The Sunday News
Mbongeni Msimanga, Sunday Leisure Correspondent
MENTION the name Sharmaine Walderman and chances are that most Zimbabweans will give you blank stares and you can’t blame them because among them little is known about the 26-year-old woman.
But, all this will change with time because Sharmaine’s deejaying skills are too good to remain hidden. Therefore, write down the name SHARMAINE WALDERMAN so that when we remind you about her you won’t say we didn’t tell you so.
It is hard to believe that Sharmaine started turning tables last year, but you better believe it. Her rise in the music industry has been nothing, but a fairytale. She has managed, in her short time as a DJ, to be the opening act at concerts of musicians such as Casper Nyovest and Black Motion.
“I only started deejaying last year when a hangout spot called Tshisa Nyama was opened. Within a year I have managed to play at big events and the highlights so far was when I featured at Casper Nyovest and Black Motion shows, “ she said.
Sharmaine believes that her coming out would have been difficult had it not been for 3D Management and Events, a company that brings foreign artistes to Bulawayo.
But her journey has not been an easy one. Her academic prowess — Sharmaine has a degree in Human Resources Management from the University of KwaZulu-Natal — saw her parents disapproving her desire to be a DJ. But they relented after she quit her human resources management job at a company in Harare — like a donkey that does not want to drink water at a river, Sharmaine could not be forced to do what she did not love.
“I remember my parents did not understand why I was into showbiz, but I always had the passion to DJ. I had a short stint in Harare as a human resources personnel, but I could not take it and I came down in three months,” she said.
Now that she is doing what she loves, Sharmaine is determined to leave no stone unturned to become a well renowned DJ.
She said: “I enjoy getting people dancing and I believe I have done just that. Whenever there are big 3D events, I also dress the women. I have developed an interest in fashion as well.”
Sharmaine has resisted the temptation to rush in like a fool. She is taking her time and has resolved to work on an album only after she has reached her niche.
“I have not reached where I want to get to. I’m not doing it for fame, like what other people do. I am hoping that I make it to radio soon. For now I just love it when I stand in front of people and watch them dance while I play my music. There are few women who can play deep house and I never thought it would take me this far,” she said.
