Based: Johannesburg
DJ Zinhle is one of South Africa’s most influential DJs, music producers and entrepreneurs, with a career spanning more than two decades. A commanding presence in African dance music, she has evolved from pioneering female DJ into an award-winning recording artist, television personality and formidable businesswoman.
Born Ntombezinhle Jiyane in Dannhauser, KwaZulu-Natal, Zinhle initially trained as a television presenter before discovering DJing through her brother. She secured her first professional DJ booking in 2004, with her national breakthrough coming as resident DJ on the popular SABC1 dance programme Jika Majika from 2006. The platform introduced her to audiences across South Africa and established her as an important female presence in what was then a heavily male-dominated DJ industry.
MUSIC CAREER
Over the years, DJ Zinhle has developed a distinctive sound rooted in house, Afro-house and contemporary African dance music, performing at major festivals, clubs, lifestyle events and premium corporate functions.
Her catalogue includes some of South Africa’s best-known dance releases. “My Name Is” featuring Busiswa became an early signature hit, followed by tracks including “Colours” featuring Tamara Dey and the hugely successful “Umlilo” featuring Rethabile Khumalo and Mvzzle.
“Umlilo” became one of the defining South African dance records of its period and further cemented Zinhle’s position as both a DJ and recording artist. Her career has continued to evolve musically, and in 2026 she returned strongly to her Afro-house roots with her self-titled EP, ZINHLE, reflecting a renewed focus on the sound that helped establish her career.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
DJ Zinhle’s longevity and influence have earned her significant recognition across music, entertainment and business. One of her major international accolades came in 2020 when she received the Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer Award at the Forbes Woman Africa Awards.
Her career recognition also includes Glamour Woman of the Year, numerous South African music award nominations and recognition on influential-women lists in South Africa and across Africa. In 2024, she received further recognition at the Basadi in Music Awards, including the Trailblazer Award, while her collaboration “Mdali” with Basetsana won Collaboration of the Year.
ENTREPRENEUR & BUSINESSWOMAN
Beyond music, DJ Zinhle has successfully transformed her name into a substantial lifestyle and business brand.
She founded ERA by DJ Zinhle, initially establishing the business around watches and accessories before developing it into a broader fashion and accessories brand. She has also expanded into other entrepreneurial ventures and became an equity partner and CEO of premium sparkling wine brand Boulevard Nectar Rosé.
Her entrepreneurial profile has become an important part of her public identity, positioning her not simply as an entertainer but as a prominent example of an African artist building commercially viable businesses beyond music.
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT & MEDIA
Female empowerment has remained a consistent thread throughout Zinhle’s career. In 2009 she launched FUSE Academy, created to help develop female DJs and open opportunities for women within the industry.
She later co-authored the motivational book Meeting Your Power with Nokubonga Mbanga, produced the women-focused television series It Takes a Village and served as a judge on SABC1’s DJ talent competition 1’s and 2’s.
Her music, entrepreneurship, fashion and television presence have collectively made DJ Zinhle one of South Africa’s most recognisable entertainment personalities.
LIVE & CORPORATE APPEAL
Based in Johannesburg, DJ Zinhle brings a high-profile combination of musical credibility, celebrity recognition, sophisticated style and strong audience engagement to an event.
Her sets are particularly suited to premium corporate events, gala dinners, brand launches, festivals, awards evenings, lifestyle events and large-scale celebrations. She works especially well where the brief calls for a recognisable South African headline DJ who can deliver both strong dance-floor energy and significant brand value.
QUICK FACTS
- Based: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Profession: DJ | Producer | Recording Artist | Entrepreneur
- Genres: House | Afro-House | African Dance
- Career: 20+ years
- Signature releases: Umlilo, My Name Is, Colours
- Major accolade: Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer Award
- Founder: ERA by DJ Zinhle
- Author: Meeting Your Power
- Television: Jika Majika, It Takes a Village, 1’s and 2’s
- Best suited to: Corporate Events | Brand Launches | Festivals | Gala Events | Premium Private Events | Headline DJ Performances
