It is without a doubt that South African entrepreneur, reality TV star and DJ Zinhle embodies the epitome of success in Africa. Zinhle has become a force to be reckoned with in the South African entertainment industry, as her relentless work ethic has opened numerous doors for her, including coveted partnerships with major brands. Written by Goodwill Thomo.
Continuously evolving and adapting, she remains a sought-after figure in the industry. The DJ is married to Bongani Mohosana known professionally as Mörda and they share a child together. Additionally, she has a child with the late South African rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes.
Despite the ever-changing and uncertain nature of the entertainment industry, DJ Zinhle has managed to stay in the spotlight for two decades and shows no signs of slowing down. She has successfully carved out a lasting presence for herself not only as a DJ, but also through her entrepreneurial endeavours, proving her ability to adapt and thrive in different sectors.
In addition to her successful music career, DJ Zinhle also owns a high-end accessory brand called Era by DJ Zinhle, offering luxurious accessories for her fans to enjoy. She also has her own reality show, DJ Zinhle: The Unexpected, now DJ Zinhle: Bossing Up.
We caught up with her and she revealed her strategy for staying relevant in the industry for two decades. In addition, Zinhle discussed the various obstacles she has had to overcome since establishing herself in the entertainment world, and how she manages to juggle her roles as a mother, entertainer, and entrepreneur.
What can viewers expect from the fourth season of DJ Zinhle: Bossing Up?
What can viewers expect from the fourth season of DJ Zinhle: Bossing Up?My 20th anniversary in the industry is sure to attract a significant amount of attention and recognition. Obviously, one thing that is always visible in my life is my career, family, and marriage.
How was filming this season of your reality show compared to previous seasons?
The more we do it, the easier it becomes for me. I try to be as open as I can in every season. There’s nothing that is off-limits to me. I try to be open as much as I can, but one thing you will not see is maybe how I am dealing with the loss of my baby daddy, Kiernan “AKA” Forbes because whenever that comes up on social media, it’s a conversation of me not being allowed to express any feelings towards his passing. But that’s not intentional. I am not the type of person who confronts her feelings a lot. I tend to box them up.
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What’s your secret to being consistent in this industry for so long?
It’s important to keep a small team around me. That helps me stay relevant, but also ensures consistency in the work I put in. I am always trying to find new ways to reinvent myself. I understand the value of hard work, evolution, and having the right team around me.
What lessons have you learned in the industry, and what mistakes will you never repeat again?
I think the one thing I have learned is how I react to things that are happening publicly. At the time, I would have felt like it was the correct way to react, but my manager has taught me to take an extra day or two to think things through. That’s a lesson I would have liked to learn – to give things time before reacting to them publicly. I’ve also learned the importance of staying true to myself, not being offended easily and focusing on family and purpose in life. It’s crucial to communicate, pray about goals, prioritise self-care, and take ownership of my actions.
What have been your most memorable and hardest moments as a mother?
I love my children and they surprise me every day. Seeing the older one become a big sister is cute. The hardest part is having to navigate the passing of AKA with our daughter. You never know what to do as a mom, because sometimes she feels sad. Besides therapy, I encourage her to journal her feelings.
How do you manage your busy schedule, maintain your diary, decide when to rest, prioritise tasks, take care of your children, and spend quality time with them as a mother?
One thing I have learned is not to do everything by myself. I love delegating and reaching out for help.
What parenting advice do you have for fellow mothers?
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Ask for help. There is no perfect journey to motherhood. We all learn as we go along. Be kind and easy on yourself. I feel like it’s important to understand that you are doing a great job, but don’t forget yourself on the journey.
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