Dingumuzi Phuti Biography | Background, Age, Wife & Children, Education, Political Career, Albums
This is the biography of Dingumuzi Phuti, also known as DJ Phuti, who is a Zimbabwean politician and media personality. He is a member of the Zanu-PF party and currently serves as the Deputy Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services. In addition to his political career, he has a background in media, having been a producer and presenter at National FM and ZTV.
Background
Phuti was born at Luveve Clinic in Bulawayo and raised in Plumtree. He comes from a family of eight, consisting of four boys and four girls. His father, Setso, passed away in 2005, while his mother, Cathrine, was alive as of 2018.
Age
DJ Phuti was born on April 14, 1980.
Wife & Children
Phuti is married to Lisa, and as of 2018, they have two children: a son named Setho and a daughter named Mandipa, who was named after Phuti’s late father.
Personal Life
Phuti previously dated musician Jennifer Maneni. He has mentioned that their relationship ended when Maneni brought his belongings in a plastic bag and threw them at him at Afro-fusion Restaurant.
Education
Phuti studied journalism at the Christian College of Southern Africa before pursuing Media Studies at Zimbabwe Open University.
Career
Politics
Phuti became interested in politics during the ‘Vote Yes’ campaign in 1999, which he participated in with an Imbube group. He later joined the School of African Awareness, where he further developed his political skills and became involved in Zanu-PF provincial structures in Plumtree.
In 2013, Phuti ran in the primary election but secured his position as Bulilima West legislator in 2018. In December 2023, High Court Judge Bongani Ndlovu overturned a previous judgment that had nullified Phuti’s election. The reversal followed arguments from Phuti’s legal team that his challenger, Bekezela Maplanka of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), had not properly served the election petition.
TV & Radio
Phuti joined ZBC in 2001, where he worked as both a presenter and producer. By 2004, he had become an executive producer and organized the Chimoio Solidarity bash. He later moved to ZMC, attracted by its benefits.
Music
At ZMC, Phuti played a significant role in discovering and promoting musicians such as Beatar Mangethe, Suluman Chimbetu, and Tryson Chimbetu. He previously ran Kwakalulama Record Label, which worked with artists like Freddy Gwala and the late Paul Matavire. Phuti was involved in collaborations between Beatar Mangethe and Alick Macheso, as well as Paul Matavire and Freddy Gwala.
Phuti joined South Africa-based Mobile Music Trust in 2008, which facilitated the distribution of Alick Macheso’s album “Ndezvashe-H!”. He later moved to Diamond Studios, where he discovered Jah Prayzah, who recorded the album “Ngwarira Kuparara” during Phuti’s tenure.
Albums
Phuti is also a musician who sings in Kalanga. His discography includes:
- Bhasikili Huya Unditole (2003)
- Gamu Langu (2004)
- Masenga Huku (2013)
- Masula Helele (2014)
- Doko Jena (2021)
