Slimzar, Nizhe hunt for Bulawayo’s next big DJ

TWO heavyweights in the deejaying scene, Slimzar Wa Afrika and Nizhe De Soul, have joined forces through their respective academies — the Slimzar Wa Afrika Foundation and the Nizhe DeSoul (NDS)

Academy — to discover and nurture emerging talent, ensuring the music never stops.
The duo recently launched a fully funded “Next Big DJ” scholarship, a six-week intensive programme aimed at identifying one driven individual and equipping them with the skills needed to turn passion into a sustainable career.

The Slimzar Wa Afrika Foundation, established to bridge the digital and social divide in Zimbabwe’s communities, views music as an ideal entry point.

“It’s about picking a battle the foundation knows it can win. I’ve spent my life in the music world, and influence, to actually help a graduate find work. This isn’t just a certificate, it’s a network that can get someone a residency or a paid set,” Slimzar said.

The partnership, Slimzar added, is intentional.

“Nizhe isn’t just a DJ; he’s an experienced lecturer whose work at Soul Candi helped shape some of the biggest names in the industry. For the foundation, Nizhe is the most trusted resource to handle raw talent because he knows how to turn a beginner into a pro.”

For Nizhe DeSoul, the scholarship is about more than mixing tracks — it is about elevating the craft into a profession.

“Many people can mix two songs, but very few understand the business of being a professional. At NDS Academy, we teach branding, stage presence, and how to treat music as a business rather than just a hobby. It’s about hard work, not shortcuts, to stay relevant in a competitive market.”

He said the programme will equip the winner with professional-grade controllers and CDJs, but the training will go beyond equipment. Under Nizhe’s direct mentorship, he said the student becomes a “vessel”, someone who can use their platform to influence other young people positively.

A strong social mission underpins the initiative. Both organisations see creative arts as a tool to combat drug and substance abuse, crime and unemployment. Slimzar said the foundation aims to help young people become self sustaining and contribute to the wider economy.

The initiative is also driven by the philosophy of “Each One, Teach One”.

“If you want to go far, you have to go together. By teaching young DJs to collaborate rather than just compete, we’re baking a spirit of togetherness into their professional DNA. We want a future where the foundation is financially independent and can launch similar programmes in film, digital tech, and other trades,” Slimzar said.

The scholarship offers a rare opportunity to close the gap between talent and opportunity, reflecting the continued growth of Bulawayo’s music scene — and suggesting the next big name may be on the verge of discovery.