Prominent Namibian disc jockey Alba Hamukwaya, better known as DJ Alba, is gearing up to launch a mentorship programme for aspiring DJs. The programme will aim to equip them with practical skills and guidance on the entertainment industry. Speaking to unWrap.online this week, DJ Alba shared more about her upcoming project. The programme, which kicks off in May, will run for two months and feature a blend of technical training and professional development. “The programme will cover everything from beat matching, song selection and set transitions to creative wellness, music business, marketing, proposal writing and event curation,” DJ Alba says. “It’s not just about playing music – it’s about understanding the entire ecosystem of being a DJ and thriving in the creative industry.” DJ Alba says the project is her way of giving back to the industry that shaped her. “As I slowly wind down my professional DJ career, I felt compelled to pass down what I’ve learnt over the years to the next generation,” she says. “There are so many people out there who have the passion, they just need a little assistance getting started, and I wanted to help in that regard.” She says when she eventually steps away from performing, her support for the creative community will remain unwavering. Structured into two distinct phases, the mentorship will begin with a hands-on, practical component in the first month. During this phase, mentees will learn the fundamentals of deejaying – from using DJ controllers to building seamless transitions between tracks and curating crowd-pleasing playlists. “The second month will focus more on the theoretical aspects,” she says. “We’ll dig into the business side of music, how to position yourself as a professional, build your brand and even put together event proposals. I want the mentees to walk away not only knowing how to mix, but also how to think like entrepreneurs.” To reinforce the learning experience, the programme will include two live events where participants will showcase their skills to a live audience, applying what they’ve learnt in a real-world setting. A core component of the initiative is building community and promoting collaboration among creatives. Alba believes that mentorship and support systems are critical to personal and professional growth, especially in the entertainment industry. “The creative industry flourishes when people with shared interests come together. This programme is not just about skill transfer – it’s about building a supportive network of creatives who can lean on each other and grow together,” she says. Reflecting on her own journey, DJ Alba recalls the early influences that sparked her passion for music. “My dad was a music lover, and some of my earliest memories are of him playing Juanita du Plessis and Michael Learns to Rock on repeat,” she says. “I would sit next to the radio for hours. I never missed an episode of ‘Rick Dees’! But funny enough, I never imagined I’d become a DJ. I always thought I’d be a rapper or a singer. Deejaying found me by chance when I was around 20.” Over the years, DJ Alba has learnt to master one of the most crucial but often overlooked elements of deejaying: reading the crowd. “It’s a delicate balance – introducing new music to the crowd while still keeping them engaged with the hits they know and love. As a DJ, you have to find that sweet spot between what you want to play and what the audience wants to hear,” she says. Beyond the decks, DJ Alba’s mentorship also focuses on wellness and healthy industry habits. She is a strong advocate for promoting mental health and well-being among creatives – an area she believes is frequently neglected in the entertainment scene. “I’ve seen first-hand how many creatives overlook wellness, especially in an industry that’s so heavily centred around nightlife and alcohol,” she says. “It’s so easy for people to go overboard and spiral into addiction or burnout.” To counter this, her programme includes sessions on balance, mental healthcare and long-term sustainability in the creative space. “Rest, mental clarity and balance are key to a lasting career. I want mentees to learn that from the start. They need to know that success isn’t just about being booked – it’s about taking care of yourself while doing what you love.” The post DJ Alba Gives Back With Beats appeared first on The Namibian.