Da Capo's journey: from local beats to global stages

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Legendary South African DJ and producer, Da Capo, is the debut cover star of Apple Music inaugural Isgubhu DJ Mixs series, cementing his status as one of the world's finest purveyors of Afro-House music.
Image: Supplied/Rage Inc Productions
South African DJ and music producer Da Capo is not just spinning tracks; he's spinning the narrative for a new generation of African dance music artists making global waves.
The legendary DJ and producer, Da Capo, is the debut cover star of Apple Music's inaugural Isgubhu DJ Mix series.
'It's a platform for aspiring DJs and artists. We tell our stories and share our experiences, especially with how far African dance and electronic music have come globally,' he reflects.
Once best known for local bangers like 'Found You' and 'Secret ID', Da Capo has since taken his sound international, and the journey hasn't been without its turbulence. Breaking into the European market with his blend of African dance and electronic music wasn't easy.
'Our sound was still very new to a lot of people overseas. But now it's gone mainstream. Seeing my brothers, the pioneers of this sound, playing on global stages is my proudest moment.'
Raised in a South African music landscape that reverberated with compilations from the likes of DJ Fresh and Oskido, Da Capo's musical influences are deeply rooted in house culture.
'Back then, those compilation albums had everything, from deep house to Afro house. Over time, I found myself drawn to the Afro side. That rhythm and spirit just pulled at my heart.'
He acknowledges the ongoing debate over the blurred lines between subgenres, noting that how one interprets the music depends largely on personal experience.
'There's deep house, Afro house, tech house and people still don't always know what's what. But it's all about how you hear it and how it speaks to you.'
In the early 2000s, Da Capo discovered his passion for music production by digging deep into Chicago house and soulful influences from artists like Osunlade, Jihad Muhammad, and Nick Holder.
'We used to buy music on Tracksource and Beatport, long before Apple Music or Spotify. It was a whole era. That's where I learned, where I found my sound.'
Fast-forward to today, and producers like Da Capo are no longer hidden behind the scenes. As the music industry has evolved, producers are stepping into the spotlight and rightfully so.
'Back then, people didn't always know who produced what. Now, fans want to see the people behind the sound. They want us to tell our stories too.'
Having signed his first record deal at a young age, Da Capo admits he's learned the hard way about the business of music.
'I've had good and bad experiences. But I've taken everything as a learning curve. Now I have a young, dedicated team to handle the business side while I focus on the music.'
His latest project, whether you call it an album or a compilation, is a body of work nearly a decade in the making. 'I worked on this for more than seven years, trying to find a new sound. Music changes with the times, and I wanted this project to reflect that evolution.'
The album features a diverse range of collaborators, including the likes of Elaine and Mawhoo, artists who have influenced and inspired him deeply.
'I'm a fan of every artist I featured. It was important to work with people who have shaped me and to share that energy.'
Da Capo's international tour schedule is packed, from Singapore to New York, and at this point, he doesn't even bother unpacking his suitcase anymore.
'You have to show people overseas that you're worthy of being booked. It's been amazing to tell our story through our music to audiences around the world.'
His Isgubhu mix is a testament to that. With a curated set of ten tracks, Da Capo's balanced exclusives with released material, in collaboration with Apple Music's strict curation standards.
'Mixes are storytelling tools. People care about transitions now more than ever. One bad blend, and you're getting roasted online,' he laughs. 'It's not just about popular music, it's about how you piece it together.'
And piece it together, he has, Da Capo is making sure the world hears and feels the heartbeat of African dance music.
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