Zahara Totto, also known as DJ Zato, has criticised some male deejays in Uganda, accusing them of creating barriers for others trying to establish themselves in the entertainment industry.
Speaking about her experience as a female deejay, Zahara said she has encountered what she described as selfishness and hostility among some male DJs, particularly when newcomers attempt to access venues and platforms already occupied by established deejays.
According to Zahara, the issue is not limited to female DJs. She claimed that even male deejays who are new to the scene can face resistance when trying to secure opportunities at bars where established DJs regularly perform.
“Even if you come in as another male deejay, they make it hard for you not to play in a bar that they play in. They have a bad energy that I don’t like. When I started, they also fought me.”
Zahara further claimed that some male deejays form exclusive groups after building connections, making it difficult for others to access the same opportunities.
The DJ said her experience has also affected how she views invitations from some of the same people who, according to her, made things difficult when she was starting out.
She revealed that some of those deejays now invite her to their association meetings and SACCOs, which she believes reflects the recognition she has gained within the entertainment industry.
But Zahara says she has little interest in joining them at this point.
Instead, she said she is waiting for an apology over how she was treated earlier in her career before considering reconciliation.
“I’m waiting for them to apologise to me but I don’t think they have those senses,” she said.
Zahara then singled out Nimrod, saying, “Nimrod lacks knowledge and I can fight him by the way.”
Her comments add another layer to the ongoing conversation about competition, access and professional relationships within Uganda’s DJ and entertainment scene.
For Zahara, however, the issue appears to be personal as much as professional: she says the treatment she received while building her career is something she has not simply forgotten.