She is one of the chart-topping female DJs currently filling dance floors across the country and continent. DJ Lady Amar, real name Thando Duma, recently released her singles Ndawonye and Imizwa. This follows after her debut song Hamba Juba with Murumba Pitch and Cici. She plans to release a full body of work, titled God's Delay is not His Denial this Friday.

NEW PROJECT

The upcoming project features amazing and newly discovered talents from South Africa, including Murumba Pitch, Nkosazana Daughter, Sykes, Bassie, Jessica LM, Nontokozo Mkhize, Starr Healer, Mthunzi, Omhle Diya, Lee Sax, DJ Khyber to name a few. "I chose these artists based on their unique talents and their ability to complement the theme of the EP," Lady Amar says. "The title "God's Delay is not His Denial" reflects the overarching message of the EP, exploring the intersection of faith, patience, and the divine timing of life."

Lady Amar

BEING A FEMALE DJ

She is no stranger to fame, as her sister Ntando Duma, has always been in the limelight. Lady Amar explains how she got into DJing. "I ventured into music through the Fuse Academy, where I honed my skills. DJing became a natural extension of my passion for music, allowing me to connect with audiences uniquely," she adds. Lady Amar says being a female DJ in South Africa has its ups and downs as it's a male dominated industry. "As a female DJ, I've faced challenges such as gender stereotypes and unequal opportunities, however, I've overcome these by focusing on my craft and letting my talent speak for itself," she says. Many female DJs are criticised for never producing their own music and considered ' not talented enough'. "I played a significant role in the creative process, from conceptualising the themes to collaborating with the featured artists. My goal was to ensure that each track resonates with authenticity and emotional depth," she adds.

CHILDHOOD

Growing up she was heavily influenced by different styles and genres of music. "Now with my Amapiano EP, I'm taking a direction that combines soulful storytelling with captivating melodies," she says. "I draw a lot of inspiration from artists who push boundaries and use their platform to make a positive impact. Icons like, my sister, Ntando Duma DJ Zinhle and Uncle Waffles inspire me to strive for excellence."

LESSONS AND FESTIVE SEASON

Through the short time that she has made her mark, Lady Amar has learned that perseverance, authenticity and a strong work ethic are crucial in the industry. "Building genuine connections and staying true to your artistic vision is also key," she says. And while her sister is also in the public eye, she aims to focus on carving my path. "I do this by showcasing my unique talents, pursuing different ventures, and establishing my own identity within the industry." This festive season, she plans to celebrate by connecting with fans through performances. "Spreading joy through music, and taking some well-deserved downtime with family and friends is a must," she says. "During this time of the year, I typically engage in holiday festivities, spend quality time with loved ones, and reflect on the year's accomplishments and future goals."