Ntombezinhle Jiyane Mohosana, known professionally as DJ Zinhle, is a South African DJ, producer, media personality, businesswoman, and actress. Born on 30 December 1982 in Dannhauser, KwaZulu-Natal, she has become one of South Africa’s most successful and influential female entertainers. At 43 years old, DJ Zinhle has built an empire that spans music, television, fashion, and business, earning her the title Her Majesty in the South African entertainment industry.
Personal Information
Full name: Ntombezinhle Jiyane Mohosana
Stage name: DJ Zinhle
Also known as: Her Majesty
Date of birth: 30 December 1982
Age: 43 years old (as of 2026)
Place of birth: Dannhauser, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Nationality: South African
Occupation: DJ, music producer, media personality, businesswoman
Years active: 2002 to present
Genres: House music, dance, electronic
Labels: Kalawa Jazmee, Universal Music South Africa
Education: University of Johannesburg
Partner: Murdah Bongz (m. 2021)
Children: 2 daughters (Kairo Owethu Forbes, born 2015)
Website: erabydjzinhle.com
Early Life and Education
Ntombezinhle Jiyane was born on 30 December 1982 in Dannhauser, a small town in KwaZulu-Natal. After leaving Dannhauser, she moved to Newcastle, where she attended Siyamukela High School in Emadadeni. Growing up in a musical family, she developed a passion for music at a young age. Initially, she wanted to be a TV presenter and never had any aspirations of being a DJ. Her brother’s passion for mixing vinyls rubbed off on her, and her love for being a DJ grew.
She pursued higher education at the University of Johannesburg, where she studied marketing and business management. Her education has played a significant role in her success as a businesswoman, helping her build a diverse portfolio of ventures beyond music.
Music Career
DJ Zinhle started her career around 2004. She got her first break as a resident DJ on a youth dance show called Jika Majika, which aired on SABC 1. This exposure helped her gain recognition and build a following in the South African music scene.
Her career took off when she worked with South African music icon Boom Shaka on the album I Put It In, which featured other notable artists like Dr Malinga, Khanyi Mbau, and Mphoza. She continued to build her reputation as a skilled DJ and producer, performing at major events and festivals across South Africa and internationally.
In 2019, DJ Zinhle released the hit single Umlilo, which became a massive success. The song gained 5.1 million streams in just three months and was certified 3× platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA). It was also voted as Song of the Year for 2019. The success of Umlilo cemented her position as one of South Africa’s leading female DJs.
On November 26, 2021, she released Siyabonga with Kabza De Small, Nokwazi, and Black Motion. The song debuted at number 24 on both local and international streaming charts. In July 2023, she released Thula with Cici, which debuted at number 3 in South Africa and charted at number 1 on the Metro FM Top 30 Countdown charts.
DJ Zinhle has headlined major events including the Sisters with Soul concert alongside Amanda Black and the Zimfest 2019 live concert in England. She was also chosen as the headline act for the inaugural Red Bull Music Experience in Cape Town, showcasing her status as a top-tier performer.
Discography
Notable singles include:
Umlilo (2019) – 3× Platinum certification in South Africa
Siyabonga featuring Kabza De Small, Nokwazi, Black Motion (2021)
Thula featuring Cici (2023) – Number 1 on Metro FM Top 30 Countdown
Indlovu featuring Murdah Bongz, Zakes Bantwini
Mdali featuring Basetsana
Television and Acting Career
DJ Zinhle has also pursued a successful television career. She made her on-screen debut as a resident DJ on Jika Majika, a youth dance show on SABC 1. She has appeared as a judge on various talent shows including:
Jika Majika – Resident DJ
Idols South Africa – Guest Judge
Turn It On – Judge
1’s and 2’s (2021) – Co-host alongside DJ Tira and DJ Speedsta
She has also appeared in television series including eKasi: Our Stories (2011) as Thuli, Rhythm City as Faniswa, Tropika Island of Treasure (2012), and The Close Up.
In 2021, she launched her own reality show, DJ Zinhle: The Unexpected, which premiered on BET Africa. The show gives viewers an intimate look into her personal life, career, and journey as a mother and businesswoman.
Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship
Beyond music, DJ Zinhle has built a successful business empire. She founded the fashion brand Era by DJ Zinhle, which sells a range of accessories, including sunglasses, watches, and jewelry. The brand has become popular among South African fashion enthusiasts and has expanded to include a clothing line.
She has also ventured into the beauty industry with her own cosmetics line and has launched various merchandise associated with her brand. Her business acumen has been recognized by Forbes Africa, which awarded her the Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer Award on 7 March 2020.
In late 2019, she was named the Top Female DJ in Africa for the second year in a row, further cementing her status as a leading figure in the entertainment industry.
Awards and Recognition
DJ Zinhle has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career:
Namibian Annual Music Award for Pan African Artist of the Year (2020)
Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer Award (2020)
Basadi in Music Awards – DJ of the Year (2024)
Basadi in Music Awards – Collaboration of the Year for Mdali with Basetsana (2024)
Basadi in Music Awards – Trailblazer Award (2024)
Top Female DJ in Africa (2018, 2019)
South African Music Awards (SAMA) nominations
Metro FM Music Awards nominations
Named one of South Africa’s Top 10 most influential women in Bona magazine
Named one of 21 most powerful African women by Oprah magazine
Channel 24 named her the 4th most powerful celebrity in South Africa
Glamour magazine’s Woman of the Year
She has also been nominated for Dance Music Awards South Africa (Best Female DJ, 2019), Global Music Awards Africa (DJ of the Year, 2022), and African Entertainment Awards USA (Best DJ, 2024).
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Personal Life
DJ Zinhle was in an on-and-off relationship with South African rapper AKA. The couple had a daughter together, Kairo Owethu Forbes, born in 2015. They ended their relationship for the final time in January 2020.
In 2021, she married Bongani Mohosana, also known as Murdah Bongz, who is a member of the musical duo Black Motion. The couple welcomed their first child together, a daughter, in 2021. DJ Zinhle is a mother to two daughters, and she often shares her journey of motherhood with her fans on social media and through her reality show.
She launched the women empowerment TV series It Takes a Village, which focuses on uplifting and empowering women in South Africa. Her commitment to women’s empowerment has made her a role model for young women across the country.
Net Worth
DJ Zinhle’s net worth is estimated to be between US$5 million and US$7 million. Her wealth comes from multiple income streams including music sales, performances, television appearances, her fashion brand Era, endorsements, and various business ventures. She is considered one of the wealthiest female DJs in South Africa.
Impact and Legacy
DJ Zinhle has made a significant impact on the South African music industry as one of the most successful female DJs in the country. She has broken barriers in a male-dominated industry and inspired a generation of young women to pursue careers in music and entertainment.
Her journey from a small town in KwaZulu-Natal to becoming a household name across Africa demonstrates her determination, talent, and business acumen. She continues to be a prominent figure in South African entertainment, regularly headlining major events and festivals.
Her reality show DJ Zinhle: The Unexpected has given fans unprecedented access to her life, further strengthening her connection with her audience. Her commitment to women’s empowerment and her success as an entrepreneur make her an important role model for the next generation of South African women.
Recent Projects and Future Plans
DJ Zinhle continues to release new music and expand her business ventures. Her 2024 collaborations and award wins demonstrate that she remains at the top of her game. She has expressed interest in expanding her brand internationally and continuing to uplift other women through her various platforms.
With her diverse portfolio and established brand, DJ Zinhle is well-positioned for continued success in the entertainment industry. She remains one of South Africa’s most recognizable and influential public figures.