Wilhelmina Jane Austin, popularly known as Mz Orstin, is turning tables—both literally and figuratively—in Ghana’s entertainment scene. With over 13 years of experience in the industry, she’s one of the few prominent female DJs in the country, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for other women in a traditionally male-dominated field.
With her high-energy mixes, magnetic stage presence, and deep love for music, Mz Orstin isn’t just spinning tracks—she’s reshaping narratives and opening doors for women across Africa.
Discovering the Turntable Dream
In an exclusive interview with Just4WomenAfrica, Mz Orstin shared the story of how she first discovered her passion for DJing.
“I’ve always loved music and dance,” she said. “During my first year at university, I went to a nightclub and watched how the DJ controlled the crowd with music. The energy, the emotions—it was electric. That night, I knew DJing was what I wanted to do.”
Her journey began in 2012, when her friend Julia introduced her to DJ Bukuel, a professional DJ who became her mentor. From there, she started shadowing him and other DJs, learning the ropes and immersing herself in the entertainment world.
Her Breakthrough Gig
Mz Orstin vividly recalls her first major event—the Rex Omar Dumo concert by Charterhouse Ghana in 2014. Until then, she had been playing at weddings, private parties, and corporate events, but never a large concert.
“I was brought in last minute, and I could tell the Charterhouse CEO was nervous about having me play. He’d never worked with me before and didn’t want to disappoint their client,” she recalled. “But after the first track dropped and the crowd went wild, I could see the relief on his face. That performance changed everything—it opened many doors for me with Charterhouse.”
Preparation Is Key
When asked how she prepares for a gig, Mz Orstin explained that it depends on the venue and audience.
“If it’s a place I’ve played at before, I know what the crowd enjoys, so I build my playlist around that. But I also practice a lot at home—trying out new transitions and tricks before going live. Preparation builds confidence.”
Challenges as a Female DJ in Ghana
Mz Orstin spoke candidly about the challenges she’s faced as a woman in the DJ space.
“The biggest challenge is constantly having to prove yourself. People underestimate you until they hear you play. Once they see your skills, they start to trust you,” she said.
She also highlighted pay disparities in the industry: “Sometimes you’re underpaid just because you’re a woman. But with 13 years of experience, I now understand how the business works and know how much to charge.”
Gender Bias in Booking
Has she ever been turned down for gigs because she’s a woman?
“Many times,” she admitted. “They’ll say, ‘You’re above our budget,’ only to hire a male DJ from another country at a much higher rate. It’s frustrating, but I’ve learned to focus on building my brand and proving my worth.”
Advice for Aspiring Female DJs
For young women looking to enter the industry, Mz Orstin had this to say:
“Understand the creative space—even if it’s not DJing—and make sure you’re passionate. Passion will keep you going when things get tough. Be ready to learn and adapt.”
Her Favorite Setup
Vinyl, controller, or turntables? Mz Orstin says she can work with all three, but the controller is her go-to.
“It’s easy to carry and perfect for most gigs. Vinyl is classic and definitely shows you’re a boss, but it depends on the occasion.”
A Long-Term Career
When asked if she sees DJing as a lifelong career, she didn’t hesitate.
“Absolutely. I’m still learning and growing. I don’t see myself doing anything else. Music is a part of me.”
Mz Orstin’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of perseverance. Her presence in Ghana’s music scene not only brings good vibes to every event but also inspires a new generation of female DJs across Africa.
