Dlala Thukzin Releases Ninth Solo Album, Ember, Featuring Kabza De Small, Young Stunna and More

South African DJ and producer Dlala Thukzin has officially released his highly anticipated ninth solo album, Ember, a 10-track project celebrating the evolution of local dance music and his continued creative growth. Released worldwide on 30 October 2026 under his own imprint, Dlala Records, the album brings together some of the biggest names in South African music.

Featuring an impressive line-up of collaborators, including Kabza De Small, Sino Msolo, Funky Qla, Young Stunna, Zeh McGeba, Sykes, JNR SA, Felo Le Tee, Nitefreak and Tracy, Ember explores the intersection of Afro-house, 3-Step, amapiano and electronic music.

The album reflects Dlala Thukzin’s ability to experiment with different sounds while maintaining the distinctive production style that has established him as one of South Africa’s influential dance music producers.

The title Ember represents the fire that continues to burn, symbolising longevity, ambition and an artist who remains committed to pushing creative boundaries.

One of the standout collaborations is Batshele, featuring DankieBoi, Kabza De Small and Young Stunna, bringing together some of the most recognisable names in the local music scene. Other highlights include Imizwa, featuring Sino Msolo, DJ Arabic and Funky Qla, and Monday, featuring Argento Dust and Felo Le Tee.

The project also features Sobuye Sbonane with Zeh McGeba, Ithuba with Tribe of Afro, Sykes and Mpho.wav, Kuwewith JNR SA and Sino Msolo, Usizi with JNR SA, Sykes and Argento Dust, Wela with Tracy and Junior De Rocka, and Stop & Go with Froote, Nitefreak and DJ Cliad. The album opens with the introductory track EMBER (Intro), featuring Zay Mkhize.

Dlala Thukzin’s Growing Influence on South African Dance Music

Over the years, Dlala Thukzin has built an impressive catalogue that has contributed to the evolution of South African dance music.

His breakthrough releases included Phuze, featuring Zaba, followed by its popular remix featuring Sir Trill, Mpura and Rascoe Kaos. However, his career reached another milestone in 2023 with the release of iPlan, featuring Zaba and Sykes.

The record became a major commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard South Africa Songs chart and earning double-platinum certification.

He continued building on that success with records such as AmaGear, featuring Zee Nxumalo and Funky Qla, and Sohlala Sisonke, featuring Zeh McGeba and MK Productions. More recently, Mali, featuring Sykes, has further demonstrated his ability to create music that resonates with audiences.

His contribution to the local music landscape has also helped strengthen the growing influence of 3-Step, while his production work continues to connect amapiano, Afro-house and electronic music.

Taking South African Dance Music to the World

Beyond his achievements at home, Dlala Thukzin continues to expand his international footprint through performances in territories including Australia, the Netherlands and Portugal.

His international journey reflects the growing global appetite for South African electronic music and the sounds emerging from the country’s vibrant dance music scene.

For Thukzin, taking his music beyond South Africa is an opportunity to introduce international audiences to the sounds, influences and culture that have shaped his artistic identity.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the album, he says:

“Ember represents the fire that keeps me creating. As an artist, I am always looking for ways to grow, experiment and challenge myself without losing the sound and identity that brought me here. This album brings together different artists, energies and musical influences, but everything comes from the same place – my love for music and the culture that continues to inspire me. I want people to experience the music, connect with it and make it their own.”

With Ember, Dlala Thukzin delivers a project that celebrates collaboration, artistic independence and the continued evolution of South African dance music. As he enters another chapter of his career, the producer remains focused on expanding his sound while taking the country’s musical identity to an increasingly global audience.

LISTEN: Ember is available now on all major digital streaming platforms.