In the heart of Motimposo, a township in Lesotho’s capital city, a star was born. From the narrow streets and dusty rhythms of Maseru to international airwaves, Kananelo “Dj Nelo” Malea is rewriting the rules of the game, one track at a time.
Dj Nelo, who proudly holds the title of Lesotho’s first female Hip-Hop DJ, has not only carved a space for herself in the male-dominated world of deejaying but has recently made waves by teaming up with Grammy-winning South African artist, ANATII.
A fierce force on the turntables, Nelo’s journey is as inspiring as her beats are electrifying. Born and raised in Motimposo, her love for music began at a young age, growing up on a steady diet of local sounds, African soul, and the global influence of hip-hop culture. Mainly influenced by her brother, Unkle Krack, a rapper himself, by the time she touched her first DJ console, she knew it was not just a hobby but her calling.
“I never saw women doing this where I’m from,” she says. “I had to become the example I never had,” said Dj Nelo.
After making her mark at top-tier events such as Forever Drip, CoolKidz Picnic, and The Jungle Party, and landing brand ambassador roles with Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) and SQO Syndicate, Nelo quickly established herself as more than just a rising star, she became a symbol of bold possibility.
Having completed her Associate Degree in Public Relations at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in 2023, Nelo quickly decided to relocate to South Africa to stay with her mother and older brother.
“I realised that there wasn’t really much left for me in Lesotho so I decided to move and see how everything would pan out for me outside Lesotho, but the most fortunate part of the move was that my mom and my eldest brother already live in SA so I just decided to make the move,” she said.
But it is her latest collaboration with ANATII, the South African rapper, producer, and songwriter who has worked with Beyoncé and earned international accolades such as a Grammy, which has truly catapulted her onto the continental stage.
With a bit of giggles Nelo shared that the collaboration with ANTII was very long story that could only be cut short. “Well, it’s a long story but to cut it short, a very good friend of mine that I met just last year (2024) at DJ Speedsta’s event ‘The Hiphop Floor’, connected me to ANATII, and the rest is history,” she explained.
“I didn’t know at first who I’ll be DJing for until I got to see that it was him and I felt blessed,” Nelo shares with palpable excitement. “Working with ANATII is amazing, he is a person whose energy is very high and vibrant and has made it easier for me to work with him because my energy quickly aligned with his and it has been amazing since day one.” said Dj Nelo.
ANATII, known for fusing deep spirituality with sleek sonics, reportedly invited Nelo to join him on select production projects and live sets, praising her unique ear and fearless approach to mixing.
As the turntables spin and her influence grows, DJ Nelo remains deeply connected to her roots. She frequently mentors young girls in her community, advocating for greater representation of women in music and media.
From modest beginnings to commanding dance floors across borders, DJ Nelo’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. With her undeniable talent, fierce determination, and unmatched energy, she has become one of the most exciting names in the region’s music scene.
While Lesotho cheered her on, Nelo has also been making serious moves in South Africa, regularly performing at some of the country’s most exclusive clubs. From Johannesburg’s vibrant nightlife to Cape Town’s elite music lounges, she has proven she can hold her own among the best.
Her unique ability to fuse genres and read the room has made her a sought-after act for promoters and a favourite for partygoers.
Adding yet another milestone to her career, DJ Nelo has become a constant presence on Africa’s biggest music television platform, Channel O.
Her live sets, interviews, and features on the iconic channel have introduced her to millions across the continent, inspiring a new generation of female DJs and creatives. She said the breakthrough came through her brother.
“My eldest brother, Unkle Krack, was very well acquainted with a very well-known DJ/Producer in South Africa, DJ Switch, who got to know that Krack has a younger sister who happens to be a DJ as well and Switch is that one that got me on the Channel O VideOmix gigs,” explained Dj Nelo.
“I never imagined seeing myself on TV when I was a little girl playing music off my brother’s old stereo,” she says with a laugh. “Channel O was always the dream.”
With headphones on, eyes wide open, and a vision that stretches far beyond borders, DJ Nelo is on track to becoming not only a national icon but a continental powerhouse.
A Professional Communications practitioner with a wealth of expertise in marketing, public speaking, communication and media relations. I believe in learning everyday and improving one’s personal and professional capabilities.
* A former journalist and radio host who is passionate about media and it’s impact on society.
