SPOTLIGHT: Zimbabwean DJ, singer, and entrepreneur Larissa Makahamadze, popularly known as Empress DJ Lyaness, has been making waves in the entertainment industry. A powerhouse in live mixing, radio, and television, she has built an impressive career spanning club gigs, major shows, and international tours. Now, she is set to add another milestone to her journey after being nominated for the Best Promoter in the Diaspora award at the upcoming AFAAZ Awards, scheduled for March 28, 2025, in Harare—just a day before her birthday.

Empress DJ Lyaness first rose to prominence in 2015 when she won the Zimbabwe Female DJ Clash just two months after learning to DJ. Her victory quickly propelled her into the spotlight, earning her a radio contract within a month. Specializing in hip-hop, conscious reggae, dancehall, R&B, Naija beats, and house music, she has performed across Zimbabwe’s major cities and Mozambique.

“Beyond the decks, I’m also a versatile artist, merging dancehall and Afro-fusion in her music. My influence extends into fashion as the founder of Badness and Rissa Elle, and a thought leader columnist advocating for women’s empowerment.” she said speaking to My Afrika Magazine.

A champion for gender equality, she was the first elected student mentor at Sally Women’s Institute in collaboration with the Women Democracy Network and is an active member of the Indigenous Business Women’s Organisation and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Alumni.

Currently, she is expanding her impact in the music industry through artist promotion. Partnering with key promoter institutions, she is facilitating collaborations between Zimbabwean and South African artists, helping them grow their brands in new markets. Her expertise now includes artist booking, venue management, ticket sales strategy, and influencer marketing.

As she awaits the results of her AFAAZ nomination, Empress DJ Lyaness continues to break barriers, proving that women can lead in the male-dominated entertainment industry. Whether behind the decks, on stage, or in business, she remains a force to be reckoned with.