admindisc jockey as well as a rap musician, it seems a lot to juggle for one person, but that’s just the tip of DJ Naida’s iceberg.
For one thing, she doesn’t strike you as a DJ, at least when she is in her formals.
She has to wear those, after all she is a banker-in-training with a local financial institution.
“I’m a trainee in financial planning with a certain bank. Financial planning basically entails preparing financial planning for people covering various aspects of personal finance which includes cash flow management, education planning, retirement planning, investment planning, risk management and insurance planning, tax planning, estate planning and business succession planning . . .”
I could not keep up.
And she speaks about the finance side of her career with unquestionable passion.
“The problem in Zimbabwe right now is that we do not generally have a culture of savings. People need to adopt a culture of savings and investment. Unplanned medical costs, for instance, can really weigh down a family’s budget,” she says.
Music and banking, that’s a lot on her plate. The question is how does she balances the two?
“It’s all about passion. It hasn’t been difficult for me because I love both, just about equally.”
She surprises me even more when she says: “But my first love is actually flying. I have wanted to be a pilot for as long as I can remember. Music and finance don’t even compare.”
She also loves playing basketball and dancing.
Apparently she is a humanitarian as well.
“I am also part of a new and upcoming organisation called DJs Against Aids. The organisation was formed when we (DJs) saw the urgent need to combat HIV and Aids.
“As DJs, we understand the influence we have on people and we have decided to stand up and use that influence to positively influence the youth not only in issues regarding HIV and Aids but also other life issues that affect them
“We have a responsibility to be good role models and help shape the future of our country. We will be holding awareness campaigns and hosting functions to further our cause,” she said.
Despite a hectic work schedule, DJ Naida managed to release her first album — “Heart of Me (H.O.M.E)” — last year.
She did her primary education at Admiral Tait, before moving to Westridge High for her Ordinary Levels and then completed her Advanced Levels at Lomagundi College.
“I really didn’t enjoy reading, but I did when I needed to,” is how she describes her schooling years.
She initially chose to study accounting when she enrolled at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, but as fate would have it, she ended up completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Planning.
DJ Naida’s inspiration is diverse.
“My inspiration in business comes from a lot of people and not just in banking. I am inspired by everyone who had a dream and was bold and brave enough to see it through.
“The likes of Strive Masiyiwa, Nigel Chanakira and countless others who have changed the lives of literally millions of Zimbabweans.
“That is my ultimate goal, to contribute to the financial sector in a way that changes the lives of people and help them attain financial independence.”
In music, she derives her inspiration from her father — Stanley Goredema — who was also a radio DJ.
But DJ Naida’s ultimate inspiration is her mother, who she considers “very supportive”.
“My mother has always been very supportive and the first time I played, she was the first person at the venue. My mom and my sisters have been very supportive of my choices.
“My dad? Well, my dad and my brothers are both supportive and protective. You would expect that, wouldn’t you?” she says.
For some lucky guy out there, DJ Naida says she is single.
“There’s so much I am looking to achieve in my chosen careers, so I’m not in any hurry to get into a relationship. But if it happens, it happens,” she said.
She gives us a peak into her future.
“Well, I obviously want to advance my professional qualifications and eventually start Zimbabwe’s first financial planning firm, but ultimately, I want to give more
time to my music.”
Online Reporter