DJ Zinhle talks success, business and building a legacy with Carol Ofori

DJ Zinhle may be one of South Africa’s most recognisable DJs and entrepreneurs, but she says success is about far more than money, fame or business achievements.

Speaking to Carol Ofori during Women’s Month, the award-winning DJ, businesswoman and mother opened up about her journey, her growing business empire, her new music and why she still does not have everything figured out.

Looking back at the early years of her career, DJ Zinhle admitted she could dream about what she wanted to achieve, but she did not necessarily know exactly where her journey would take her.

“You don't have to have it all figured out. You don't have to know the real path. You just need to dream about the things that you're trying to achieve,” she told Carol.

DJ Zinhle on what success really means

While many people may measure DJ Zinhle’s success through her music, businesses and public profile, her own definition is much more personal.

For her, success is about having love, peace, family and the freedom to pursue the things she wants to do.

She told Carol that being able to build a life alongside people she loves is an important part of what makes everything she has achieved meaningful.

DJ Zinhle opens up about self-doubt

Despite her confidence and success, DJ Zinhle also revealed that she still experiences moments of doubt.

She explained that having the right people around her has helped her push through those moments and continue believing in what she is capable of creating.

She compared it to a duck appearing calm above the water while paddling furiously underneath, saying there is often a lot of hard work happening behind what people see publicly.

A new chapter for DJ Zinhle’s music

DJ Zinhle also spoke about her self-titled EP, Zinhle, describing the project as hopeful, warm and reflective of the sound she wants to create.

She said the music takes her back to a style audiences may recognise from some of her biggest releases, including My Name Is, Indlovu and Umlilo.

Creating spaces for women through Z Nation Fest

Women and female empowerment remain an important part of DJ Zinhle’s work.

Speaking about Z Nation Fest, she said she has increasingly allowed herself to recognise the role she has played in helping pioneer space for women in the entertainment industry.

The festival has been designed around experience, convenience and safety, while celebrating South African music and culture.

DJ Zinhle believes South Africa is currently at the centre of global attention when it comes to music and culture, making it important to create major local experiences that can stand alongside international events.

From ERA to Zazi

DJ Zinhle’s business portfolio continues to grow too.

She spoke to Carol about her fragrance Zazi, which she described as her signature scent and something she personally wears when she wants to feel confident and noticed.

According to DJ Zinhle, Zazi has also become the biggest-selling product in the brand’s catalogue.

Building a legacy by helping others

For DJ Zinhle, however, legacy is not simply about the businesses or brands she builds.

She believes one of the greatest measures of success is the number of people you are able to help and the opportunities you create for others.

That philosophy has become part of how she approaches her work, her team and the younger talent coming through behind her.

And her message to women this Women’s Month is simple: start with what you have and keep moving.

“You just need to start where you are with what you have and have faith and a plan,” she said.

Even when things do not work out or doors appear to close, her advice is not to stop.

“Just keep going.”

Listen to Carol Ofori’s full conversation with DJ Zinhle on East Coast Radio.