South African producer and DJ DESIREE has released her highly anticipated new EP, Intersexy, marking a transformative moment in her evolving musical journey.
Known for her dynamic presence within the global house music scene, DESIREE’s latest work pushes the boundaries of her signature sound while staying true to the soulful essence that has endeared her to fans worldwide.
Intersexy is not just an EP; it’s a statement. DESIREE describes the project as a bold exploration of new textures, drawing from her lifelong love of avant-garde electronic music and her deep desire to create music with an emotional arc.
“It’s very different from what I’ve done before,”
she says.
“The title track, Intersexy, feels cinematic—it sounds like house music created with an orchestra, with strings and very little electric sounds. It’s a sound I’ve never explored before, and it feels like a coming-of-age for me.”
The EP opens with the track Khuluma Nami—a title that translates from Zulu as “speak with me.” The track features the delicate vocals of Jabulile Majola and combines a thoughtful bassline with an ethereal electronic backdrop.
The song invites listeners to engage with their own sense of self and pride, encouraging them to embrace their identities while chasing their dreams. With its emotive, layered instrumentation and deeply personal lyrics, Khuluma Nami exemplifies DESIREE’s ability to blend soulful storytelling with the pulsating energy of house music.
The title track, Intersexy, stands as a powerful anthem for underrepresented communities, particularly for intersex individuals who often go unseen or unheard.
For DESIREE, the track represents a pivotal moment in her own life—a personal proclamation of empowerment as she continues to navigate the music industry as an intersex woman. “Intersexy is about finding my voice,” she explains. “It’s a celebration of being proud of who I am, and it’s an invitation for others to embrace their own uniqueness too.”
While DESIREE’s previous work has been marked by a vibrant fusion of Afro house and electronic elements, Intersexy signals a significant departure from that formula.
The EP’s cinematic soundscapes, bolstered by lush strings and orchestral influences, reflect her ongoing growth as an artist. The project is deeply personal, a reflection of her identity as a Black intersex woman from South Africa, navigating spaces where such identities are still rare.
“When I perform, I know that I represent something larger than myself,”
she says.
“I represent groups of people who rarely get to see themselves reflected in the music world.”
The release of Intersexy comes at a defining moment in DESIREE’s career. This year, she has received widespread acclaim, including a standout remix of South African music legend Selaelo Selota’s “Thrrr… Phaaa!” and being named a 2023 Future Star by DJ Mag in North America.
These accolades are a testament to the meteoric rise of her career and the impact she’s making globally.
In addition to the EP, DESIREE is embarking on an African tour, which will see her perform across the continent in cities where she has long yearned to connect with her audiences in person.
To further cement her influence in the music industry, she is also launching her own record label, MMINO (meaning “music” in Sepedi), which will celebrate the diverse sounds of Afro House and beyond.
The label will serve as a platform to showcase emerging talent and allow DESIREE to flex her skills as an A&R, curating music that speaks to the transformative power of sound.
“I’ve always believed in music’s ability to unite, to inspire change, and to bring people together,”
she says.
“With MMINO, I want to create a space for music that reflects the world I come from, and the one I hope we all can move toward.”
As DESIREE continues to break boundaries, Intersexy is more than just an EP—it’s a bold declaration of artistic freedom, personal empowerment, and a reminder that music, at its best, has the power to shape the future.
