A young woman with a humble background and a vision that spans continents is redefining what it means to be a modern creative.
Bellinda Chester, an ambitious artist and DJ, who rises to the occasion when it comes to defining the power of persistence. For Bellinda, music was never a hobby, it was inevitability. “I have always been passionate about the music industry since I was a little girl. It’s like a calling for me, who I am why I have dedicated my whole life towards pursuing a career in music as a DJ and artist,” she explains.
This sense of destiny has guided her through the labyrinthine reality of the entertainment industry, providing a compass when the path grew dim. Every artist possesses a dual-edged sword that serves as both their engine and their obstacle. For Bellinda, that force is her intensity. “My strength is how passionate I am, it’s the reason I have never given up in pursuing my dreams, but that same strength is my weakness because I care a lot about what we do and can tend to take business at a personal capacity, which can sometimes affect my personal life negatively,” she admits.
Yet, she remains undeterred. “But it’s worth it. There’s nothing more fulfilling than finding purpose and living it.”
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Bellinda views the holiday with a mix of lightheartedness and long-term hope. While she jokes about a dream dinner date with American streamer DDG: “I think he’s cute. I wouldn’t say no if he asked lol” her perspective on love is grounded in the future. “But in the future years to come, I hope my future husband will be my valentine, forever.”
Currently, however, the ‘lover girl’ persona takes a backseat to the grind. She describes her dating life as almost non-existent, often spending the day chilling with friends or embracing her own company. “I’ve always been a bit of a loner,” she says.
When she isn’t ‘killing time’ in the studio or perfecting her sets, she is a fierce competitor at the arcade, challenging friends to bowling or game nights. She is also an avid traveller and a self-described explorer of restaurants, preferring the discovery of new flavours over large meals. Her entry into the industry mirrors the traditional ‘village’ philosophy.
She secured her first opportunities through the support of friends who taught her the technicalities of the craft and vouched for her at local venues. “A DJ is built by a village, just like a child is raised by one,” she reflects. The local scene soon gave way to international horizons.
“A pivotal moment arrived with her first overseas booking in Congo. This served as a catalyst, propelling her into the global market and leading to tours in countries as far-flung as Australia. These were ‘places I never imagined I’d ever travel to’, she notes, still sounding a note of wonder at the distance her talent has carried her.
Musically, Bellinda remains tethered to the roots of her genre. Her influences are not the chart-topping titans, but the unsung architects of the township sounds. By spending time in the studios where Amapiano originated, she developed a deep appreciation for sub-genres like sgafro, street piano and barcadi. These influences are the reason her sets are characterised by a raw, infectious energy.
The industry remains a challenging environment. After three years, Bellinda still considers herself an ‘upcoming’ artist, acutely aware of the toll the creative space can take. “It takes a lot from you. I’m motivated by purpose and my desire to fulfil it, and my family. When I make it one day, I hope I can give them the world, but my family is so big so I have to work really hard,” she says.
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