Apple Music has officially launched its inaugural Isgubhu DJ Mix series, an exciting new addition to its platform that celebrates the best in African dance and electronic music. Known for spotlighting genres that continue to dominate global dance floors; Amapiano, Afro-House, Afro-Tech, and more, Isgubhu’s DJ Mix series is set to be a game-changer for fans and creators alike.
To mark the launch, legendary South African DJ and producer Da Capo has been revealed as the debut cover star. This milestone cements his reputation as one of the world’s premier Afro-House & Afro-Tech tastemakers, with a career that continues to break boundaries. “My sound has evolved so much over the past decade, and I love being able to express that journey through my sets,” Da Capo tells Apple Music. “I’m always drawn to emotion and storytelling in sound. I love the way music can create space for connection.”
Born Nicodimas Sekheta Mogashoa in Seshego, South Africa, Da Capo is a self-taught musical force. By the age of 20, he had signed his first major recording deal with NH Records, launching a career defined by innovation and depth. His 2015 Touched EP under Soulistic Music gave the world “Speed of Sound” featuring Tresor, a track that became a global Afro-House anthem.
Now, a decade later, Da Capo is released Indigo Child II: Love & Frequency, a deeply personal project that both honors his journey and signals the next evolution of his artistry. “I enjoy pushing boundaries, both sonically and creatively,” he says. “I think that’s where the magic happens… Music has never just been a skill or a career for me. It has always felt like a calling.”
Da Capo’s Isgubhu DJ Mix embodies his signature spiritual and high-vibrational approach, featuring a curated selection of tracks:
- Da Capo – Heart To Be
- Almared & Raw Sugar – Wethemba feat Bukeka (Chalee Extended Remix)
- &Lez – Lynx
- Deco – Breathing
- Re. You, Paige ft Bishop – Innocent
- Black Coffee & Me – Rapture III
- Caiiro – Ikoro
- Mojoo, Da Capo – Secret ID
- Caiiro – Pensandote
- Bun Xapa feat. Emanuel Jal – Chaak
Overall Experience
I was invited to get an exclusive listen to the mix Da Capo cooked for the launch of the Apple Music Isgubhu DJ Mix series. Due to some reasons, I’ve become less of a fan of attending listening sessions (I’m loving a naaarce YouTube upload of the listening session that I can watch and get project details from the comfort of my home). But this was something a little different from the norm – nna, personally, I will not say no to a DJ set, and I’ve watched a few tsa Da Capo (the B2B with Enoo Napa at Kunye is defs one of my favorites to rewatch! I love their chemistry on the decks, and that’s where I discovered my favourite tracks “No Rainbow,” which he played at the launch set, and “Two Zulu Men In Ibiza”).
I arrived at Opera in Rosebank and was escorted to a different section at the venue – the downstairs area, a bit more intimate, with some of my media peers in attendance. The evening kicked off with the usual speech and introduction to the man of the moment, Da Capo.
He spoke about being selected as the debut DJ for Apple Music’s Isgubhu DJ Mix series and a bit more about his latest project. The team from Apple Music then presented him with the cover artwork for this debut series, which was such a heartwarming moment. It really felt like a “thank you” for his talent – this was a moment to receive his flowers!
The time came for him to play the set, and my expectations were met from the onset. My Shazam worked overtime on the bangers he played, and I respected the “No Result” notification I got a couple of times from the exclusives. I had moments where I just stood up because… I don’t know, lol, the music hits deeper when you’re on your feet – but sghubu was going in! Those moments needed me at my house with my JBL soundbar on full blast, for real.
I left the event after a few moments when another DJ started playing, not because I wanted to, but because the vibe was getting a little dangerous, and it was a school night. Sometimes I wish I did this for a living, but I went home, anticipating the chance to experience the mix at home when it officially launches on Apple Music, and I enjoyed my cupcake treat while I called it a night.
Alongside the newly launched DJ Mix series, Isgubhu houses alumni playlists, editorial collections, and exclusive content from the continent’s leading dance and electronic acts. Listen to the Da Capo Isgubhu DJ Mix and stay updated on Isgubhu exclusively on Apple Music.
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