Deep house music in the Kingdom has rapidly grown, cultivating a unique, exclusive aura—it’s a movement where you’re either in or out. Originating in the 1980s, Deep House has given rise to sub-genres like Gqom and Amapiano, which have recently gained popularity, expanding house music’s reach. Despite these new styles, deep house and its sub-genres, including soulful house, deep tech, and afro-house, continue to play a central role in our musical culture and party scene.
We spoke with two of the Kingdom’s talented female DJs, Expo, and Ndumz DJ, who are keeping the house music flame alive.
Ndumz Dj
Q: Who are you outside the booth?
A: Outside the booth, I’m a music lover, front-row dancer, and supporter of music events. I’m a huge fan of good music, house music specifically, and I love being in spaces that allow me to experience that. When I’m not outside then I’m a homebody who sits and watches a lot of DJ sets on YouTube, so clearly nothing can separate me from music.
Q: Take us briefly through your journey from discovering the genre and taking the stage as an entertainer/spinner.
A: I was introduced to the genre through in high school, thanks to a show called ‘Play My Choice’ which aired on radio, on EBIS 2.’ After finishing school, I dove into the club scene, where my love for house music deepened with every set. My sisters and friends would attend almost every show hosted by Swaziboy Entertainment, who were the leading events promoters in the game at the time—whether it was Café Mogambo’s 24-hour Crossover parties, Super Rock, or Café de Flore, we were always there. As I continued partying through my varsity days, the genre grew on me. My love for the dance floor ultimately sparked my journey to becoming a DJ.
Q: As a Dj, you could have played any music though. Why House music, a typically male-dominated genre?
A: I love house music. I’ve loved it for a very long time now and I believe in playing music that you love as a DJ. When you enjoy your music, the crown will follow suit. Also, that’s music that I listen to mostly, so it made sense for me to choose it. I believe the DJing industry as a whole is male-dominated, but there’s been a significant rise in women DJs in the past couple of years and that is beautiful to see. Women have come in and taken up space.
Q: This marks your 2nd appearance on one of Eswatini’s leading house music events, the House Musiq Fest stage, what does this mean to you and your house music career?
A: I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Being based in South Africa, playing at home is a unique experience for me—I’m performing for people I know, people I grew up with, and those who believed in the vision before it came to life. This opportunity reaffirms that I’m in the right place and on the right path. For my DJ career, it’s a reminder that I’m being seen, especially as a woman in this space, and that means a lot.
Q: Describe your sound and selection process.
A: I take the audience on a musical journey with each playlist, building up my set with each song and raising the energy. Slot times play a role in my selection process, but mostly I read the crowd and make sure I capture their attention with each song, be it an old jam for nostalgia, sing-alongs or a new jam I’m “introducing to them”. There is so much good music out there that people have not heard, and I enjoy introducing it to them.
Q: Top 5 Go-2 playlist
A: My playlists are so random. I listen to a lot of different genres, depending on my mood. If there’s a song that’s been stuck in my head during a certain period I will listen to it every single day until I get tired of it. But my go-to playlist includes;
- Surprise yourself- Jack Garratt
- If summer was a sound- GoldFish & Malou
- Just to hear you say- Tinlicker
- All this love for you-Ralf Gum feat. Diamondancer
- Good to me- Chris Malinchak
DJ EXPO
Q: Who are you outside the booth?
A: My full name is Thembelihle Lee-Anne Nkonyane, and I’m currently in my final semester at UNESWA, pursuing a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. I plan to further my studies in software engineering or cybersecurity, depending on the institutions that accept me. I’m an introvert, but I enjoy spending time with those I’m closest to
Q: Known as the First lady of house music in the streets, take us though how you broke into this market as one of the earliest deep house music spinners in Eswatini.
A: When I first started playing, I knew of only two other females in the country who were into deep house. I believe connecting with the right people early on was key to my growth. Without the support of Sbu the Drum DJ and Dj Fantacy, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. Being a resident DJ helped me build a solid fan base, and Sbu, Sixo, and Fantacy provided me with that crucial platform.
Q: Why House music, a typically male-dominated genre?
A: I grew up with many male friends who listened to Deep House and that’s how I fell in love with it too.I love that its male-dominated, it gives me a chance to work even harder so I can earn the house dj tag and not just a ‘female’ deep house DJ.
Q: With your experience and exposure to events such as House Musiq Fest, how would you describe the deep house market compared to other genres?
A: Honestly, I don’t think deep house music gets the appreciation it deserves in the local scene, but that’s okay because those who truly get it, really get it. Other DJs and promoters often give deep house DJs early slots instead of prime time when the venues are packed, and I don’t think that’s fair. Deep house is mostly appreciated at dedicated deep house events and festivals, but that’s fine because that’s where the money is.
Q: Who has shaped/inspired your sound or selection; locally and internationally?
A: I look up to a lot of House producers and DJs both locally and in SA. I have a very wide range of tastes when it comes to houses, from Ganyani, and Oskido to Dwson, Buhle, and a whole lot more. I make my selection by listening to a lot of music and picking the ones I like at that time.
Q: Top 5 Go-2 playlist:
- Baby (is it’s a crime) – Rema
- She’s homeless- Mafia Natives
- Sentiments- Sooks
- Sobriety- Sza
- Take care- Drake
