In the pulsating heart of Cape Town’s creative scene stands Hluma Shoko, better known by her stage name Not A She — a DJ, creative entrepreneur, and multidisciplinary storyteller whose work exists where rhythm meets purpose. Her artistry defies boundaries, threading together music, design, and community in a way that speaks to the soul of a new African creative generation.
Hluma’s journey began in 2022 through Growing OGs, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young Black artists from township communities. From there, her trajectory has been nothing short of inspiring. That same year, she completed the Pioneer Pro DJ Course at the Bridges for Music Academy, an experience that sharpened her technical skill and deepened her sense of creative vision. Today, her sound — a mesmerizing blend of Deep House, Afro Tech, and Afro House — echoes across stages at some of South Africa’s most celebrated festivals, including Rocking the Daisies, Wolfkop Weekender, and AfrikaBurn.
But Not A She is not just about the music. She’s about movement. Her performances are immersive journeys — soulful, textural, and deeply rooted in African rhythm — but her purpose extends beyond the decks. Through CONNECT, a creative hub she co-founded, Hluma is cultivating ecosystems of growth and collaboration for young artists. “I want to build spaces where creativity feels accessible,” she says. “Where artists can connect, learn, and evolve together.”
Her artistry has also drawn the attention of global brands. She’s collaborated with PUMA, Nike, Archive, New Balance x Jack Lemkus, and Boiler Room, bringing her unique sound and creative storytelling to both live stages and digital campaigns. Whether behind the decks or behind the design board, Hluma’s approach remains consistent — thoughtful, intentional, and rooted in community.
Currently pursuing studies in Visual Communication, with a focus on graphic design, art direction, and marketing, Hluma embodies the spirit of a true creative polymath. Her love for brand storytelling and cultural strategy allows her to bridge disciplines, merging sound, design, and identity into cohesive narratives that challenge how we experience African creativity.
One of her recent projects — a collaborative Afro-electronic mix with saxophonist Emilie Kate — aired on Bush Radio to glowing praise. Host Lerato described it as “one of the best sets to date,” capturing the synergy and spirit of two artists pushing sonic boundaries. “That collaboration really reflected my vision,” Hluma reflects. “It’s about blending genres, breaking limits, and amplifying the voices and sounds that too often go unheard.”
Whether she’s spinning at festivals, leading workshops, or crafting design concepts, Not A She continues to prove that the future of African creativity is intersectional, bold, and beautifully hybrid. Her story is not just one of personal triumph — it’s a reminder that when we build with purpose and community in mind, we create art that transforms.
Willingly I accept. The question is interesting, I too will take part in discussion. I know, that together we can come to a right answer.