Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
A new initiative by one of Southern Africa’s recognised disc jockeys has led to the establishment of an academy in Bulawayo aimed at training and mentoring aspiring DJs.
The academy was founded by Nigel Moyo, popularly known as DJ Nizhe Desoul, who identified a gap in professional training for disc jockeys in Zimbabwe’s growing entertainment industry.
Africa’s entertainment sector continues to generate billions of dollars while playing a significant role in the socio-economic development of many countries.
Bulawayo, a city long known for its cultural and creative contributions, is now positioning itself to nurture the next generation of professional DJs through structured training.
DJ Nizhe Desoul said the idea for the academy was inspired by his experience as both a lecturer and a DJ while working in South Africa.
“I realised I had to set up something like this. I was a lecturer and a deejay in South Africa at that time. I brought what I taught in class and what I was practicing in my sessions into a curriculum which has provided us with a basis to teach many local deejays. This has provided us with interesting avenues of empowerment, our young people are excited as they learn new things, deejaying is not just playing songs it involves critical skills,” DJ Nizhe Desoul said.
Several trainees say the academy has already had a transformative impact on their careers.
Trainee DJ Tafadzwa Gumbo said the programme has helped him acquire essential professional skills.
“This is important for me. I have acquired skills which I did not even know were necessary to be a professional DJ,” he said.
Another trainee, Anesu Mugabe, travelled from Harare to attend the training.
“I was encouraged to come here after hearing about this academy. I actually came from Harare and there are some peers of mine who are also on their way. This academy is teaching me a lot,” he said.
For trainee Ezra Nyoni, learning under an established figure in the industry has been a major opportunity.
“Learning under DJ Nizhe is one of the most important things, he is a household name in Zimbabwe and South Africa,” he said.
Female DJs are also increasingly making their mark in the music industry. One of the academy’s trainees, Melissa Jane Hlomani, hopes to one day join the ranks of leading female DJs such as DJ Zinhle, DJ King Her, Just Drey and DJ Naida.
“I love what I do here. The mentorship is excellent. Having something like this has been very important in ensuring that I reach my maximum potential as a DJ,” she said.
For Bulawayo’s creative sector, the academy represents a major step in nurturing talent and creating opportunities for young people seeking to build careers in the rapidly expanding music and entertainment industry.
