Anna Nuuyoma’s journey into the world of DJing began with a deep fascination for music. At the age of 17, she took her first steps as DJ Butterglow, making waves in Windhoek’s comedy and club scene.
Opening for renowned South African DJs at Ladedaas (now Club London) marked her entry into this dynamic world. With club residencies at Executive Lounge and Chopsies, she also performed at various events, including The Refinery clothing retail launch at Maerua Mall and Wernhil Park in 2016, as well as corporate year-end parties.
Taking a study break, Nuuyoma decided to rebrand herself as DJ Ndinaky, embarking on a new and exciting journey.
Drawing inspiration from the magic of music, she found a passion for shaping emotions and creating unforgettable moments on the dance floor. Her goal was to share her love for music, and connect with people through the power of beats.
“My passion for DJing was discovered through a gradual exploration of music. The exhilaration of mixing tracks and observing the crowd’s response was addictive. It was during these moments that I realised I could turn my love for music into a fulfilling career which resonates with people’s hearts,” she said.
Nuuyoma told VIBEZ that from humble beginnings as DJ Butterglow, she gained a coveted residency with “Free Your Mind”, and opened for top South African DJs.
After a break to pursue further education, she re-emerged as DJ Ndinaky. She secured a residency at The Loft, and her performances expanded to TV shows and event launches. Performing at the Windhoek Fashion Week, Barbie movie premiere and featuring in the Windhoek Draught Television commercial stand as some of her proudest moments.
“I identify as a multi-afro genre DJ, specialising in a blend of afro beats, afro house and amapiano. Currently, I’m particularly obsessed with a sub-genre known as 3-step Afro house. This style resonates deeply with me, and I find it incredibly captivating. You can catch me showcasing these sounds on my radio show, hosted on Vibe Pulse on Desert Radio. It’s in these rhythms that I discover a unique ability to connect with both the music and the audience, creating an electrifying and memorable experience,”she added.
Crafting a set-list involves reading the event’s energy and vibe. For intimate venues, she creates a more immersive journey, while festivals demand high-energy tracks. Adapting to the crowd while infusing her personal style ensures a memorable experience for everyone. Nuuyoma loves crafting set-lists for Sweet Sixty parties as it allows her to express her love and knowledge for old-school music as well as cater to an aged mixed crowd.
“Challenges have been part of my journey, like any other DJ. Navigating through evolving music trends and overcoming stage nerves were significant. Persistence, practice and embracing change have been my allies. However, I also faced the struggle of handling the business and marketing aspects of the craft during my time as DJ Butterglow. As DJ Ndinaky, I’m gradually grasping these essential elements and shedding any fear to explore various business opportunities. This shift has been pivotal in elevating and growing my brand as a DJ, allowing me to reach new heights in my career.”
She observed that staying up-to-date in the fast-paced industry involves continuous learning. Therefore, she keeps a keen eye on music trends, attends online workshops, and collaborates with fellow artists to remain current and innovative.
Furthermore, her creative process for mixes involves extensive music exploration, selecting tracks which evoke emotions, and crafting seamless transitions. She believes a mix should take the listener on a journey, building and releasing energy like a story.
“For aspiring DJs, my advice is to be passionate, practice relentlessly, and define your unique sound. Embrace failures as stepping stones, and never stop learning. Most importantly, stay true to your love for music, and let it guide your journey,” she urged.
Apart from DJing, Nuuyoma is a freelance Creative Producer. She took the initiative to start a production company, which is currently responsible for producing her podcast. This dynamic role allows her to explore her creativity and expand her horizons beyond the DJ booth, while also ensuring that her podcast meets the high standards of quality and content that she is committed to delivering.
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