By Mediamec 
As the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ) draws closer, the pressure to secure a coveted spot at one of South Africa’s most iconic events is intensifying. For many DJs, musicians, and artists, the competition is fierce, and the fear of not being booked can be overwhelming. However, there’s a voice of encouragement and hope that has come from South African singer-songwriter Zee Nxumalo, who has taken it upon herself to inspire and uplift fellow creatives.
In a recent Facebook post, Zee Nxumalo reminded aspiring artists not to lose hope, even if they haven’t secured a booking for the upcoming Durban July weekend. She shared a heartfelt message to boost the morale of those still striving to get their foot in the door:
“This coming Durban July weekend, if you’re not booked in Durban as a DJ or an artist, don’t lose hope. Success takes time. I wish you all the best.”
Her words are a powerful reminder that the journey to success is not instant; it’s built on persistence, patience, and a relentless belief in oneself. Zee Nxumalo, who has carved a name for herself in the South African music scene, continues to support and encourage emerging talent, offering both hope and practical advice for those navigating their own artistic paths.
As the 2025 HDJ approaches, here are some essential tips inspired by Nxumalo’s message that could help fellow creatives take the next step in their careers:
Zee Nxumalo’s success in the digital age highlights the importance of cultivating a strong online presence. For today’s artists, social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are not just places to post personal updates—they are essential tools for connecting with audiences and showcasing talent. Nxumalo herself has been active on these platforms, sharing everything from music snippets to personal insights, allowing her followers to get a deeper look into her journey.
Aspiring artists should leverage these platforms by regularly posting their work, engaging with their community, and using relevant hashtags to expand their reach. The more consistent and visible you are online, the more likely you are to catch the eye of promoters and venues.
For Zee Nxumalo, building genuine relationships with industry professionals has been key to her growth. She often emphasizes the importance of networking—attending local events, festivals, and other industry gatherings to meet promoters, venue owners, and other artists.
“It’s about being visible and showing up—whether you’re booked or not, just being present creates opportunities,” Nxumalo once shared. Networking can open doors for future collaborations and recommendations that might lead to bookings down the line.
One of the crucial elements of getting booked is the ability to pitch yourself effectively. Zee Nxumalo, who has seen many artists struggle with this, advises that the pitch should be clear, concise, and tailored to the specific needs of each venue or promoter.
A well-crafted pitch includes not only a short description of your work but also links to your music, past performances, and any press coverage you may have received. Nxumalo encourages artists to highlight their unique selling points and explain how they would be a valuable addition to an event’s lineup. Personalizing your pitch to reflect your understanding of the event’s vibe or audience is a surefire way to stand out.
Zee Nxumalo is a firm believer in the power of a well-organized press kit. For her, it’s an essential part of presenting yourself as a professional. A press kit is your artistic portfolio—think of it as your business card but much more comprehensive.
Artists should ensure their press kit includes a biography, high-quality images, performance videos or music samples, and any notable press coverage. A professional press kit not only gives promoters and venues everything they need to evaluate you, but it also demonstrates your commitment to your craft.
In her own experience, Zee Nxumalo has learned the importance of following up after initial contact with promoters and venues. A polite and professional follow-up can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Whether through a quick email or a WhatsApp message, a follow-up shows that you’re enthusiastic and committed to working with them.
“Don’t be afraid to follow up. It’s part of being professional and showing that you’re serious about your career,” says Nxumalo.
Zee Nxumalo’s journey to success is built on professionalism—both in her work ethic and her interactions with others in the industry. She stresses that aspiring artists should always meet deadlines, respond promptly to emails, and maintain high-quality work that exceeds expectations.
“Word-of-mouth referrals are everything in this industry, and they come from being dependable and delivering consistently great work,” Nxumalo advises.
As the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July draws near, Zee Nxumalo’s encouraging words serve as a powerful reminder for all aspiring artists that success is a journey, not a destination. Her message is clear: stay patient, keep working, and keep believing in yourself. With persistence, networking, and professionalism, every artist has the potential to reach their goals.
For those looking to secure a booking at major events like the Durban July, Zee Nxumalo’s advice offers a roadmap to success—one that’s built on hard work, resilience, and a steady belief in the value of your craft.