Durban-born DJ and producer Argento Dust has released “Ayxabene,” a new single featuring Zee Nxumalo, Blxckie, Kususa and Section Five, setting the stage for a project that explores his range beyond Afro-house.
Released on 9 October 2026, the collaboration is the lead single from his forthcoming EP, “No Foot Print,” scheduled for 23 October 2026. The project draws on his background in Gqom while making room for 3-Step, funk house and other house influences.
A Collaboration That Took Shape Over Time
Although “Ayxabene” has only now reached listeners, its beginnings date back to mid-2025. According to Argento Dust, the team felt the track needed something more before it was ready for release.
“The song was done in 2025 mid-year but we were not sure what was missing on it. Then we had an idea to add Blxckie and Zee Nxumalo.”
An industry colleague helped bring the two artists into the collaboration, completing a line-up that also includes Kususa and Section Five.
Described in the release as a soulful, dancefloor-focused record, “Ayxabene” brings together artists working across electronic music, rap and vocal-led sounds, offering an introduction to the wider musical approach behind the EP.
“No Foot Print” Explores More Than Afro-House
For Argento Dust, the upcoming project is an opportunity to show listeners more of what he can do as a producer.
“People only know me as an Afro house producer. On this project I’m doing house music, I’m expressing myself by showing other types of music that I can do.”
That approach brings together Afro-house, Afro-house with Gqom elements, 3-Step and funk house. It also reconnects his established sound with the styles that informed his early years.
Beyond the collaborators on “Ayxabene,” the EP’s announced contributors include Dlala Thukzin, Funky Qla, Bokkie, Belinda, Bukeka, Vertic, Drega, Village Guru and Yandisa Ntusi.
From Umlazi’s Gqom Roots to House Music
Born Minenhle Siphelelo Ndlazi in Umlazi, Durban, Argento Dust began making music in 2010. His early work centred on Gqom and deep house, and in 2013 he helped form a group called House Junkies.
That period saw him work with artists and producers including Qla, Sting Ray, Space Network, 2boy, Dexter and CampMasters.
His musical interests also extended to house, jazz and tribal music. While at high school, he listened to Black Coffee, Culoe De Song, Shimza, Black Motion and Rocco, drawing inspiration from both their productions and their international careers.
“In 2015 Shimza gave me an opportunity to work with him and the rest is history,” he says.
The Evolution From Silver Dust to Argento Dust
His shift towards Afro-house also brought a change of name. Initially known as Silver Dust, the producer wanted an identity that reflected his developing direction and international ambitions.
“In 2015 I fell in love with Afro house, I wanted a different bold name that can work internationally. So I translated Silver to Italian, that’s how I got Argento Dust.”
The new EP builds on that willingness to explore. By including Gqom elements alongside several strands of house music, Argento Dust is bringing different parts of his musical history into one project.
A New Chapter Begins With “Ayxabene”
With “Ayxabene,” Argento Dust opens the rollout for an EP centred on creative range and collaboration. The single introduces that direction through a cast of familiar names, while the full project promises a broader look at his production interests.
“Ayxabene” is out now on digital streaming platforms. “No Foot Print” follows on 23 October 2026.
Stream: https://music.empi.re/moaning
