Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
While many Zimbabwean creatives leave the country in search of greener pastures overseas, only a few manage to build enduring brands on the international stage.
One of them is Malaysia-based academic, events planner and club deejay Kudakwashe “DJ Kush” Mutomba, who has carved out a successful career in Asia while balancing his passion for entertainment with academic excellence.
Having established himself as a respected figure in Malaysia’s nightlife and events industry, the 32-year-old now hopes to earn the same recognition on home soil after years of flying Zimbabwe’s flag high abroad.
DJ Kush revealed that his journey into entertainment was not without challenges, particularly from his mother, who initially opposed his decision to pursue event management after completing his Advanced Level studies in 2012.
“Growing up in Harare with my mother was never easy because she expected me to focus on my studies since I was academically gifted,” he recalled.
“After completing my A-Level studies at Churchill High School, I fell in love with event planning and deejaying at various pubs.
“I would spend days immersed in entertainment activities, and eventually my mother sent me to Malaysia to study Business Administration. However, within two weeks of arriving there, I had already found a job at a pub, where I performed and later went on to host some of the finest artists in the world.
“In no time, I reconnected with Ashley Black, whom I used to perform alongside back home, and together we formed a formidable partnership.
“However, I never abandoned my studies. I graduated and am now pursuing a PhD while remaining actively involved in entertainment.”
While he may not attract much attention on the streets of Harare, DJ Kush is treated like royalty in Kuala Lumpur, a testament to the impact he has made far from home. Now back in Zimbabwe on vacation to reconnect with family, friends and his roots, he hopes to rewrite the age-old saying that a prophet has no honour in his own homeland.
His greatest wish is to enjoy the same appreciation and support in Zimbabwe that he receives in Malaysia, while sharing the knowledge, experience and international exposure he has gained during his successful journey abroad.
DJ Kush said he intends to remain grounded as he continues to carve his path to international acclaim. “I have been living in Malaysia since 2015, where I completed a Master’s degree in Business Administration and am now pursuing a PhD. Despite my academic commitments, I remain passionate about entertainment, particularly event planning and club deejaying,” DJ Kush told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“It has been 11 years of academic pursuit and fun in Malaysia, but I still want to spread the same love back home.
“My wish is to bring an Asian flavour to Zimbabwe and help transform the nightlife scene.
“I would love to see red-carpet evening events becoming a regular feature in Zimbabwe, just as they are in Asia, where patrons receive real value for their money.”
DJ Kush, who is set to open a new club in Harare, said he is ready to redefine the local nightlife experience.
“My desire is to change the narrative and redefine what nightlife should look like.
“I have plans to bring Black Coffee to Zimbabwe when I open my club, and I am willing to collaborate with local DJs to elevate the entertainment scene.
“I know I started off as a rebellious creative, but with my mother’s blessing, I am determined to go far and make a meaningful impact.
“In Malaysia, I have opened for major artists such as Tekno and have also hosted internationally acclaimed acts including Black Coffee, Shimza and Burna Boy.”
