DJ, developing music producer, developing cultural producer, qualified sound technician and music enthusiast and creative entrepreneur, Zandile Nongogo (also known as Zazmoney DJ and Zandilla) hails from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
Developing the love of music at a young age, growing up in an environment that was – and is still – full of music lovers and collectors. She started dancing in 2006, and, in 2013, started performing on stage as a back-up vocalist. She has worked with the SA Music Awards (SAMA) winner and reggae star Black Dilinger and SAMA award nominee Pearl Afrique. She went on to study sound engineering and music production in Johannesburg. She moved back to Gqberha in 2015 and continued with her studies in sound technology at Radio Active Productions Publishing.
In 2018, Zandile founded Beat Lounge Experience, a project that features female artists, photographers, DJs, graphic designers, and everyone in the entertainment industry. The project is born of the need to create a platform for creative collaborations, art crafts and music livelihood. It also promotes local businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as upcoming young artists and well-established artists.
She hosts seasonal events under the brand Beat Lounge Experience, including live performances, food stalls, sharing of skills, meeting new faces, live beat-making. Zandile believes producers do not get enough credit or enough recognition for their work. Beat Lounge Experience is also involved in skill transfer projects at a special school in Gqberha, teaching children basic sound engineering skills and how to DJ.