- Mitchell ‘Mimi’ Tshuma, founder of Lifestylez Inc, faces scrutiny over unfulfilled promises from her ‘Battle of the DJs’ event.
- Winners of the high-profile event are still awaiting their grand prize: an all-expenses-paid trip to South Africa, nearly a year after the competition.
- The abandoned warehouse that hosted the event now symbolizes the collapse of Tshuma’s ambitious project aimed at nurturing local talent.
- Efforts to contact Mimi Tshuma via known phone numbers have been unsuccessful.
Lifestylez Inc was launched with considerable fanfare, positioning itself as a ‘dynamic creative hub’ for various artistic disciplines in Bulawayo. The ‘Battle of the DJs’ was intended as its flagship event, attracting participants from across Zimbabwe. Despite a structured team and promises of international exposure, the project has failed to deliver on its core commitments to the winners.
This incident is perceived by local artists and entrepreneurs as part of a troubling pattern where ambitious announcements often outpace tangible delivery. Critics argue that such failures erode trust within the creative ecosystem essential for supporting Zimbabwe’s burgeoning artistic economy. The lack of accountability from the organizers has led to frustration and disappointment among those who participated.
The winners, including prominent local DJs, had high hopes of advancing their careers through the promised international exposure. Their repeated attempts to get updates have been met with silence, highlighting a significant lapse in communication and responsibility.
Timeline
- January 17, 2026: News surfaces detailing the continued plight of the Bulawayo DJs, nearly a year after the ‘Battle of the DJs’ event.
- January 17, 2026: Efforts to reach Mimi Tshuma for comment via known phone numbers remain unanswered.
Key Players
- Mitchell ‘Mimi’ Tshuma: CEO and Head Visionary Manager of Lifestylez Inc, facing scrutiny.
- DJ Mufali & Zetfactor: Outright winners of the ‘Battle of the DJs’ still awaiting their prize.
- Local DJs: Participants and winners left disillusioned by unfulfilled promises.
- Skyz Metro FM’s Possenti Sikosana, DJ Mzoe, Mgcini (Namibia): Adjudicators of the event.
