NDS Academy raising the bar for Bulawayo DJs

Langelihle Dube, [email protected]
BULAWAYO’S NDS Academy is demonstrating that growing the city’s music industry requires more than simply identifying talent. It demands the deliberate development of artistes equipped to compete on bigger stages and within a highly competitive industry.

The academy, which opened its doors last year, is already beginning to reap the rewards of that approach, with two of its rising DJs, MJ The DJ and Thando Lewandowskii, securing places on the line-up for this year’s Jacaranda Music Festival.

Their inclusion sees the emerging artistes share a platform with some of Zimbabwe’s leading performers and internationally recognised acts, including South African stars Njelic and Mr JazziQ, giving them an opportunity to test their skills at one of the country’s premier music events.

For NDS Academy founder and DJ Nizhe DeSoul, the milestone represents more than a personal achievement for his students. It is proof that structured training can help bridge the gap between raw talent and professional opportunity.

Nizhe will also perform during the three-day festival, with MJ The DJ and Thando Lewandowskii joining him on the Day Three line-up.

“It’s honestly a very special moment for me because it brings together two sides of my journey that I’m very passionate about, being an artiste and being a teacher,” he said.

Nizhe believes the academy’s responsibility goes far beyond teaching young people how to mix tracks. Its broader mission is to prepare them for the realities and demands of a competitive music industry. He said the Jacaranda opportunity would expose his students to lessons that cannot be taught within the confines of a classroom.

“They need to learn how to conduct themselves professionally, network, communicate, prepare properly and understand what it means to be part of a larger production,” he said.
That focus on professionalism lies at the heart of Nizhe’s philosophy as he seeks to nurture artistes capable of building sustainable careers rather than simply performing at occasional events.

“Talent can open a door, but professionalism and preparation are what help you stay in the room,” he said.

Nizhe said Bulawayo is rich in creative talent, but many young artistes struggle to translate their abilities into long-term opportunities.

“Bulawayo has an incredible amount of talent. The bigger challenge is access, exposure, industry knowledge and creating a consistent pipeline between local talent and bigger platforms,” he said.

He believes institutions such as NDS Academy have a crucial role to play by equipping young creatives with both technical expertise and industry knowledge. Beyond mastering the decks, aspiring artistes need an understanding of branding, marketing, networking and professional conduct if they are to build lasting careers and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the sector.

The academy’s presence at Jacaranda therefore marks an important step in strengthening the link between Bulawayo’s emerging talent and the broader music industry. Nizhe said stronger collaboration among artistes, promoters, festival organisers, brands and the media would further bolster the creative ecosystem and ensure talented individuals do not have to leave the city before gaining access to major platforms.

Rather than waiting for local artistes to establish themselves elsewhere before recognising their potential, he believes the industry should create more opportunities that allow them to gain exposure while remaining rooted in their home city.

The Jacaranda line-up, he said, illustrates what can be achieved when young talent is given access to prominent stages.

“I’d like it to say that Bulawayo is not short of talent, and that our creatives are ready for bigger stages,” he said.

More importantly, Nizhe hopes the success and visibility of his students will inspire a new generation of young creatives to view the music industry as a viable and rewarding career path.
The NDS Academy contingent forms part of a strong Bulawayo representation at this year’s festival. Brze is set to feature on the Day One line-up alongside Andile Brown, Tamy Moyo, Jah Prayzah, The Travellers Band and DJ Young Vibes.

Day Two will feature Sylent Nqo, Feli Nandi, Njelic, Mr JazziQ, Celequi Y Las Panteras, NaSibo, Jnr Spragga and Spirit Chronicles, Taku Made The Beat, DJ Tatza Bless, Mwendamberi, Maluka, Msiz’kay and Kotwane Hikwa.

Day Three will bring together Zee Nxumalo, Caairo, Fusion 5 Mangwiro, Nizhe DeSoul, Minister Michael Mahendere, DJ Young Vibes, Thando Lewandowskii, MJ The DJ, Enhle, Just Leo, Mandi Mae and Mokoomba.