DJ Ntukza balances beats and lenses with Swidi Films
Speaking to TshisaLIVE, DJ Ntukza, who hails from Umlazi in KwaZulu-Natal, said he has a new life behind the lens in photography and videography. In addition to his DJ career, he is a member of new Durban media house Swidi Films, which opened its doors in 2024.
"I was invited by my friend DJ Boonu to join the ship and help bring in fresh ideas," DJ Ntukza said.
"It's been challenging yet exciting, breaking into a new field and learning from our team of professional photographers and videographers.
"Swidi Films started strong. Our first major project was shooting the music video for Gucci by Mthandeni SK and Mawhoo, a song that later won Song of the Year on Ukhozi FM. We followed that with the music video for DJ Thukzin's emotional anthem Sohlala Sisonke, which has been making waves across the country."
In 2017 DJ Ntukza stunned hip-hop fans when he played a deep-house set during US rap group Migos' concert at the Dome in Randburg.
DJ Ntukza said his momentum hasn't slowed down.
'We're working on some big projects,' he said. 'One of the highlights was being invited to Swaziland to cover King Mswati III's 57th birthday celebration, a huge honour for our team.
'It's an exciting journey and I'm learning every day.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
15 hours ago
- The Star
Family First makes a soulful return to the Amapiano scene with 'Intombi Yam'
Family First makes a powerful return to the Amapiano scene with the release of 'Intombi Yam,' a soulful single crafted alongside Zeenhle and Sykes that's already capturing hearts and setting the dance floors ablaze. Hailing from the vibrant city of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, Amapiano producer and entrepreneur Nzuzo Ndlovu, popularly known as Family First, continues to rise in South Africa's music scene. Reflecting on his journey into the Amapiano genre, Family First describes it as one filled with valuable lessons. 'The road hasn't always been smooth, but every bump has taught me something and helped me grow,' he shared. It's this growth, paired with his passion for slow-paced, soulful sounds, that fuels his creativity as a producer. The artist says his deep love for music is what led him to create soundscapes that resonate emotionally with his audience, a signature style now synonymous with his brand. 'I enjoy creating emotional music, something people can learn from or be positively impacted by. While I've done fast-paced tracks before, my heart lies in slow, soulful sounds. I believe love songs and emotional music have greater longevity and a deeper impact on people's lives,' said Family First. The artist shared that his latest single Intombi Yam is a heartfelt tribute to love and cultural pride. He explained that the track draws inspiration from the traditional practice of uLobola and the meaningful gesture of introducing one's partner to the family. ' Intombi Yam is about appreciating and loving your partner, and embracing the culture of uLobola . It's a celebration of women and the respect they deserve,' he said. He also noted that Intombi Yam marks a fresh musical direction for him. Unlike his earlier work, which leaned more towards fast-paced or mainstream Amapiano, this track blends groovy basslines with melodic and soulful rhythms, a sound he's proud to call his own. 'It's groovy, melodic, and soulful, something I haven't done before or heard from others. I always aim to create a unique identity in my sound,' he added. The single has already garnered positive reactions from fans and fellow artists alike. With radio airplay and growing interest in collaborations, Family First says the momentum around Intombi Yam signals an exciting chapter in his musical journey. The producer also reflected on how collaborations with artists like Mawhoo, Zeh McGeba, and Mthokozisi Ndaba have influenced his artistic evolution. He credited each artist for bringing unique qualities that pushed him to grow and refine his craft. 'Working with Mawhoo opened me up emotionally; her powerful, soulful vocals made me realise how important it is to connect deeply with the listener,' he said. 'Zeh McGeba brought a raw, streetwise edge that sharpened my rhythm and lyrical instincts, reminding me to stay rooted in the culture. 'Mthokozisi Ndaba challenged me to focus on storytelling; he helped me see music not just as sound, but as a meaningful narrative.' He added that these collaborations have helped him become more intentional and versatile in his work. "I'm truly grateful for what each of them brought to the table. They've all poured something real into the music, and that's helped shape who I am as an artist today." Family First recalled a standout moment in the studio when he and his team experimented by combining Maskandi and Amapiano sounds. The creative session led to the playful invention of a new genre they called 'Maskandiano.' The track became one of his most unique works, marking a bold step outside his usual style and highlighting his passion for musical innovation. The Amapiano producer is gearing up to release a new EP later this year, expected around September or October. The project features a mix of soulful and groovy Amapiano tracks, with standout songs like Ndiyoyika , featuring Miss Twiggy, and Inombolo , a collaboration with Zino 33, Zema Geber, and Senzo. He shared that his music is deeply rooted in themes of love, family, friendship, and respect. Each track is crafted to take listeners on a journey that celebrates emotional connections and meaningful values, a reflection of the kind of impact he hopes to leave through his artistry. The Star [email protected]
IOL News
15 hours ago
- IOL News
Family First makes a soulful return to the Amapiano scene with 'Intombi Yam'
