Nzama turns up the volume on Jozi's booming creative economy

DJ and producer is one of the champions of Jozi My Jozi's Babize Bonke campaign. By Bridget Hilton-Barber

- Bridget Hilton-Barber

A view from Nelson Mandela Bridge in Braamfontein. Turning decks into deals. The Asisebenze Art Gallery. Photos: Bridget Hilton-Barber

(Bridget Hilton-Barber)

Meet Kenny Nzama, one of the champions of Jozi My Jozi's new creative campaign called Babize Bonke (it means "let them all come" in isiZulu), which invites people to experience the revival of the city through the eyes of its creative citizens.

"Music is the great unifier, and my instrument is the turntable," says Nzama, more famously known as DJ Kenzhero, a pioneer of the South African hip-hop scene who has long been delighting dancefloors with his delicious infusions of soul, funk and jazz.

As DJ Kenzhero he has shared stages with artists like Tumi & The Volume, Lebo Mashile, Blk Sonshine, Simphiwe Dana and Freshly Ground. He has featured at festivals such as Oppikoppi, Rocking the Daisies, Macufe and Standard Bank Jazz, and performed at clubs like the Colourbar, Bassline, Devine Lounge, 206 and Sidewalk Café.

"My front face is a DJ," says Nzama, "but my back space is a whole lot of different conversations." He is also a music producer, booking agent and he puts bands together he's a creative entrepreneur who turns decks into deals and beats into business.