The Sunday News
Mbongeni Msimanga Sunday Leisure Correspondent
WITH a Masters Degree in Environmental Science many may think that being a DJ, a female one for that matter is nothing more than a case of seriously misplaced priorities and maybe loose morals but wait until you have heard the story of South Africa’s DJ Cndo whose real name is Sindisiwe Zungu. She has broken into the male dominated music scene and has managed to make a mark probably much bolder than she could have done had she decided to use her academic qualifications while at the same time she had debunked the misnotion that the arts industry was a preserve of the academically handicapped.
She is now a well-travelled person and a celebrity who is out to advance the women’s cause in the arts in a predominantly patriarchal community.
She is one such person who has been trying hard to push the boundaries that separate males from females in the arts sector to allow more females to enter and showcase their artistic prowess in a male dominated territory of rocking the decks.
Men have finally conceded to that fact albeit in hushed tones and amid strong stereotyping of such women as Cndo but she said she would remain undeterred.
The lady has not only managed to gain exposure but has also produced hit tracks over the years that have been on top positions on various radio stations in South Africa.
Her music having made waves as far as Brazil, Spain, London, America, Malaysia, Ireland, Australia and many African countries, with her on the decks Cndo says she is a force to reckon with in the male dominated industry.
With her claim on record Cndo, a staunch feminist has shrugged off all negative stereotypes facing female DJs in the industry as nothing more than an effort by male counterparts to force them out of the industry so that they hedge it with their own names.
“Music is my first love, clothes follow of course. But it has not been an easy road for me to break into a male dominated industry. You can call me a feminist, in some sense but I think my success speaks loud about me,” she said. Exhuming feminist traits, Cndo called upon other female DJs to come out from hiding and take centre stage in the industry saying it was time to break the jinx in the male dominated industry.
“I think it’s time for women to play an active role in churning out music. I know it is a male dominated industry, but I believe we can still make it in the industry through hard work so that we have more women breaking into the system.
“Those who are interested should bring their mix tapes so they can come on board and we work together. So far I haven’t yet worked with anyone from Zimbabwe but, I have seen some talent and it would be worthy for them to go far in the music industry if they are given enough support morally and in terms of resources,” said Cndo.
She said she was more than honoured to have been the main attraction at the Bohlingers New Year’s eve bash, held at Queens Sports grounds.
“I really enjoyed playing here three years ago and I am overwhelmed by the following I have in Zimbabwe,” she said.
Cndo ventured into disc jockeying while studying at Mangosuthu University in the early 2000’s, where she graduated with her Masters Degree in Environmental Science.
After gaining a remarkable following from Varsity gigs and local parties, she was invited to join Durban’s Finest, one of SA’s leading house music stables, which was founded by DJ Tira and DJ Sox.
Cndo was then signed under Afrotainment and went on to break into the South African music scene in 2007, where she became the first ever female DJ to release a music compilation titled the Finest Lady of House Vol. 1.
For a female house DJ, this was a remarkable success, topping charts around the country and reaching Gold status in sales.
Besides the music, DJ Cndo is a successful businesswoman and owns her own line of bags – Euphoria by Cyndo.
She also co-owns Social Creations with fellow business partner and manager Lindo Buthelezi who is famous for his influence in the world of social media.
