For over a decade, Wilhelmina Jane Austin, professionally known as Mz Orstin, has been a transformative force in Ghana’s music scene. As a DJ, media personality, and event curator, she continually pushes boundaries, amplifying Ghanaian sounds on global platforms.
Born on March 12, 1986, in Cape Coast and raised in Accra, Jane’s affinity for music and dance was deeply influenced by her father. Their shared passion for rhythm and movement significantly shaped her musical sensibilities.
During her time at Accra Girls Senior High School, she actively participated in dance exhibitions, earning recognition among her peers for her energy and creativity. Later, at the University of Ghana, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Jane began experimenting with DJing at friends’ parties—a pastime that quickly evolved into a fervent pursuit.
Breaking into DJing
Mz Orstin’s professional DJ journey commenced in 2012 under the mentorship of DJ Armani. She secured her first residency at Bella Roma, a popular club in Accra, where she introduced Bella Roma Wednesday Nights, Ghana’s inaugural midweek nightlife experience.
Her reputation as a skilled DJ grew, leading to her role at Y107.9FM, where she played on shows like Top 20 Countdown, The Weekend Rush, and Room Service. Concurrently, she became a fixture in Accra’s club scene, headlining at venues such as Plot 7 Night Club, One2One Bar at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Firefly Lounge, and AM & PM, where she was promoted to Head of Music in 2018.
Beyond Ghana, Mz Orstin’s talent has graced stages in Kenya and South Africa, contributing to Imullar Sound System’s showcase and featuring in major events like Bella Afrikana, Into The Void, and the National Women’s Summit & Expo. Her ability to curate unique musical experiences has earned her high-profile gigs, including serving as the official DJ for Miss Malaika Ghana Grand Finale in 2021, marking her third appearance at the prestigious beauty pageant’s finale.
Making History on Apple Music
In December 2021, Mz Orstin became the first Ghanaian female DJ to release an official mix on Apple Music. The 30-track compilation, Mz Orstin’s Asakaa Mix, celebrated the rise of Ghanaian drill music, featuring artists like Jay Bahd, Yaw Tog, Black Sherif, O’Kenneth, Kwesi Arthur, and Kofi Jamar.
Reflecting on this milestone, she noted,
“For the longest time, I wanted people to see me as a DJ, not just a female DJ. The Apple Music mix felt like that moment where I was finally being recognized as a DJ, period.”
Following this success, she released three more exclusive mixes in March 2023, including Asakaa Mix Pt. 2 and a Ghanaian Independence G.H. Hip Hop mix, solidifying her reputation as a curator of sound and a key figure in Ghana’s evolving music landscape.
Pushing Boundaries in a Male-Dominated Industry
Navigating a predominantly male industry, Mz Orstin has faced and overcome numerous challenges. She recounted instances where her role was underestimated:
“There were times I would show up for an event, and people would assume I was just there to assist the sound technician,” she recalled. “It’s only when I start playing that they realize, ‘Oh, she’s the DJ!’”
Rather than allowing these assumptions to limit her, she used them as motivation to push forward. In 2018, she organized her own concert, Live Jam with Mz Orstin, a groundbreaking event that merged jazz instrumentation with contemporary music and featured an all-female vocalist lineup—a first for a Ghanaian female DJ, reinforcing her commitment to creating spaces for women in entertainment.
Her advocacy extends to charitable endeavors. She performed at Kenkey for the Needy 2024, an event that raised funds for Noakrom Basic School, and regularly participates in the National Women’s Summit & Expo, underscoring her dedication to women’s empowerment. Mz Orstin’s efforts to elevate DJ culture have also led to partnerships with major brands.
In 2024, she became an ambassador for Beatport, a music platform designed to connect DJs and music lovers through curated sounds, aligning with her goal of amplifying Ghanaian music and providing a space for DJs to flourish.
The Road Ahead
With over 13 years in the industry, Mz Orstin continues to explore new horizons. She is gearing up for major performances, including Guinness Accravaganza on March 29, 2025, where she will be the only female DJ on the lineup, further solidifying her role as a forerunner in the industry. She is also set to perform at Culture Beach Jam at Tills Beach Resort during Easter 2025 and is working on more exclusive Apple Music releases.
Reflecting on her journey at Guinness Accravaganza 2025, she shared:
“I always told my friends I wanted to be a DJ someday. I don’t know if they took me seriously. My motivation comes from my dad and I being bonded over music and dance. I got my love for both from him. Throughout junior high and senior high, I was always known for dancing.”
Mz Orstin’s evolution from house parties to major stages exemplifies her persistence, talent, and vision. As she skillfully blends Afrobeats with Afro House, she continues to redefine Ghanaian DJ culture, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
