"The Beat of My Drum": DJ Ayanda's Journey to Musical Stardom

 Mondays Mag Publications I Editor-In-Chief  Ntombizodwa Dlamini

In a male-dominated industry, DJ Ayanda is carving her own path, gaining prominence with her unique sound and unwavering passion.

With a career spanning multiple genres and continents, Ayanda's story serves as a powerful testament to the impact of hard work, dedication, and staying true to oneself. "I started out with a deep love for Afro-tech and Afro-house," Ayanda reminisces. "Traveling the world and performing in different countries has been an incredible experience. It's fueled my desire to grow even more in the industry"

Ayanda's musical style reflects her diverse personality and rich experiences. She describes her approach as versatile, skillfully blending different genres to create sets that guide listeners on an auditory journey. Drawing inspiration from various cultures, her global travels, and personal life, she weaves these elements together into a distinct sound.

Regarding her recent collaboration with Blaqnick and Masterblaq, Ayanda explains, "The inspiration came from the energy of the streets and the culture of deep piano music". She notes, "It's different from my previous work because it leans heavily into that classic yet modern piano sound, with a deep and immersive feel"

Ayanda's creative process is both organic and collaborative. Typically, she begins with a specific mood or feeling before constructing the beat and bassline. From there, she experiments with melodies and vocal samples, eventually refining the mix and mastering the final track. This method fosters experimentation and innovation in her work. As a seasoned DJ and producer, Ayanda offers valuable advice for aspiring artists navigating the industry. "Stay true to your sound and be consistent," she emphasizes. "The industry is tough, and trends come and go, but your authenticity is what will set you apart".

For Ayanda, the essence of performing live lies in the dynamic energy exchange with the audience. Her most memorable gig to date took place in Brazzaville, Congo, where she shared the stage with Dadju and Tayc. Another standout performance occurred in Paris, alongside Heritier Watanabe.

Looking ahead, Ayanda has clear aspirations. "I'd love to collaborate with Black Coffee because of his impact on music globally," she reveals, discussing her dream collaboration. "His ability to blend deep, soulful sounds with electronic beats is something I admire".

With her relentless drive, unique sound, and inspiring journey, DJ Ayanda is undeniably a significant presence in the music industry. As she continues to break barriers and push creative boundaries, one thing is certain: the beat of her drum will keep pulsating, energizing, and inspiring listeners worldwide.

CRDT.

Mondays Magazine Publications

Issue Presented by  Dj Ayanda

Story By Ntombizodwa Dlamini & Mondays Magazine Publications

Designed by The Mondays Studio & Kvn

Published on the 28/04/2025