DJ Zinhle
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DJ Zinhle Biography
Ntombezinhle Jiyane Mohosana (born 30 December 1982), professionally known as DJ Zinhle, is a renowned South African DJ, producer, businesswoman, and media personality. Over the years, she has expanded her career beyond music, venturing into acting and television presenting. DJ Zinhle made her on-screen debut as a judge on popular shows such as Jika MaJika, Idols South Africa, Turn It On, and 1's and 2's (2021). She has also appeared as a guest on various television series including eKasi: Our Stories (2011), Play Your Part (2012), Tropika Island of Treasure (2012), The Close Up, Rhythm City, and her own reality show, DJ Zinhle The Unexpected.
| Full Name | Ntombezinhle Jiyane Mohosana |
| Stage Name | DJ Zinhle |
| Date of Birth | 30 December 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Dannhauser, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Occupation | DJ, Producer, Businesswoman, Media Personality, Actress |
| Notable TV Shows | Jika MaJika, Idols South Africa, 1's and 2's, DJ Zinhle The Unexpected |
| Children | Two daughters (Kairo Owethu Forbes and another daughter with Bongani) |
Early Life
Born in Dannhauser, KwaZulu-Natal, Ntombezinhle Jiyane spent her early years in this small town before relocating to Newcastle. She attended Siyamukela High School in Emadadeni, Newcastle, where her formative years helped shape her future ambitions.
Career
DJ Zinhle's career began around 2004, initially aspiring to be a TV presenter. However, her brother's passion for mixing vinyl records inspired her to pursue DJing. Her first major break came as a resident DJ on the youth dance show Jika Majika aired on SABC 1. Over time, she collaborated with South African music legends such as Boom Shaka on the album I Put It In, which featured other notable artists like Dr Malinga and Khanyi Mbau.
She has headlined major events including the Sisters with Soul concert alongside Amanda Black and the Zimfest 2019 live concert in England. Her 2019 hit single "Umlilo" achieved massive success, garnering over 5.1 million streams within three months and earning a 3× platinum certification from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA). The song was also voted 2019's Song of The Year. DJ Zinhle was the headline act for the inaugural Red Bull Music Experience in Cape Town.
In November 2021, she released "Siyabonga" with Kabza De Small, Nokwazi, and Black Motion, which debuted at number 24 on both local and international streaming charts. That same year, she co-hosted the talent show competition 1's and 2's on SABC 1 alongside DJ Tira and DJ Speedsta. Towards the end of 2021, she launched her reality show, Unexpected, which premiered on BET Africa.
Most recently, on July 7, 2023, DJ Zinhle released "Thula" featuring Cici. The song debuted at number 3 in South Africa and reached number 1 on the Metro FM Top 30 Countdown charts.
Filmography
DJ Zinhle has made several television appearances, both as a judge and guest, including shows like Jika MaJika, Idols South Africa, Turn It On, 1's and 2's, and her own reality series DJ Zinhle The Unexpected. She has also appeared on series such as eKasi: Our Stories, Play Your Part, Tropika Island of Treasure, The Close Up, and Rhythm City.
Accolades
DJ Zinhle's impressive list of accolades includes nominations for the SAMA 19 and the 12th Metro FM Awards Song of the Year. She has been recognized as one of South Africa's Top 10 most influential women by Bona magazine and named among the 21 most powerful African women by Oprah magazine. Channel 24 ranked her as the 4th most powerful celebrity in South Africa, and Glamour magazine honored her as Woman of the Year.
She also launched the women empowerment TV series It Takes a Village. In late 2019, she was named the Top Female DJ in Africa for the second consecutive year. On March 7, 2020, DJ Zinhle won the prestigious Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer Award.
Personal Life
DJ Zinhle was in an on-and-off relationship with South African rapper AKA until their final split in January 2020. Together, they have a daughter named Kairo Owethu Forbes, born in 2015. In 2021, she gave birth to her second daughter with her husband Bongani, also known as Murdah Bongz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did DJ Zinhle start her career?A: She started her career around 2004, initially aspiring to be a TV presenter before becoming a DJ.
Q: What is DJ Zinhle's most successful single?A: Her 2019 hit single "Umlilo" is one of her most successful songs, achieving 3× platinum certification and over 5 million streams.
Q: Has DJ Zinhle won any major awards?A: Yes, she has won multiple awards including Best House DJ and Best House Female Artist at the Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards, and the Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer Award in 2020.
Q: Does DJ Zinhle have children?A: Yes, she has two daughters; one with rapper AKA and another with her husband Bongani (Murdah Bongz).
Conclusion
DJ Zinhle stands as a trailblazer in the South African music and entertainment industry. From humble beginnings in KwaZulu-Natal to becoming one of Africa's most influential female DJs, her journey is marked by passion, resilience, and versatility. Beyond her musical achievements, she continues to inspire through her business ventures, television presence, and commitment to empowering women. As she evolves her career, DJ Zinhle remains a prominent figure shaping the cultural landscape of South Africa and beyond.
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