A 10-track body of work released under his own imprint, Dlala Records, Ember brings together some of the most compelling names in South African music, reinforcing Thukzin’s position as one of the country’s defining forces in contemporary dance music.
Featuring collaborations with Kabza De Small, Sino Msolo, Funky Qla, Young Stunna, Zeh McGeba, Sykes, JNR SA, Felo Le Tee, Nitefreak, Tracy and others, the album is a meeting point for different musical identities, vocal styles and production sensibilities. At its centre is Thukzin’s distinctive approach to sound, drawing from Afro-house, 3-Step, amapiano and the electronic foundations that have shaped his musical journey.
The album’s title is an expression of its central theme: the fire that continues to burn. For an artist who has consistently evolved while maintaining a recognisable sonic identity, Ember speaks to longevity, creative ambition and the ability to keep moving forward.
Among the project’s highlights is ‘Batshele’, featuring DankieBoi, Kabza De Small and Young Stunna, bringing together influential voices from the South African dance music landscape. ‘Imizwa’, featuring Sino Msolo, DJ Arabic and Funky Qla, explores the relationship between melodic expression and dancefloor energy, while ‘Monday’, featuring Argento Dust and Felo Le Tee, introduces another dynamic collaboration.
The album also features ‘Sobuye Sbonane’ with Zeh McGeba, ‘Ithuba’ with Tribe of Afro, Sykes and Mpho.wav, ‘Kuwe’ with JNR SA and Sino Msolo, ‘Usizi’ with JNR SA, Sykes and Argento Dust, ‘Wela’ with Tracy and Junior De Rocka, and ‘Stop & Go’ with Froote, Nitefreak and DJ Cliad. The project opens with ‘EMBER (Intro)’, featuring Zay Mkhize.
A CATALOGUE THAT HAS MOVED A GENERATION
Over the years, Dlala Thukzin has built a catalogue that has become part of the soundtrack to contemporary South African music culture.
His breakthrough solo releases include ‘Phuze’, featuring Zaba, and its celebrated remix featuring Sir Trill, Mpura and Rascoe Kaos. However, it was his 2023 hit ‘iPlan’, featuring Zaba and Sykes, that marked a defining moment in his career. The record became a major national success, reaching number one on the Billboard South Africa Songs chart and achieving double-platinum certification.
He continued this momentum with ‘AmaGear’, featuring Zee Nxumalo and Funky Qla, and ‘Sohlala Sisonke’, featuring Zeh McGeba and MK Productions. More recently, records such as ‘Mali’, featuring Sykes, have further demonstrated his ability to create music that connects with audiences across generations.
His work has helped shape the evolution of South African dance music, particularly the growing influence of 3-Step, while his production collaborations have strengthened the connections between amapiano, Afro-house and other electronic sounds emerging from the continent.
TAKING THE SOUTH AFRICAN SOUND BEYOND ITS BORDERS
With Ember, Thukzin continues to build on a career that increasingly extends beyond South Africa. His international performance schedule includes destinations such as Australia, the Netherlands and Portugal, taking his distinctive sound to audiences across different territories.
For the producer, international expansion is not about moving away from his roots, but about introducing more audiences to the music and culture that inform his work.
On the inspiration behind the album and the journey that continues to shape his music, Dlala Thukzin says:
“Ember represents the fire that keeps me creating. As an artist, I am always looking for ways to grow, experiment and challenge myself without losing the sound and identity that brought me here. This album brings together different artists, energies and musical influences, but everything comes from the same place – my love for music and the culture that continues to inspire me. I want people to experience the music, connect with it and make it their own.”
With Ember, Dlala Thukzin offers more than a collection of dance records. It is a reflection of an artist who understands the importance of collaboration, musical ownership and continually expanding the possibilities of South African electronic music.
Dlala Thukzin is available for media interviews to discuss Ember, his creative evolution, the collaborations behind the album, the rise of 3-Step, South African dance music’s international influence and his journey as a producer and performer.
LISTEN: Ember is available on all major digital streaming platforms.
