Walking the red carpet at the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32) Homecoming Edition, DJ Sbu was impossible to miss, not because of his signature dreadlocks, but because they were no longer there.
The award-winning DJ, entrepreneur and businessman says the decision to cut his hair marked the beginning of a deeply personal spiritual journey, one that has transformed not only his appearance but also his outlook on life. As he prepares to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Y-Lens Vol. 1, the veteran entertainer says he is returning to music with renewed purpose while remaining firmly grounded in family, business and self-discovery.
A Journey of Spiritual Growth
Asked about his new look, DJ Sbu explained that cutting off his dreadlocks was part of a significant spiritual process.
Rather than throwing them away, he revealed that he has kept them safely at home and intends to reunite with them once he has completed certain family rituals rooted in African tradition.
For him, the change represents much more than a hairstyle, it symbolises a deeper connection to his heritage and personal evolution.
Rediscovering Himself Through Nature
Over the past decade, DJ Sbu says he has intentionally slowed down to reconnect with himself.
These days, he finds fulfilment in simple pleasures: hugging trees, walking barefoot, farming and raising livestock. He describes himself first as a father, family man, entrepreneur and businessman, saying those experiences have helped him discover who he truly is.
The journey, he admits, has not been easy, but believes it has made him both wiser and stronger.
A New Chapter in Music
Despite focusing heavily on business in recent years, music continues to call him back.
DJ Sbu used the interview to exclusively reveal that he and producer Dark Horse are working on a collaborative EP, which they hope to release before the end of the year.
The project marks his long-awaited return to recording and signals that fans can expect fresh music after years of limited releases.
Returning to the Road—On His Own Terms
While many fans have wondered whether he would return to regular performances, DJ Sbu says he now chooses his appearances carefully.
Unlike earlier in his career, when he travelled extensively, he now balances music with family responsibilities and his business interests. Nevertheless, he confirms that he will be back on the road as part of the celebrations marking 20 years of Y-Lens Vol. 1.
The milestone has also motivated him to spend more time in the studio creating music for both longtime supporters and a new generation of listeners.
Celebrating 20 Years of Y-Lens Vol. 1
The 20th anniversary of Y-Lens Vol. 1 is central to DJ Sbu’s plans this year.
He says fans can look forward to performances and additional announcements, encouraging them to follow his social media platforms for updates on the celebrations and upcoming releases.
Purpose Beyond the Spotlight
Although DJ Sbu remains one of South Africa’s most recognisable entertainment figures, his focus today extends far beyond music.
His life now revolves around family, entrepreneurship, farming and personal growth. Yet his passion for music remains unmistakable, and with a new collaborative EP on the horizon and the celebration of Y-Lens Vol. 1 underway, he appears ready to embrace a new chapter—one defined not by chasing fame, but by living with purpose.
