South African DJ and producer Dlala Thukzin has returned with Ember, a new album that brings together Afro House, 3-Step, EDM and contemporary African rhythms while paying tribute to the sounds that helped shape his musical identity.
Presented as his ninth studio album, the project centres on resilience and reinvention, pairing the energy of the dancefloor with a connection to Durban’s dance music culture.
A New Chapter for a Familiar Classic
At the heart of Ember is “Sobuye Sbonane” featuring Zeh McGeba, a reimagining of DJ Bongz’s classic.
Dlala Thukzin approaches the song through a modern electronic lens, retaining its emotional appeal while introducing it to a new generation of listeners. The track reflects one of the album’s central themes: drawing on South African dance music’s history while finding fresh ways to move it forward.
That relationship between past and present runs throughout the project, with nostalgia forming part of an album focused on musical growth.
Exploring Afro House, 3-Step and Electronic Music
On Ember, Dlala Thukzin continues the genre-blending approach that has become a defining feature of his work. Afro House and 3-Step meet EDM influences and contemporary African rhythms, broadening his sound while maintaining a distinctly South African foundation.
The project builds on a catalogue that includes “Phuze”, “iPlan”, Permanent Music and 031 Studio Camp. Across those releases, the Durban-born producer has developed a reputation for bold percussion, distinctive log-drum melodies and productions that bring different strands of local dance music into conversation.
His work spans Gqom, Amapiano, Afro-Tech and electronic music, with Ember continuing that exploration.
Taking Durban’s Sound to International Stages
The album arrives following an international run that included a four-date Australian tour and live appearances abroad.
As Dlala Thukzin expands his reach, Ember keeps Durban at the centre of his musical identity. Its combination of familiar influences and new production directions reflects an artist taking the sound of home to wider audiences.
Resilience at the Heart of ‘Ember’
Beyond its club-focused energy, Ember is framed around endurance: the experiences, influences and creative drive that continue to fuel Dlala Thukzin’s career.
By revisiting a South African dance classic alongside his ongoing exploration of 3-Step and Afro House, he connects his next chapter to the culture that shaped him. The result is a project that places reinvention and a respect for his roots at the heart of its message.
