DJ Zet: Mixing passion, Afro house, and power of persistence

ZULUL Gumede, known as DJ Zet, has offered a glimpse into his journey in the music industry, where his early fascination with disc jockeying paved the way for his remarkable career. His affinity for House and Afro House music, coupled with a penchant for pushing boundaries, sets him apart in this competitive industry.

DJ Zet’s roots in the world of music trace back to his school days when his passion for entertainment and music began to take shape.

“I first became interested in DJing as early as school days, participating in everything to do with entertainment and music” said DJ Zet.

When asked about his musical genre of choice, DJ Zet revealed his deep-seated connection to House and Afro House music, proudly declaring, “So you can expect anything if I am on deck.”

Reflecting on his most unforgettable performance, DJ Zet recalled the electric atmosphere at the Fudu Festival Launch held at Queens Sports Ground. He expressed his gratitude to the enthusiastic crowd.

“It was an awesome crowd that really responded to the DJs and music. A big shout out to everyone who was there that day and night,” he said.

When it comes to preparing his sets, DJ Zet meticulously curates music throughout the week, organising it into folders. He then immerses himself in these tracks, especially at night, to craft his sets.

“I get to the club or event I am playing and play according to different aspects, like the vibe and the previous set the DJ would have played,” he stated.

Inspired by fellow DJs like Shimza, DJ Mzoe, DJ Deekay, DJ Barata, and Danni Gato, DJ Zet credits them for fuelling his passion for mixing and beat-playing.

In terms of equipment, DJ Zet prefers CDJs that support USBs, aligning with the club standard.

Regarding his music releases, DJ Zet primarily focuses on creating captivating mixes. He encourages listeners to explore his mixes on platforms like Mixcloud and SoundCloud, confident that his house music mixes have the power to elevate moods.

Delving into the challenges of the industry, DJ Zet underscores the importance of persistence in a fiercely competitive space. He stresses the grind of seeking gigs and gaining recognition from the right influencers.

“One has to be very persistent and continue to play for those empty places. You never know who is looking, watching, and listening. One has to keep doing what they do best in all storms,” said DJ Zet.

To engage his audience effectively, DJ Zet employs a strategic approach, starting with a couple of tracks to set the crowd’s mood and gradually building momentum throughout his set.

— @TashaMutsiba