The list is endless but to mention a few: (1) DJ Zinhle, (2) Kelly Khumalo and (3) Zodwa Wabantu. I admire their confidence, consistency and power regardless of all they have been through. They still to their lanes and do what they do best.

What can we expect from you in the near future?

I’m working in the release of my new single, entitled ‘Rhythm In You’ featuring Niamah, and produced under Ganyani Entertainment.

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I’m also working on the official opening of Redamancy Skills Centre, which will help young artists interested in music production, singing and composition, amongst other music art forms however, the DJ workshops will continue as we have one happening in July 2018.

Do you have any advice for ladies looking to follow in your footsteps?

Find your purpose, follow your dreams and the sky will be your only limit.

You can follow DJ Zoe on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates about her weekly events and/or to keep track of her activities. Nevertheless do feel encouraged to share your thoughts and comments with us about her and/or this discussion further down below.