Drihanna on DJing for Gunna and leading a new era of female DJs

Breakthrough female DJ, Drihanna is steadily cementing her place as one of South Africa’s most exciting talents, known for her dynamic performances, fearless versatility and growing global reach.

The past year marked a major turning point for the DJ, born Dineo Mogoai, following a standout performance that saw her share a stage with South African heavyweights Black Coffee and Kabza De Small. The moment signalled her arrival on a bigger stage and set the tone for what would become a defining period in her career.

Throughout 2025, Drihanna focused on building meaningful relationships within the music and entertainment industry, connections that translated into festival bookings, major events, corporate gigs and brand collaborations. Beyond live performances, she expanded her footprint through TV interviews, appearances and the release of her first live DJ mix, further establishing her presence across platforms.

“I travelled in and out of the country and performed across multiple provinces for the first time, which really expanded my experience and reach as a DJ,” she reflected. “I’ve been so busy working that I didn’t even get a chance to do a 2025 recap, but I’m incredibly grateful. It’s been a year of growth, movement and real connection.”

That momentum carried into the new year, culminating in what Drihanna describes as a career-defining, life-changing moment: DJing for American rapper Gunna, during his performance at Rockets Bryantson.

“Playing for an A-list international US rapper at such a major point in his career completely shifted my mindset,” she said. “It made me dream bigger and realise that I’m only at the beginning of what’s possible.”

The experience fuelled a new level of focus and ambition, reinforcing her belief that South African female DJs belong on global stages. “That moment lit a fire in me. It reminded me that perseverance and consistency really do pay off, and that opportunities can come from anywhere in the world, even the ones that once felt impossible.”

As her profile grows, Drihanna has become increasingly intentional about how she navigates the industry. She is business-focused, prioritising clear contracts, upfront deposits and professional standards that protect both her brand and personal safety.

“My safety is non-negotiable. I never travel to gigs alone, and if those basics aren’t respected, it already shows a lack of respect for the artist,” she said. “No amount of money is worth compromising my integrity.”

That clarity has helped her build a rapidly growing fanbase, with her Instagram following surpassing 170,000. While the numbers continue to rise, Drihanna remains grounded, crediting her supporters as the foundation of her journey. She views her career not as a symbol of status, but as the result of purpose, consistency and hard work.

Risk-taking has been a recurring theme in her path, from quitting her admin assistant job to pursue DJing full-time to embracing versatility at a time when it wasn’t widely understood. That gamble has paid off, allowing her to move fluidly across sounds while inspiring other women to step confidently into the craft.

“For me, versatility is about reading the room, feeling the energy and creating moments that connect,” she explained. “If that’s helped other women push boundaries, then that impact means everything to me.”

Alongside live performances, Drihanna also released music in 2025 and is preparing more releases and collaborations in the year ahead. She describes her studio process as both exhilarating and challenging, spending time with beatmakers and songwriters to shape sounds that reflect her identity and energy.

“It’s exciting and nerve-wracking, but it pushes me to grow creatively while staying authentic,” she said, a balance that continues to define her rise, both at home and beyond South Africa’s borders.

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