Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube, [email protected]
GWANDA-BORN DJ, event organiser and entrepreneur Keith Webster Ndiweni — better known as DJ Keitho — is building a name for himself while working to uplift his hometown’s music and entertainment scene. With more than a decade of experience behind the decks, he is not only focused on playing music but also on creating opportunities for other artists and bringing life back to local events.
In a town often overlooked in the country’s entertainment space, DJ Keitho has made it his personal mission to change that narrative. Through consistent performances, event planning and community involvement, he is helping to grow Gwanda’s reputation as a place where music and culture can thrive.
For many residents, DJ Keitho has become a familiar face. He has performed in pubs, clubs, hotels and at social gatherings across the town, earning a loyal following along the way. His ability to understand what a crowd wants and deliver the right music at the right time has set him apart in a competitive industry.
His journey into music started at a young age, shaped by his surroundings and early exposure to radio.
“My musical influence came from listening to radio back then and growing up in a musical environment. I have experienced the ups and downs of the local music scene, but I kept pushing forward,” he said.
Like many artists, DJ Keitho has faced challenges over the years, including limited platforms and resources. However, he says these struggles have not discouraged him. Instead, they have strengthened his determination to succeed and help others along the way.
He said that for him, being a DJ is about more than playing songs. It is about creating experiences and building connections between people.
“I have worked as a resident DJ at different venues and shared stages with big artists in Zimbabwe and abroad. For me, it is about bringing energy, connecting people, and promoting entertainment culture,” said the DJ.
Over the years, he has performed alongside some well-known names in the region. These experiences have helped him grow professionally and improve his craft. They have also exposed him to different styles of music, allowing him to develop a sound that is both diverse and engaging.
His sets are often described as energetic, but there is also a deeper side to his approach. DJ Keitho believes music has emotional value and can be used as a form of expression and even healing.
“My emotive music selections are my therapy. With customised sound programming and attention to detail, I aim to create a pleasurable entertainment experience,” he emphasised.
This approach has made him popular in a variety of settings, from formal venues to more informal spaces such as shebeens and even along transport routes where music plays an important role in daily life. In these spaces, music is not just entertainment — it is part of the social fabric, bringing people together and shaping local culture.
Beyond performing, DJ Keitho has expanded his work into event promotion. He has organised shows in Gwanda and worked with other promoters across Matabeleland South and beyond. His aim is to create platforms where both upcoming and established artists can showcase their talent.
In a place like Gwanda, where opportunities are often limited, this kind of work is important. It helps young artists gain exposure and also gives local audiences access to a wider range of entertainment.
DJ Keitho said his involvement in promotions goes back several years, and he has always felt a strong responsibility to keep the entertainment scene active.
“We used to do promotions in Gwanda a long time ago, and when we came to places like Phoenix Shisanyama, I saw the need to continue promoting local and outside artists, bringing the vibe back to Matabeleland South’s gold town,” said DJ Keitho.
His efforts have also taken him beyond his hometown. Through collaborations with established promoters, he has managed to expand his reach to other parts of the country, including Bulawayo, Gweru, Kwekwe and Beitbridge.
These connections have not only helped him grow his brand but have also created opportunities to link Gwanda’s artists with wider audiences. In this way, DJ Keitho is acting as a bridge between his hometown and the rest of the country’s entertainment industry.
Despite his success so far, he remains focused on growth and improvement. He believes that staying relevant in the entertainment industry requires discipline, learning and constant effort.
“Continuing education and attention to detail are important. Complacency is the enemy of progress,” he said.
For DJ Keitho, this means keeping up with new trends, improving his technical skills and always finding ways to deliver better performances. It also means taking his role as a mentor seriously, especially when it comes to guiding young DJs who are starting out.
He understands that many aspiring DJs may feel overwhelmed by the technical side of the industry, including equipment and production tools. However, he believes the most important skills are much simpler and can be developed over time.
His advice to those looking to follow in his footsteps is straightforward and practical.
“Start small, master the basics, and focus on storytelling through music rather than equipment complexity,” he said.
This emphasis on storytelling reflects his wider philosophy about music. For him, a good DJ set is not just a collection of songs, but a journey that takes listeners through different moods and emotions. It is about knowing how to build energy, when to slow things down and how to keep people engaged from start to finish.
As he continues to grow his career, DJ Keitho remains deeply connected to Gwanda. While he is expanding his reach to other cities, his main goal is still to see his hometown recognised as a vibrant hub of entertainment.
His work shows that building a strong local scene does not happen overnight. It requires consistent effort, collaboration and a clear vision. Through his music, events and community involvement, DJ Keitho is laying the foundation for that future.
In a sector where success is often measured by fame and visibility, his approach stands out. He is not just chasing his own success but is also focused on creating opportunities for others and changing the perception of where great entertainment can come from. If his journey so far is anything to go by, Gwanda may soon gain the recognition it deserves — and DJ Keitho will be one of the people leading that change.
