NGCOBO – In a world where female DJs are often underestimated, one young woman from Engcobo is changing the narrative. Zezethu Maki (33) is not only carving her path in the male-dominated music industry, but she’s also building a thriving beauty business defying odds and becoming a beacon of inspiration for other young women in the Eastern Cape.
Maki began her journey in deejaying in early 2021, training under well-known Mthatha-based DJ Eister. Despite the excitement of chasing her dream, the road was not easy.
“People used to call me names,” Maki recalls. “There’s this mentality that only men should be DJs. Women in the industry are often criticised or accused of seeking attention, instead of being recognised for their passion and talent.”
She adds that the situation has slowly started to improve. “Now, people are beginning to accept and support female DJs. We’re finally being given the recognition we deserve.”
Maki’s love for music started in childhood. “I grew up in a music-loving family. We were church people, so I was always surrounded by gospel music. I knew I couldn’t sing or dance very well, but I realised I could still be involved in music so I became a DJ and producer.” But music isn’t her only passion.
Maki is also a skilled make-up artist and hairstylist, a talent she says comes from her creative parents. Initially, she offered mobile services, doing house calls to earn a living. However, working without a fixed location presented safety and logistical challenges. “I was unemployed at the time and I didn’t want to keep complaining about it. I decided to create my own job,” she explains.
Furthmore in 2023, Maki opened her own salon in Mthatha Levels Beauty Studio a bold step that not only created employment for herself but also for others. “I didn’t open the salon for myself only. I wanted to create job opportunities for others too. I know the pain of being unemployed.”
Maki looks up to industry giants like Ntombezinhle Jiyane Mohosana, popularly known as DJ Zinhle and aspires to one day achieve similar success both in music and business. Her long-term dream is to expand Levels Beauty Studio across the Eastern Cape, growing it into a well-known brand and job creator in the province.
She acknowledges that the challenges she faces in both the DJ and beauty industries have only made her stronger. “It’s the struggles that push me to want more. They’re shaping my success,” she says with determination.
Zezethu Maki stands as a symbol of perseverance, proving that with passion and hard work, young women from rural areas can build careers, break barriers, and uplift others along the way.
Photograph: Supplied
