South African media personality and DJ Thuli P has officially entered a new chapter of her creative journey with the release of her debut EP, Avana. The project was unveiled during an intimate birthday celebration, a moment Thuli P says was less about convenience and more about intention and personal growth.
Speaking on TheJournalistDJ.com, Thuli P described the EP as a gift to herself, a marker of her evolution as an artist and a reflection of where she currently stands creatively.
Choosing Music as a Personal Gift
Releasing Avana on her birthday carried symbolic meaning for Thuli P. Rather than treating the date as a marketing move, she explained that the EP represents a conscious decision to honour her growth and embrace a new creative journey.
“I wanted to gift myself something that felt different,”
she said.
“Stepping into music felt like the right way to celebrate who I’m becoming.”
From Acting Headlines to DJ Confidence
Thuli P’s move from acting into DJing initially sparked public debate and criticism. Looking back, she admits that the resistance played a crucial role in shaping her work ethic and artistic confidence.
“The criticism pushed me to take it seriously,”
she shared. “It made me invest more, practice more, and really trust myself.” Today, that confidence has allowed her to transition naturally from DJing into releasing original music.
The Meaning Behind Avana
The EP’s title is deeply rooted in family and heritage. Avana is derived from Avana Amakhaya, a name that translates to harmony. For Thuli P, the word perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the project.
“It felt like the right time,”
she explained. “Nothing was forced — it felt like a gradual move into what I’m meant to be doing next.” The EP represents balance, alignment, and growth both personally and creatively.
‘Imali’: Redefining Money and Freedom
One of the key tracks on the EP, Imali, explores the idea of money beyond status or identity. Thuli P describes the song as a reflection on independence and empowerment.
“It’s about using money as a tool — not letting it define who you are,” she said. The track opens like a love song, but beneath the surface, it speaks to how financial freedom can unlock personal purpose and possibility.
A Spiritual Reflection With T-Man Xpress
A standout moment from the EP comes through Thuli P’s collaboration with T-Man Xpress. Describing the song as prayer-like, she says it challenges listeners to reflect on humanity, equality, and self-awareness.
“It takes us back to ubuntu,”
she noted, emphasizing the importance of humility and identity beyond material success. The song encourages introspection — asking listeners to consider who they are at their core.
Why an EP and Not a Full Album?
Despite having recorded a large body of work, Thuli P intentionally chose to release an EP instead of a full-length album.
“I wanted people to really sit with the music,”
she explained. The EP serves as an introduction to her sound, allowing listeners to familiarise themselves with her musical direction before she delivers a complete album project in the future.
A Confident New Chapter
Closing the conversation, Thuli P expressed gratitude to her supporters and collaborators who have stood by her through each transition. With Avana, she confidently claims her space as a multi-hyphenate creative — DJ, performer, and recording artist.
