South African Amapiano producer, DJ and artist NTSAKO XVI is stepping into a defining new chapter of his career with the release of his debut solo EP, XVI’s Diary, led by the infectious new single “Kanjalo Kanjalo” featuring Scotts and Uncool MC.
Following the momentum generated by his 2026 breakout hit “NGEKE”, the new project sees NTSAKO XVI place his identity firmly at the centre of the music, offering listeners a closer look at the sounds, influences and experiences shaping his evolution as a solo artist.
“Kanjalo Kanjalo” sets the tone
At the heart of XVI’s Diary is “Kanjalo Kanjalo”, an energetic Amapiano record that brings together NTSAKO XVI, Scotts and Uncool MC.
Built around infectious percussion and high-energy production, the track is designed for movement while retaining the distinctive rhythmic approach that has increasingly become associated with NTSAKO XVI’s music.
Scotts and Uncool MC each inject their own personality into the collaboration, creating a three-way chemistry that gives the record its character while keeping NTSAKO XVI’s production and creative direction at its core.
More than simply another dancefloor release, “Kanjalo Kanjalo” represents the mood of the producer’s latest chapter — youthful, confident and firmly connected to the South African sounds that have shaped his journey.
From producer to multifaceted artist
NTSAKO XVI enters the new era having accumulated more than 49 million streams across his catalogue, steadily establishing his presence within South Africa’s competitive dance music landscape.
His journey has seen him evolve from primarily being recognised as a producer and instrumental artist into a broader creative force, embracing collaborations, vocal-led records and releases under his own name.
That progression accelerated in 2026 through “NGEKE”, his collaboration with Shaun 101, Ch’cco, Scotts Maphuma and Uncool MC.
The record helped introduce audiences to NTSAKO XVI’s Nyakanyaka creative era, while its impact spilled onto social media with more than 900,000 TikTok creations.
XVI’s Diary gets personal
While XVI’s Diary builds on the momentum of “NGEKE”, the EP also introduces a more personal dimension to NTSAKO XVI’s artistry.
Rather than approaching the project simply as a collection of songs, the artist presents it as a musical document of where he currently finds himself creatively and personally.
The EP brings together the collaborations, influences and sounds that have helped shape his career so far, while placing greater emphasis on NTSAKO XVI’s own identity.
“This isn’t just an EP. It’s a chapter of my life, documented in sound. Thank you to everyone who’s been listening, supporting, and growing with me. Now it’s your turn to open the diary,” says NTSAKO XVI.
A new era for NTSAKO XVI
With XVI’s Diary, NTSAKO XVI continues carving out a space that stretches beyond conventional Amapiano, drawing from electronic music, Gqom and wider South African club culture.
“Kanjalo Kanjalo” provides the entry point into that next phase — one centred on movement, collaboration and an artist becoming increasingly confident in defining his own sound.
