Latest news with #Gqom
News24
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
‘It became unbearable' - Mbali Nkosi on leaving acting, venturing into DJing and soaring spiritually
We last saw her on our screens as Violet on The Queen. While that role left many desiring to see her flex her acting muscle more, Mbali Nkosi was on her way out of the acting space. Being the all-rounded creative that she is, she seamlessly pivoted into the DJing world, taking it by storm. She tells Drum that the DJ hat has been her favourite to wear and embrace. 'There is no better feeling than watching people have a great time and you're vibing to the same frequency, same energy, and same music.' For her, behind the decks 'is a place where you can create, a place where your skill and talent are purely judged on that. It's rather freeing, it's very fulfilling. I feel a lot of people tend to judge easily on many things but with DJing is based on skill which I appreciate,' she adds. Read more | Multi-award-winning vocalist Bassie ventures into pad drive after big MetroFM award victory Many may not realise that her DJ journey began in 2011. After overcoming her fear of what others might say, she decided to pursue her passion and enrolled in TRNS Academy, a DJ school, in 2023. This leap of faith allowed her to flourish and reach new heights, much like an eagle soaring through the sky. The award-winning entrepreneur has set local and international stages on fire with her afro-tech, Gqom and 3-step steps. Although she's worked her way up to cementing her greatness in the DJing industry, questions of why she left the acting industry linger. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mbali Nkosi (@theembalinkosi) Spilling the beans to Drum, she says she had big dreams and aspirations for herself as an actress. 'I had aspirations of playing an action role like in Colombiana, a role that had a story and a journey in it, a villain era as well, I would have also loved to do Broadway, combining dance, music, and acting all in one.' However, she adds, she had an early exit due to the dark truths of the acting industry. 'I left acting because it became a very toxic environment, and I went into a depressive state. I hated going to work, and it became unbearable. I couldn't see my life being filled with negativity and depressive episodes. People were requesting or expecting sexual favours, and the fact that you get minimal pay for long hours and no royalties [wasn't working for me].' Read more | 'Rachel is now stronger than when she left' – Lesego Marakalla makes an abrupt return to Skeem Saam And now that she's a solo rider in her work as a DJ, she couldn't be happier and more fulfilled. Mbali has even leaped further with the release of a debut EP titled Elements. 'I'm so excited about Elements. It's more than just a collection of songs, it's a tribute to the universe, the self, and the powerful forces that connect us all. Rooted in the five African elements: earth, air, water, fire, and spirit - each track embodies the essence of its element, creating an immersive experience that honors both nature and the divine within.' Her music will clearly not end as a stint but as a spiritually woven journey that will give solace through beats and lyrics while she discovers herself poetically in the process.
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Dlala Thukzin reflects the international rise of Amapiano with BET nomination
Dlala Thukzin has been nominated for the Best New International Act. DJ and producer Dlala Thukzin has been nominated for a BET award. Picture: dlalathukzin/Instagram Similar to hip hop, when it came on the scene in the mid-1970s, Amapiano and Gqom music allowed black youth to carve out careers from their passions. Producer and DJ Dlala Thukzin is one of those young artists who epitomise this. On Thursday, the BET Awards announced nominees for next month's awards. Among them was the iPlan hit-maker, who is nominated in the Best New International Act category. Three South Africans, including Thukzin, are among the 11 nominees in that category. Rapper Maglera Doe Boy and Amapiano duo TxC are the other South Africans nominated in the category. The BET Awards will take place on 9 June at Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. ALSO READ: 'Amapiano music feels like heaven sometimes' —West African artists on SA genre Dlala Thukzin's rise Real name Thuthuka Zindlovu, Thukzin hails from Lamontville in the south of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. Thukzin has built a reputation as one of the most appreciated Amapiano and Gqom producers in the last decade. On Sunday, Thukzin won the Best Producer award at the Urban Music Awards (UMAs). Earlier in the year, he was a multiple nominee at the Trace Awards in Zanzibar. Even though he walked away empty–handed, his talents were recognised. He announced his arrival in the industry in 2016 by producing Babes Wodumo's hit, Umngan'wami. Since then, he has produced for other artists and released music under his name. The song was memorable to throngs of fans, and his working relations with Babes left an impression on the performer who gave Thukzin his flowers. 'Most of all into engithanda kuwena awukaze wayilahla respect for me and even when abantu sebengshiyile but wena Thukzin uhlezi unami,' wrote Babes in a post over a year ago. In it, she expressed her appreciation for Thukzin's continued respect for her even when other people have deserted her. She said her husband the, late Kwaito star Mampintsha, is proud of Thukizn wherever he is. 'I'm also sure nala uShimora la ekhona he is proud of how much you have achieved. Ziningi izinto and sawshaya amaHit la eWest Ink,' said Babes. Earlier this year, when floods ravaged his hometown of Lamontville and surrounding areas, Thukzin lent a helping hand. 'We are living in hard times. To see people from my community experience such a tragedy is painful. In due course, we'll see how we can assist them,' said Thukzin, speaking to TimesLive at the time. ALSO READ: Adam Howard: SA's adopted son who fell in love with the music and never looked back BET Awards The BET nominees were selected by the BET Voting Academy, an esteemed group of entertainment professionals and influencers in the fields of music, media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and creative arts. Kendrick Lamar holds the top spot with ten nominations this year. They include Album of the Year for GNX and Video of the Year for Not Like Us. While Thukzin and Maglera are nominated in the Best New International Act category, Tyla and Uncle Waffles received nods in the Best International Act category, with the latter representing Eswatini. NOW READ: VIDEO: Musician and actor Sjava on the accuracy of 'Shaka ilembe'
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Dlala Thukzin releases second volume of 031 Studio Camp, exploring fresh Afrotech sounds
Dlala Thukzin has released the second volume of his much-loved project series, 031 Studio Camp. Image: Supplied Renowned DJ and record producer Dlala Thukzin unveils the second volume of his beloved project series, 031 Studio Camp. The Durban-born star, real name Thuthuka Wandile Zindlovu known for his ability to bring together the continent's most exciting talents, emerged from his annual studio camp held in the vibrant city of Durban, fostering a unique collaborative environment that celebrates creativity and artistic exploration. Significant pivot Having initially carved a niche for himself within the Gqom scene, Thukzin's latest venture marks a significant pivot into the realms of Afrotech and Afro House, genres he has been instrumental in shaping. The artist's signature sound—a rich blend of percussion-heavy beats layered with soulful melodies and cutting-edge electronic textures—has not only captivated fans but has also caught the attention of industry contemporaries such as Oscar Mbo and Jazzworx, who have similarly embraced these evolving styles in recent works. Musical prowess The 8-track EP is a showcase of musical prowess, featuring an impressive roster of artists, including fan-favourites Zeh McGeba and Nkosazana Daughter, alongside Zee Nxumalo and Limit Nala, each contributing their unique flair to the project. To ensure that the quality and energy expected from his work remain intact, Thukzin has once again collaborated with trusted producers Skillz and MK Productions, a partnership that guarantees cohesion and a dynamic sound throughout the album. "It's a project that shows where we are with our sound right now," Thukzin expressed. "It's about working with the people I trust and creating music that feels good and real." This sentiment resonates strongly through the tracks, which are not only a representation of contemporary South African music but also an exploration of its future directions.
