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DJ Noma That Girl

Nhlalwenhle Ngwenya, Showbiz Correspondent
NOW and then women are proving to be a force to reckon with in different career paths.

Refusing to write an ordinary story, one female hip-hop disc jockey, christened Nomagugu Hanyane aka DJ Noma That Girl, is defying odds in the turntable circles.

Born and raised in Bulawayo, coming from a family of five and being the first born naturally meant that nature set a fast pace for her as she has, for the past two years, been boldly writing her name in the disc jockey industry of Zimbabwe. She has shared the stage with South Africa’s DJ Cyndo, Big Nuz, Nathi, Cassper Nyovest and our very own Jah Prayzah and Winky D.

Noma That Girl traces her passion for turntables to when she finished her Advanced levels at Convent High School.

Although she is studying for a Diploma in Town Planning at the Bulawayo Polytechnic, Noma is hoping to emerge as one of the best disc jockeys in the country as she is determined to level the playing field between male and female DJs.

“I don’t like to put that stereotype of saying ‘female DJ’; I’m a DJ because I’m equally as good as any of my other fellow male DJs. Music should be beyond race, age and gender so I just go out there and deliver the best I can,” she said. Labelling herself a hip hop DJ, Noma That Girl also attributes her success to a well oiled team of mentors that have seen her through a lot of trials and tribulations beyond the decks.

“Fortunately I’ve had a strong support system with prominent DJs in Bulawayo mentoring and advising me on the best steps to take in pursuing my career and being a DJ,” she said. Despite having to balance going to school and deejaying, Noma That Girl said that both her paths were conveniently timed.

“Balancing disc jockeying and school has been fairly manageable because its school during the week and disc jockeying during the weekend,” she said.

The sultry MC added that at first people never took her seriously, but due to patience, resilience and commitment, she slowly won people’s hearts and now has a serious cult following.

“The challenges were there in the beginning when no one took me seriously, but thanks to initiatives like The DJs Hangout hosted by Mark Vusani, I got that one shot and haven’t looked back since. Now because of my reputation, I’m able to land gigs and slots more easily now,” she said.

Given a choice between disc jockeying and being a full time Town Planner, Noma said time would offer the best answer.

“I’d love to continue pursuing disc jockeying until it takes me as far as I can. I must say I’m enjoying the ride towards getting to that pinnacle of being a renowned DJ in Zimbabwe like my fellow female DJs in neighbouring countries,” she said.

However, the DJ admitted that when it comes to financial rewards, as DJs they were not given their work’s worth. Noma said due to the nature of her work and attendant stereotypes, she had a torrid time explaining her passion to her parents.

“Like any other parent, my mother didn’t understand but with time she got used to it. That’s the thing with my parents; they’ve never told me “you can’t” in everything that I do. They’ve been very supportive.”