JNR SA Reflects on His Musical Journey at Exclusive Sandton Conversation
Award-winning South African Afro Tech producer and DJ JNR SA took audiences behind the music during an intimate conversation with media personality Lebza TheVillain at Zioux in Sandton on Thursday, 09 July. The discussion formed part of the official launch of Tech Hub, Kabza De Small’s newly established Afro Tech record label, where JNR SA was unveiled as the label’s first official signing.
Hosted in front of members of the media, influencers and music industry stakeholders, the conversation offered fans an inside look into JNR SA’s latest project, Dance To My Afro, while also exploring his journey from aspiring producer to one of South Africa’s most respected Afro Tech artists.
‘Dance To My Afro’ Celebrates the Diversity of Afro Tech
Speaking about his latest release, JNR SA described Dance To My Afro as a six-track EP that showcases the broad spectrum of Afro House music, bringing together close friends and collaborators including Sun-EL Musician, Dlala Thukzin and Ginger Stone.
Rather than limiting himself to one style, the producer explained that the project intentionally blends traditional Afro House, Three-Step and more experimental sounds, reflecting his belief that Afro House is a genre with many creative directions.
He also clarified one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the genre, explaining that Three-Step is not separate from Afro House, but rather a sub-genre within it. While some tracks are designed for dance floors, others were created for more personal listening experiences, giving audiences a complete picture of his musical identity.
Creating the EP Was About Choosing the Right Music
JNR SA revealed that while he creates music every day, assembling the EP proved to be a different challenge altogether.
According to the producer, selecting the right songs, finalising collaborations and ensuring every record met the required standard took approximately one month. He admitted that meeting the deadline became a race against time as several songs still needed mixing and mastering before completion.
Despite the pressure, the project was completed successfully and released as planned.
How Kabza De Small Changed Everything
One of the evening’s most compelling moments came when JNR SA shared the story of how his relationship with Kabza De Small first began.
He recalled first meeting the Amapiano pioneer in 2021 after creating an Afro Tech remix of one of Kabza’s songs. Although he received Kabza’s contact details, it wasn’t until 2023 that producer Dlala Thukzin introduced him properly to Kabza at his home.
Rather than seeking an immediate recording deal, JNR SA said his focus was simply on improving his craft and allowing his music to speak for itself. Over time, Kabza recognised his potential, and discussions around the creation of Tech Hub gradually evolved into the opportunity that has now become reality.
“It was just a matter of the right time and the right place,” he explained.
Why Tech Hub Was the Right Home
During the conversation, Lebza TheVillain asked why Tech Hub was the ideal platform for the next chapter of his career.
JNR SA credited the team behind the label for believing in his vision long before the official signing, saying they consistently helped position him for major performances even before he had released new music this year.
He said what convinced him most was working with people who understood his creative vision, respected his opinions and approached every challenge collaboratively.
For JNR SA, Tech Hub represents more than a recording contract—it is a long-term creative partnership built on mutual trust, shared ambition and a commitment to growing the Afro Tech movement.
Kabza De Small Launches Tech Hub to Champion Afro Tech
The conversation coincided with a landmark announcement for South African electronic music, as award-winning producer Kabza De Small officially launched Tech Hub, a record label dedicated to advancing Afro Tech and creating opportunities for the next generation of African electronic music talent.
JNR SA’s appointment as the label’s first signing signals the beginning of what both artist and label hope will become a significant new chapter for the genre.
Widely recognised for his melodic productions, distinctive Afro Tech sound and growing international reputation, JNR SA has emerged as one of the genre’s leading innovators. His signing reflects Tech Hub’s ambition to nurture artists who continue pushing creative boundaries while expanding the global reach of Afro Tech music.
Looking Ahead
Asked how he envisions the future of Tech Hub, JNR SA kept his answer simple but meaningful.
“As long as I’m still alive,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to building the label and contributing to the continued evolution of Afro Tech.
