In a world where music transcends boundaries and tells powerful stories of identity, culture, and resilience, few artists embody that journey as fully as DESIREE (Palesa Desiree Shilabje).
The South African DJ and producer, known for her deep, genre-defying approach to electronic music, is the latest cover star of Isgubhu on Apple Music, the platform’s dedicated space for African dance and electronic music.
For DESIREE, this recognition is not just a milestone in her career—it’s a reflection of the multifaceted, ever-evolving nature of African electronic music.
“I always try to show that African electronic music comes with many layers,”
she tells Apple Music.
“This selection is an extension of the different sounds, past and present, that have and continue to inspire me.”
Her words echo a deep understanding of how music can capture the essence of an entire culture, its past, its future, and its place in the global conversation. Her feature on Isgubhu is a testament to her unique ability to navigate these layers, blending influences from across the globe with her own South African roots.
A Journey of Sound
Born and raised in Johannesburg’s Ivory Park, DESIREE’s early musical influences were anything but conventional. While many young South Africans might gravitate toward the sounds of local music like kwaito or amapiano, DESIREE’s musical tastes were shaped by a broad spectrum of genres, ranging from the melancholic tones of Radiohead to the experimental, avant-garde compositions of Atoms for Peace—a side project of Thom Yorke. Her eclectic taste, rooted in the sounds of the West, served as a gateway to the world of electronic music.
“I was drawn to the texture of sound,”
DESIREE explains.
“The idea that music can be more than just a melody or rhythm—it can be an expression of mood, of feeling. That’s something I found in electronic music, especially in its more experimental forms.”
Her curiosity for the boundaries of sound led her to a DJ school in Soweto, where she honed her craft, blending influences from multiple genres to create a style uniquely her own. It was there that her journey as a DJ truly began. A pivotal moment came when DESIREE uploaded her first mix to SoundCloud, a simple act that marked the beginning of her transformation from a music lover to an artist with something to say. From there, she rose quickly, captivating audiences worldwide with her distinctive sound and unapologetic identity.
A Bold, Beautiful Identity
DESIREE’s artistry isn’t defined solely by her musical output; it’s inextricably linked to her identity as a proud Black intersex woman. Her work serves as both an exploration of the boundaries of sound and a celebration of her individuality. As a Black intersex woman in the music industry, DESIREE’s journey is not without its challenges, but she has embraced those struggles as part of her narrative.
“I think about music as an extension of who I am,”
DESIREE says.
“Being intersex has informed my approach to music in ways I don’t think I could fully express in words. It’s an experience that’s deeply personal, but also something I know many others can relate to. Music is a way to communicate that story, to invite others to understand and connect.”
Her latest EP, Intersexy, available to stream on Apple Music, is a direct reflection of this. The EP, inspired by avant-garde electronic composers who have fascinated her since her teens, showcases a more mature, emotional depth in her music.
It’s a bold leap in her artistic evolution, with each track building on the themes of fluidity, transformation, and identity that have characterized her journey. For DESIREE, Intersexy is about crafting music that reflects her experience as an intersex woman in the world of electronic music, a space that often overlooks diverse voices.
“I’m not just making music,”
she explains.
“I’m making a statement. It’s important to me that my art speaks not just to the sound, but to the experience behind it.”
A Global Impact
Beyond her own music, DESIREE’s influence continues to grow with her entrepreneurial spirit. In 2023, she launched MMINO—an event series designed to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. The name, meaning “music” in Sepedi, pays homage to her African heritage and serves as a platform to celebrate intersex identities while supporting Intersex South Africa through its proceeds. What started as a small event has since branched out internationally, highlighting DESIREE’s ability to blend her artistic vision with a sense of social responsibility.
Her impact is also evident in her live performances. She has graced the stages of some of the most iconic clubs and festivals around the world, including DC-10 in Ibiza, fabric in London, Glastonbury, Cercle, DGTL, and Lost Village. These stages are not just venues for her to perform; they are platforms where she brings her message of inclusivity, innovation, and individuality to audiences across the globe.
A Curated Soundtrack for the Future
To celebrate her feature on Isgubhu, DESIREE has curated an exclusive playlist that showcases the diversity and beauty of African electronic music. Drawing from her deep love of both African and global sounds, the playlist is a reflection of her journey as an artist who has always sought to push the boundaries of what electronic music can be. It’s a blend of past influences and present-day experimentation, from underground house beats to experimental techno and everything in between.
As Isgubhu continues to shine a spotlight on African electronic music, DESIREE’s inclusion as its latest cover star is a fitting tribute to the genre’s ongoing evolution. Launched in early 2021, Isgubhu has become the definitive home for African dance and electronic music, elevating the work of DJ-producers and creatives who are shaping the sound of the continent. With DESIREE now part of that legacy, her music—and her message—are poised to continue influencing generations to come.
For fans of innovative sounds and powerful storytelling, DESIREE is an artist whose journey is only just beginning. You can now explore her feature, Intersexy, and more of her curated playlists exclusively on Isgubhu via Apple Music.
Listen to Isgubhu on Apple Music
