Online Reporter
Langelihle Dube, [email protected]
A Form Four learner at Zimbabwe College of Professional Studies, Junior Huni is turning his dream of becoming a professional DJ into reality after being selected as one of the beneficiaries of the Next Big DJ Scholarship, an initiative that provides aspiring DJs with professional training at the Nizhe De Soul (NDS) Academy.
The scholarship programme was made possible through a partnership between NDS Academy and local creative brand LÜMES, whose founder, Bakani Ngulani personally financed the initiative in a bid to nurture Zimbabwe’s emerging creative talent.
The opportunity marks a major milestone for the 17-year-old music enthusiast whose journey into DJing has been driven by love for music and strengthened by unwavering support from his family.
“I’m so happy and grateful for the opportunity. It means a lot to me because it’s something I’ve always wanted. My love for music inspired me, but I also have great support from my parents, especially my mother. Their encouragement has given me the confidence to follow my passion,” he said.
Since joining the programme, Huni has discovered that DJing involves much more than selecting and playing songs. The training has introduced him to the technical and professional aspects of the craft, broadening his understanding of the industry.
“I’ve learnt that patience is very important. I’ve also learnt more about tempos and BPMs, and I’m enjoying improving my skills.”
Looking ahead, the aspiring DJ hopes the scholarship will serve as a launchpad for a successful career while motivating other young people to pursue their dreams with confidence.
“The only way to overcome fear is by facing it head-on. Don’t be afraid. Focus on building yourself and changing your situation at home,” he said.
According to Ngulani, supporting the scholarship was an opportunity to invest in a promising young artiste and an institution that is making a meaningful impact within the creative industry.
“I’ve always believed in Nizhe DeSoul’s craft and his vision of empowering others through DJing. When the opportunity came to support his vision and someone with genuine talent, it was an easy decision. I saw it as a chance to invest in the next generation while supporting an institution I genuinely believe in,” he said.
Interestingly, Ngulani is also a student at NDS Academy, an experience that deepened his appreciation of the academy’s approach to training.
“Being a student at NDS Academy made me realise that not every great DJ is necessarily a great teacher. Nizhe has the rare ability to do both. Beyond teaching technical skills, the academy also creates opportunities. Through NDS, I’ve had the privilege of performing at popular venues in Bulawayo and that showed me the value of combining quality training with real industry exposure,” he said.
Founded by DJ and producer Nizhe DeSoul, NDS Academy was established to meet the growing demand for structured DJ education in Zimbabwe. Drawing from his experience as a former lecturer at South Africa’s Soul Candi Institute of Music, Nizhe DeSoul developed a programme that goes beyond technical DJ skills to include branding, networking and a practical understanding of the entertainment business.
Ngulani believes initiatives such as the Next Big DJ Scholarship highlight the potential that exists within Zimbabwe’s creative sector when individuals choose to invest in talent.
“I hope this becomes a reminder to individuals, the private sector, the diaspora and government that investing in arts and culture is not an expense – it’s an investment. Zimbabwe has incredible creative talent. If we collectively support our own creatives, we can build an industry that is not only sustainable but also exportable,” he said.
Following an overwhelming response to the scholarship, Ngulani expressed hope that more businesses and organisations will join efforts to create opportunities for emerging creatives.
“This initiative was funded entirely from my own personal resources, and if one individual can make a difference, imagine what can be achieved with the support of corporate partners. This first scholarship has shown us that the talent is already there, it simply needs someone willing to invest in it.”
