Women DJs make waves in Namibia’s nightlife scene

From Windhoek’s nightlife to international stages, women are proving that the DJ booth is not about gender but about skill.

For many years, DJing was seen as a space dominated by men. But today, that is changing, and a new generation of women DJs, including Kandeya, Ice Crystals, Solange and Baddie_777 are rising with confidence.

Kandeya began DJing in 2023 out of curiosity and passion. With mentorship from experienced DJs, she learned about equipment, transitions and building a proper set. Her debut event, 'Everybody Loves Kandy', confirmed her love for DJing.

Ice Crystals also found her path through music. Growing up in a musical family, she says DJing felt natural. But it was her first live performance that changed everything.

Solange’s start was unexpected. Surrounded by friends in the industry, she decided to try DJing herself. What began as something light turned into something serious when she realised how much she loved it.

Baddie_777 started DJing in November 2024. She was trained by experienced DJs who taught her the basics and helped her improve her skills. Inspired by Amapiano, she found joy in making people dance.

Soak it all up

All four DJs agree that women in the industry still face challenges. Kandeya describes the industry as complex for women who are often judged on appearance rather than skill. Ice Crystals says she has had to prove herself more than once. Solange shares a grounded perspective: "It becomes what you allow it to be. I stay focused on my growth."

Baddie_777 says her experience has been positive so far.

Despite different experiences, they all agree that mindset is key. Success, they believe, comes from discipline, patience and consistency.

Being a modern DJ requires more than playing good songs. It involves branding and business understanding. Ice Crystals says she treats every gig “like an audition for the next one”.

Solange believes in focusing on real growth instead of appearances. Baddie_777 shares a similar approach. “My approach is simply to improve my craft and stay consistent.”

Unique platforms

Intentional platforms are also helping shift the culture.

Windhoek-based nightlife brand Clubhouz.3 has made a clear commitment to supporting female DJs.

The brand ensures women are not only included in line-ups but given prime slots and consistent bookings.

One of its standout concepts, Pretty Girls Love Clubhouz.3 (PGLC), is an event experience built entirely for professional women.

“True inclusivity means giving women real opportunities to grow and headline,” the team says.

Clubhouz.3 scouts upcoming and underground talent, builds long-term relationships and focuses on skill and crowd impact when booking artists. “When women are given the platform, the audience embraces them fully,” they said.

Taking charge

Another big change in the industry is that more female DJs are moving into music production. Instead of only playing other artists' songs, they are starting to create their own music.

This gives them more control over their sound and their future. “Production gives you ownership,” Ice Crystals explains.

Solange believes this change makes sense. “Creativity has no gender,” she says. Baddie_777 also supports this growth. “I love seeing that evolution. It shows growth and ownership.”

Their dreams also go beyond Namibia.

Kandeya has already performed in Cape Town and Zambia, where she received a strong response from the crowd, and she hopes to grow internationally.

Ice Crystals wants to expand her work beyond DJing and become a bigger creative force.

Solange sees herself performing on larger international stages, building on moments like her performance in Congo, where she saw how music connects people across borders.