lifestyles of female DJs

Bruce Ndlovu
DJsA� as the supreme entertainers who supply the soundtrack of the night when people are out to party have always been the subject of much speculation.

Their lives have constantly been scrutinised by those who want to know more about the entertainers whose ear for a great beat or song makes them dance the nights away and wake up apprehensively exploring the contents of their depleted wallets.

One aspect that DJs have come under particular scrutiny for is their alleged promiscuity.

Due to the fact that they are the pulse of the night, DJs are reputed to be ladiesa�� men of note as they a�?pulla�? the best ladies on offer on any particular night.

However, the last few years have seen the emergence of a new breed of female DJs in Bulawayo, who defy gender stereotypes and show that they can handle the decks as well as any man.

Inspired by the likes of South Africaa��s DJ Zinhle and Cindo, who have managed to compete with the best on the local music front in that country, the city has produced a few brilliant DJs who have started to build and cement reputations as crowd favourites on the local club and party circuit.

With the reputation of male DJs already established, one wonders how their female counterparts are looked at.

According to one female jockey, Noma That Girl, the citya��s female DJs dona��t share the same narrative with their male counterparts although their own reputation is also not rosy.

a�?Our characterisation runs to the contrary to our male counterparts because the perception is that we actually sleep our way to the top or give out sexual favours to get to play or get gigs yet this is not true as we worked hard to get here,a�? she said.

Noma added that despite a strict upbringing her parents had warmed up to her chosen profession because she had earned their trust.

a�?Safety is always of concern for any girl child. With time I gained the trust of my family because I had curfews but now the rules are more relaxed although I still check in with them to let them know that Ia��m fine,a�? she said.

Another DJ Liz said that patrons had not yet had time to characterise them as they were still a new phenomenon.

a�?Personally I think it hasna��t got to that level for female DJs seeing that our industry is still growing. Male DJs tend to use their powers of being DJs to attract females seeing that some women will be after drinks and free entry to clubs.a�?

a�?My parents were very concerned when I chose to be a DJ, they were worried about my safety at night but I take precautions and they know that. Ita��s all about self discipline,a�? she said.