Zandile Mazithulela, also known as Dj Zandimaz, never understood why her parents sent her away to relocate to South Africa back in 2008, when she was simply a teenager who had been pursuing her education in Esigodini, a place known for cattle ranching and mixed farming, with surrounding areas hosting gold, dams and tungsten mines. Fast track to now, the platinum selling producer and Dj is proud to be a household name with hit tracks topping the South African music charts and constantly touring with her music.
What stands out the most from her childhood is how she was an all-rounder in academics, sports, public speaking and debate. She reminisces about being obsessed with all things music, drama and art when she was a child. At that time she simply was doing it as a competitive student, not knowing that was the introduction to an industry that she has set firm footing in now. Zandimaz describes her childhood in Esigodini, Zimbabwe as “loving and eventful” as she grew up around a loving family of 5 which lived a very simple life centred around school, quality time and church.
“To be honest if you had asked me in 2008 I would have said my parents chased me from home and abandoned me in South Africa. Back then, I didn’t understand that they were simply trying to secure a better future for me, as Zimbabwe was going through an economic crisis and the future looked bleak. I struggled for years to fit into the culture and languages, but eventually South Africa became an extended home”
Dj Zandimaz is an alumni of Mvuthu School, Asher Girls High and UNISA, where she graduated with her LLB. She had always wanted to be a lawyer, so she went on to study law and graduated with flying colours. As someone who is running a successful business in the music and entertainment industry, her legal background has helped a lot when it comes to contracts, technicalities such as royalties and publishing music.
“Am not just a musician, I have business ventures I am working on, such as grooming and putting people out there who are signed under my record label. The law degree has helped me a lot with my music career because I know how to deal with different aspects and any fine prints. I am very cautious with a lot of the moves I make.”
Talking about the challenges that she faces in the music industry, the Emathandweni hitmaker mentions that the space is highly destructive, competitive and a lot of sabotage goes on. However, she encourages others in it or entering the industry to be of strong heart and aware of their end goal. Just like any other industry in the world, she highlighted how a lot of doors will be shut in front of you and sometimes discrimination because of your origin or nationality. In regards to the Zimbabwean setting where she has done extremely well in terms of brand visibility and her music, Dj Zandimaz mentions her struggle with dealing with gatekeepers who have challenges embracing her.
“The music industry is not easy, it’s a complicated jungle as i call it, so for a person that wants to be in this industry, firstly you need to know your craft, you need to love your craft, know and establish why you even want to be in the music industry. You need to work extremely hard, there is a lot of work involved, nothing comes for free. Consistency, self-respect, patience and complacency are some key aspects to note. As a creative, you need to take what you do seriously, treat everything like your business and be of strong, charismatic character. Be truthful to yourself and what you want to achieve without compromising yourself or selling yourself. I have learnt that you have to make lemonade with the lemons life gives to you. I have also learnt to fight my battles till I finish, nothing comes easy in life, everything always has a price.”
Family has played a huge role in helping Zandimaz keep afloat. She speaks highly of how her family has always showered her with love and given her such a supportive backbone, something she always falls back on if need be. Dj Zandimaz fans should look out for a new body of work sometime around June. She has lots of projects and events lined up for 2023.
Written by By Gilmore Tee
