A First-Time Sit-Down with TheJournalistDJ
TheJournalistDJ.com recently welcomed Zanele Mthombeni for her first-ever appearance on the platform. The conversation unfolded against the backdrop of a major industry night, capturing an easy, celebratory exchange between two familiar faces within South Africa’s music and media ecosystem.
Best known for her dynamic presence on Alex FM, Zanele has built a reputation for championing Afro Tech, house music and emerging DJs. Her long-standing support of the culture has made her a trusted voice within the scene.
Fashion as Storytelling: The Black Rose Moment
Staying true to the evening’s flamboyant floral theme, Zanele’s look was inspired by the symbolism of a black rose, a statement of elegance, depth and individuality. The outfit reflected her personal brand: bold, intentional and unapologetically expressive.
House, 3-Step and Amapiano: A Year in Review
As a DJ and cultural commentator deeply immersed in the sound, Zanele shared her reflections on 2025’s electronic music landscape. While acknowledging the strong presence of Amapiano—particularly within major platforms like the South African Music Awards (SAMAs)—she also praised the resilience and growth of house and 3-step.
She noted that late releases from several DJs may have impacted nominations this year, but expressed confidence that the genre will receive stronger recognition going forward.
On the ongoing Amapiano versus house debate, Zanele framed the relationship as symbiotic rather than competitive, highlighting how each sound continues to influence and elevate the other.
Red Carpet, Decks and Decision-Making
Balancing multiple roles, Zanele revealed that she had to choose between DJing and handling red carpet duties on the night. She ultimately opted for presenting, with DJ 96x taking charge of the after-party—another reflection of her versatility within the space.
Music on the Horizon—On Her Own Terms
Zanele confirmed that music releases are part of her long-term plan, with a projected timeline around 2027. Taking a deliberate approach, she is focused on learning music production herself while deepening her understanding of the business side of the industry.
She emphasized that in South Africa’s current economic climate, artists must be equipped with knowledge beyond creativity to build sustainable careers.
Acting, TV and a Breakthrough Year
Beyond radio and music, Zanele is also expanding her footprint in television and film. A trained actress, she recently made her acting debut and currently serves as the face of Married at First Sight.
She also appears in a DStv production, marking a significant step in her on-screen journey and further cementing 2025 as a defining year in her career.
iKaslami and What’s Next
Zanele is set to launch her new digital show iKaslami, with the first episode dropping on 13 January. The project will initially roll out as social-first content, with plans to grow into a broader format.
A Multi-Hyphenate Voice of the Culture
DJ. Presenter. Actress. Media personality. Zanele Mthombeni represents a new generation of South African talent—fluid across platforms, grounded in culture, and intentional about growth.
As she looks ahead to 2026, her trajectory points toward continued influence, creative expansion and a deeper imprint on the country’s music and media landscape.
