Artwork Sounds, Deep Essentials and Mr Shane SA have teamed up for City Lights, a new EP that draws inspiration from the movement, mood and emotion of urban life after dark.
Bringing together deep house, Amapiano and South Africa’s soulful house traditions, the collaborative project centres on warm melodies, deep grooves and African rhythms. Its concept follows the changing pace of the city at night, exploring the space between dancefloor energy and quieter moments of reflection.
A Soundtrack for the After-Hours
At the centre of the EP is focus track “City Lights (After Midnight)”, which encapsulates the release’s nocturnal theme. Built around rich textures and detailed rhythms, the song is presented as an expression of a city that remains alive long after the day has ended.
That idea extends across the project, with atmosphere and connection shaping its musical direction. Late-night movement, memory and emotion provide the backdrop for a release intended to accompany both a journey through the city and a moment of stillness within it.
Three Musical Identities Come Together
The collaboration combines the artists’ individual approaches within a shared soulful house framework.
Artwork Sounds bring their emphasis on instrumentation and deep house, while Deep Essentials contribute to the project’s groove-driven foundation. Mr Shane SA adds his own musical character to a partnership shaped by a shared interest in rhythm and atmosphere.
The EP places musicianship and storytelling at the centre of its concept, reflecting the collaborative relationships that continue to shape South African house music.
The Musicians Behind Artwork Sounds
Artwork Sounds comprise George Lesley Theko and Rofhiwa “Soultronixx” Ndou, whose different musical backgrounds inform the duo’s sound.
George Lesley, a bassist, DJ and producer from Sebokeng in the Vaal, developed his musical foundation in church and through live performance. His experience includes work as a session musician and bass player with Mafikizolo, Vusi Nova, Nathi and Donald.
Soultronixx, originally from Dzanani in Venda, brings a production approach rooted in deep electronic textures and soulful detail.
On City Lights, those influences meet the contributions of Deep Essentials and Mr Shane SA, placing collaboration at the heart of a project inspired by the city’s after-hours rhythm.
Listen to City Lights here.
