Zelda Manteaw: Spinning Beats, Spreading Hope, Changing Lives

Zelda Manteaw is not just a DJ—she is a force of rhythm, compassion, and purpose. Known on stage as DJ Zel, Zelda’s journey began with music but quickly evolved into something far greater: a mission to uplift communities, inspire young minds, and prove that creativity can be a powerful tool for social change. With every beat she plays, Zelda blends sound with service, transforming stages into platforms for impact.

From an early age, Zelda showed a deep connection to music and movement. Trained by leading academies and supported wholeheartedly by her family, she developed not only technical skill but also an understanding of music’s emotional power. Her talent carried her from radio booths to fashion runways, from royal halls to prominent stages across Ghana and beyond. Yet, for Zelda, performance was never just about entertainment—it was about connection, unity, and healing.

Her life took a defining turn when she witnessed poverty firsthand in Ghana. What she saw ignited a sense of responsibility far beyond her years. Rather than turning away, Zelda turned toward action. She began using her growing platform to give back, donating over £20,000 to children’s hospitals and homes. Her music moved crowds, but her compassion moved lives.

During the global pandemic, Zelda’s sense of purpose deepened even further. Through her powerful “1 to 1” campaign, she raised awareness about food insecurity and education poverty. Her voice reached global audiences through platforms like BBC, Sky, and ITV, not only highlighting her talent as a DJ but showcasing her role as a changemaker. She proved that even in times of crisis, one person’s dedication can spark collective hope.

Zelda’s impact extends well beyond headlines and performances. In her local community of Newham, she consistently supports families, donates handmade natural hair products to care homes, and mentors young people to believe in their potential. In 2024, she returned to Ghana carrying more than music—she brought books, supplies, and determination, donating over 1,500 educational resources to schools in need. Every act reflected her belief that progress is built through daily commitment, not momentary applause.

As an artist, Zelda defies convention. She seamlessly blends genres—from Afrobeat to Gospel—while also blending cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences. Whether performing for diplomats, Congress members, or grassroots community events, she remains grounded in humility. Guided by the wisdom of Nelson Mandela—that education is the most powerful weapon—Zelda balances school, music, and service with grace and discipline.

What truly sets Zelda apart is her clarity of vision. Her dream is not fame, but fairness: building libraries, reducing poverty, and ensuring that no child is left behind. She believes that real power lies not in popularity, but in purpose—and she carries that belief into every room she enters.

Winning the Global Child Prodigy Award 2025 once again reaffirmed Zelda Manteaw’s mission. “It’s overwhelming,” she shares, “but it shows that one voice, one heart, one turntable can make the world dance differently.” The recognition is not an endpoint for Zelda—it is fuel. Fuel to keep creating, giving, and leading with love.

“A single beat of kindness can shift the rhythm of the entire world.”