Deep house star celebrates legacy, healing and authentic artistry at intimate album launch
Deep house producer and DJ Dark-Horse SA has officially unveiled his latest album, Flora Ntlemo, a deeply personal body of work dedicated to his late grandmother, whose love, wisdom and values continue to shape both his music and his life.
Speaking to TheJournalistDJ.com during the album launch, the Mpumalanga-born producer described the project as more than just another release, saying it is a heartfelt tribute to the woman who inspired him.
A long-table dinner in honour of his grandmother
Instead of hosting a conventional listening session, Dark-Horse SA and his team opted for an elegant long-table dinner, bringing together some of South Africa’s biggest names in dance music for an evening of celebration and reflection.
“Flora Ntlemo is an album I’m dropping… We decided to have something different that we don’t get in the deep house space. Let’s have a long-table dinner in honour of my late grandmother because Flora Ntlemo was actually my late grandmother,”
he explained.
The intimate gathering reflected the spirit of the album, with artists, industry veterans and close collaborators coming together to celebrate family, music and legacy.
‘I didn’t cheat the process’
Although Dark-Horse SA has become one of South Africa’s most respected soulful house producers, he insists his success has been built through patience rather than chasing overnight fame.
“I paid the school fees. I didn’t cheat the process. I followed the process,” he said, revealing that he has been building relationships in the industry since 2013.
The producer recalled how legendary DJ and music executive Vinny Da Vinci had known him long before many fans discovered his music, highlighting that years of consistency and humility laid the foundation for his current success.
“There are no shortcuts into this thing. It’s about being humble, respecting the game and putting in the hours.”
Choosing timeless music over chart hits
Unlike many producers focused on creating commercial club anthems, Dark-Horse SA believes in making music with lasting emotional value.
He says listeners instantly recognise his signature soulful sound, adding that he has never felt pressured to follow trends.
“Most people lately are chasing hits. Hits can get you these things, but maintaining it is difficult. I’m just being myself,” he said.
His philosophy has helped establish him as one of the defining names in South Africa’s soulful house movement, with fans associating his music with depth, warmth and authenticity rather than fleeting trends.
Collaboration inspired by family values
The album also reflects one of the greatest lessons Dark-Horse SA says he learned from his grandmother: the importance of working with others.
“The sound is strictly soulful house. That’s the only way,” he said.
Music created to heal
While the album honours his grandmother’s memory, Dark-Horse SA hopes listeners will also find comfort and healing in the music.
“I just wish everyone who listens to it heals from whatever they’re going through. I wish it touches their hearts and brings love, peace and happiness to their families,” he said.
The sentiment echoes the themes that have become synonymous with his music, hope, spirituality and emotional connection.
Somnyama Sunsets continues to grow
Beyond the album, Dark-Horse SA confirmed that his popular Somnyama Sunsets event series is entering an exciting new chapter.
He revealed that the brand is expanding, with bigger plans for the upcoming summer season while continuing to host regular events featuring leading names in South African dance music.
“We’re going big. Something crazy is coming this summer,” he teased, adding that Somnyama Sunsets continues to evolve while maintaining its reputation for bringing together the country’s finest DJs and producers.
A celebration of legacy
With Flora Ntlemo, Dark-Horse SA has delivered more than just another deep house album. The project stands as a tribute to family, perseverance and purpose, proof that some of the most meaningful music is created not by chasing trends, but by staying true to one’s story.
