For South African musical duo Section Five, the connection begins with family. Comprising uncle and nephew Issac and Thando, the pair are bringing two generations together through a shared passion for music and a determination to create a sound of their own.
As musicians, producers and DJs, their work draws on Dance, Afro House and contemporary electronic music, with collaborations helping introduce them to audiences across South Africa’s evolving dance scene.
Speaking to TheJournalistDJ.com in Parkhurst, the KwaZulu-Natal duo reflected on their musical beginnings, their growing connection to 3-Step and a memorable debut performance in Kenya.
A Family Connection Built Around Music
Under the banner “Two Generations. One Sound,” Section Five brings a family relationship into a creative partnership.
Their identity centres on a shared musical vision, with both members contributing to a project that spans production and performance. While listeners may have encountered their name through featured appearances, the duo’s journey began before their association with 3-Step.
In the interview, they pointed to working with Sun-El Musician as an early part of their introduction to the industry, followed by collaborations with Jnr SA that helped more listeners discover them.
For Section Five, those records marked a turning point: audiences were beginning to recognise the people and creative identity behind the name.
Finding Their Place in the 3-Step Movement
Section Five’s growing visibility has coincided with the rise of 3-Step, a sound creating new possibilities within South African dance music.
The duo credited their work with Jnr SA as an important introduction to this space, while making it clear that their musical foundations extend beyond one genre.
Their background reflects the range of dance music coming out of KwaZulu-Natal. During the conversation, they highlighted the province’s strong House and Gqom traditions, alongside its Afro Tech producers and the experimentation shaping newer sounds.
“Back in KZN, we are known for dance music,” they explained.
That environment provides context for a duo whose approach brings different influences into conversation, with collaboration playing a central role in their development.
Learning Through Collaboration
Before stepping forward with their own identity, Section Five had already been involved in musical collaborations and projects alongside established artists.
Their creative journey includes work alongside Sun-El Musician, Jnr SA, DJ Zinhle, Mörda, Sickluv, Darque, Malumz on Decks, Vumaala, Artwork Sounds, Mbalenhle M and Frigid Armadillo.
Those experiences have helped shape their production approach and understanding of the South African dance music landscape.
In the interview, the duo expressed gratitude to the artists who have supported their growth, acknowledging the role of relationships, guidance and shared studio experiences in getting them to this point.
“A lot of people invested in us growing into who we are today,” they said.
Kenya Gives Section Five a Warm Welcome
One of the highlights of their journey so far has been their first visit to Kenya.
The duo spent approximately four to five days in the country, describing the trip as a succession of new experiences. The strongest impression, however, came during their performance.
“We had a two-hour set, but people sang almost half the time,” they recalled.
The audience response made their Kenyan debut particularly memorable, giving them an opportunity to experience how their music connects beyond South Africa.
“They received us pretty well, which we appreciate a lot. Kenya was amazing.”
Original Music Signals the Next Chapter
With collaborations already helping establish their name, Section Five are preparing to share more original music.
During the interview, they revealed that forthcoming material includes collaborations with Kususa and Jnr SA, among others.
The next chapter offers an opportunity for listeners to get to know Section Five more fully: their musical choices, their identity as producers and the sound they want to build together.
For Issac and Thando, that journey remains grounded in family, collaboration and a shared ambition expressed in four words: Two Generations. One Sound.