Family First's new single "Intombi Yam" revitalises the Amapiano genre, showcasing emotional depth and cultural pride, while marking a new creative path for the artist. Family First makes a powerful return to the Amapiano scene with the release of 'Intombi Yam,' a soulful single crafted alongside Zeenhle and Sykes that's already capturing hearts and setting the dance floors ablaze. Hailing from the vibrant city of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, Amapiano producer and entrepreneur Nzuzo Ndlovu, popularly known as Family First, continues to rise in South Africa's music scene. Reflecting on his journey into the Amapiano genre, Family First describes it as one filled with valuable lessons. 'The road hasn't always been smooth, but every bump has taught me something and helped me grow,' he shared. It's this growth, paired with his passion for slow-paced, soulful sounds, that fuels his creativity as a producer. The artist says his deep love for music is what led him to create soundscapes that resonate emotionally with his audience, a signature style now synonymous with his brand. 'I enjoy creating emotional music, something people can learn from or be positively impacted by. While I've done fast-paced tracks before, my heart lies in slow, soulful sounds. I believe love songs and emotional music have greater longevity and a deeper impact on people's lives,' said Family First. The artist shared that his latest single Intombi Yam is a heartfelt tribute to love and cultural pride. He explained that the track draws inspiration from the traditional practice of uLobola and the meaningful gesture of introducing one's partner to the family. 'Intombi Yam is about appreciating and loving your partner, and embracing the culture of uLobola. It's a celebration of women and the respect they deserve,' he said. He also noted that Intombi Yam marks a fresh musical direction for him. Unlike his earlier work, which leaned more towards fast-paced or mainstream Amapiano, this track blends groovy basslines with melodic and soulful rhythms, a sound he's proud to call his own. 'It's groovy, melodic, and soulful, something I haven't done before or heard from others. I always aim to create a unique identity in my sound,' he added. The single has already garnered positive reactions from fans and fellow artists alike. With radio airplay and growing interest in collaborations, Family First says the momentum around Intombi Yam signals an exciting chapter in his musical journey. The producer also reflected on how collaborations with artists like Mawhoo, Zeh McGeba, and Mthokozisi Ndaba have influenced his artistic evolution. He credited each artist for bringing unique qualities that pushed him to grow and refine his craft. 'Working with Mawhoo opened me up emotionally; her powerful, soulful vocals made me realise how important it is to connect deeply with the listener,' he said. 'Zeh McGeba brought a raw, streetwise edge that sharpened my rhythm and lyrical instincts, reminding me to stay rooted in the culture. 'Mthokozisi Ndaba challenged me to focus on storytelling; he helped me see music not just as sound, but as a meaningful narrative.' He added that these collaborations have helped him become more intentional and versatile in his work. "I'm truly grateful for what each of them brought to the table. They've all poured something real into the music, and that's helped shape who I am as an artist today." Family First recalled a standout moment in the studio when he and his team experimented by combining Maskandi and Amapiano sounds. The creative session led to the playful invention of a new genre they called 'Maskandiano.' The track became one of his most unique works, marking a bold step outside his usual style and highlighting his passion for musical innovation. The Amapiano producer is gearing up to release a new EP later this year, expected around September or October. The project features a mix of soulful and groovy Amapiano tracks, with standout songs like Ndiyoyika, featuring Miss Twiggy, and Inombolo, a collaboration with Zino 33, Zema Geber, and Senzo. He shared that his music is deeply rooted in themes of love, family, friendship, and respect. Each track is crafted to take listeners on a journey that celebrates emotional connections and meaningful values, a reflection of the kind of impact he hopes to leave through his artistry. The Star
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- TimesLIVE
'I'm not a side chick' — Tirelo Kale on why she is not married to Mpumelelo Mseleku
Tirelo Kale has shed light on why she has not tied the knot with Musa Mseleku's son Mpumelelo. The reality TV star, who is Mpumelelo's first girlfriend and has a son with him, was recently questioned by social media users after Mpumelelo paid lobola for his second partner. During a recent Instagram live , Tirelo revealed her parents did not approve of her getting married while she was still in school and had nothing to show for herself. 'There was a letter sent to my family but they refused; the letter is still there. I pleaded with my family, I even rolled on the floor,' she said. 'My family said because I'm not done with school and I'm not working, if I get married? What are you leaving with? That's why they declined the proposal and my mother said she would observe us. I was hurt when my family refused.' While social media trolls have resorted to calling her Mpumelelo's side chick, Tirelo said she is comfortable with her position in his life. 'I'm not a side chick. There's no VIP in relationships.' On Mzansi Magic's Izingane Zes'thembu, Mpumelelo showcases how he navigates polygamy. Previously speaking to TshisaLIVE, Mpumelelo said he was following in his father's footsteps, adding he understood polygamy was not about money, but he was making sure he could afford more than one wife. 'I got an opportunity to showcase what I do. How to structure polygamy and make people understand you don't start polygamy when you are old. You have to start it now and grow with it to understand the dynamics. It's not forced. It's something I was raised in. People are failing to understand that.' Mpumelelo said having witnessed his father, who has four wives, run different relationships smoothly, he knew how to do the same for his growing family. 'What I learnt from my father is to be truthful, humble and respectful and know how to apologise. 'In Zulu we have a saying that a person does what they witnessed from their father when growing up. It's like someone who grows up in a family where they have a taxi business, a person who grows up in such a home would never turn down that business.'
