Latest news with #DaCapo
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Da Capo's journey: from local beats to global stages
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. IOL Entertainment
TimesLIVE
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
'Love in its simplest form: unity' — Da Capo and Neleh tie the knot
Congratulations are in order for DJ and producer Da Capo and his partner Neleh, who recently tied the knot. Da Capo, whose real name is Nicodimas Mogashoa, took to his timeline to share videos from his wedding ceremony and promote his recent song Phakade Lami. "A tender expression of eternal love and deep connection. The timeless longing to share a forever with someone, celebrating love in its simplest form: unity," he captioned the post.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
WATCH: DJs Shimza and Merlon set the stage ablaze at Black Coffee's Hï Ibiza opening show
DJs Shimza and Merlon set the stage ablaze at the grand opening of Black Coffee's Hï Ibiza residency. Image: Black Coffee Instagram South African DJs Shimza and Merlon set the stage ablaze at the grand opening of Black Coffee's Hï Ibiza residency on Saturday, May 17. Their performances, infused with the vibrant spirit of Mzansi, underscored the cultural significance of this Ibiza institution and its dedication to championing Afro house music on a global scale. Coffee, a true trailblazer and the original resident at Hï Ibiza since 2017, returned to the island's cutting-edge venue for what is expected to be his most immersive season yet. Revered for his unique blend of Afropolitan house, deep rhythmic structures, and cinematic atmospheres, Coffee has redefined the sound of Ibiza Saturdays, establishing a new genre that echoes across continents. Thousands flocked to Hï Ibiza, eager to partake in a night of pulsating beats and euphoric energy. Shimza and Merlon, both prominent figures in the vibrant South African music scene, took to the stage and mesmerised the audience with their infectious rhythms and dynamic sets. The camaraderie between the DJs, celebrated on social media, showcased not just their artistry but also their joy in sharing a piece of their culture with the world. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Coffee reflected on the opening night, stating, 'The evolution continues, Episode I, Chapter I completed. It feels good to be home❤️🙏🏿 #HiBlackCoffee.' The opening night kicked off a season that runs until Saturday, October 4, with a line-up featuring an impressive roster of South African selectors, including Da Capo, Desiree, Kabila, Fresh, Fka Mash, Shoba, and Trancemicsoul. Each artist is set to showcase their unique sound, further establishing Mzansi as a powerhouse in global music. As Shimza and Merlon turned heads and raised energy levels on the dance floor, they exemplified the growing phenomenon of Afro house music, which has evolved from a niche genre into a worldwide sensation over the last decade. With a steadfast commitment to representing their roots while driving innovation forward, these artists continue to inspire and captivate audiences across the globe. This exhilarating opening show at Hï Ibiza promises to be just the beginning of a summer filled with unmissable performances, solidifying the island's role as a hotspot for music lovers.
