Nendiyo: The Afrotech Powerhouse Redefining the Decks
Among her most cherished memories are gigs at Horse Shoe Block 6 and Jwaneng. “These have been good, the energy I received were out of this world,” she recalls. She also highlights a memorable performance at a Good Hope district show, adding, “That was something, I think it was because of the home ground thing, but the love was out of this world.”
Nendiyo’s experience as a female DJ in a predominantly male industry has evolved significantly. Initially, she felt treated as a “novelty” or an “opening act for salad dressing purposes.” However, the landscape is shifting. “Now that the female DJ’s have revolved, we are capable of developing our own support fanbase, we are main actors of our craft, and we are happy with the progress, though it has been delayed,” she states confidently.
Nendiyo. In Gaborone, that name resonates with the power of a perfectly dropped beat. While the universal language of music means many things to many people – therapy, a way of life, even the air we breathe – for this exceptional female DJ, music is utterly spiritual; it is her very identity. Whether she is electrifying the crowd at Ayoba weekend, keeping everyone on their feet at Block 6 club, or bringing the house down at the Bee6 outdoor experience, Nendiyo is, without a doubt, a female Afrotech powerhouse.
Nendiyo describes herself as a natural creative, explaining that DJing involves “fusing what your body and mind is saying at a spiritual level and how to express it.” Her journey into the craft felt almost predestined. “DJing was a natural progression in artistic expression and started about five years ago, and it sort of settled in,” she recounts. “I never had a moment of thinking maybe I could do this, or like this, I sat in front of mixer and the rest was history.” Her early influences stemmed from the trending sounds of house, deep house, electro, and afro pop, and the exciting challenge of blending them together.
For Nendiyo, music is not just a career; it is an ever-present force. “I am always surrounded by music, in my car, house, when I was studying,” she shares. “Everywhere I am listening to new sounds, thinking in my mind how to fuse certain sounds, blend music and all that. I am like a basketball player with a ball on my hands all the time. It means so much to me to be this devoted to my craft.”
Challenges persist, particularly concerning payments and security. Nendiyo notes that male DJs often receive better perks or faster payments. Furthermore, “women DJs experience more increased intrusions in your playing spaces that male DJ’s,” she points out.
Despite these hurdles, Nendiyo offers powerful advice to aspiring female DJs: find your unique voice, persevere, and maintain focus. “Don’t be distracted from your journey. Enjoy it,” she urges. Building a strong support system is also crucial. “Build a support system around you, family-wise and your social media profile. For example when going to gigs, get a travelling companion, if you have babies, get support from them while you are working. Nothing heartbreaking as mummy I need you at home while you are mid set… take care of those fundamentals.”
Nendiyo continues to forge ahead, a true powerhouse and an inspiration to those who follow. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the unyielding spirit of a woman who has found her deepest identity in sound.
