DJ Soso: A Pioneer in South Africa’s Music Scene

DJ Soso, a well-known talent from Johannesburg, has made a significant mark on South Africa’s music landscape over the last two decades. His journey, accentuated by his roles as a DJ, music producer, and label owner, showcases his deep passion and commitment to music and culture. “I’m in good spirits,” he shares, reflecting on how his artistry transcends geographical boundaries. With a career that ignited in 2004, Soso is now the proud operator of Ubizo Café, an innovative record label that expertly merges Afro-house with Amapiano and other modern musical styles. His formative years spent at Wits University, where he became president of the Wits DJ Society at only 18, served as a launching pad for connecting with fellow artists and creating memorable music events that shaped his leadership within the industry.

Central to DJ Soso’s story is his enduring partnership with house music legend, Sir LSG. Their journey began at Wits, where they bonded over their love for music, ultimately leading to the cultivation of a successful career for LSG. Despite the triumphs, Soso recognizes the obstacles present within the music industry, particularly regarding access and financial backing for independent label owners. Nevertheless, with a devoted team rallying behind his vision, he remains determined to forge ahead. Musically, he embraces a fusion of styles including Afro-house, Amapiano, and 3step, while also exploring Afro Tech and Afro Soul. His recent collaboration, **Umile**, featuring Cape Town’s Gugega, exemplifies this innovation, quickly gaining traction on major Spotify playlists. Looking forward, DJ Soso is excitedly preparing to unveil his first full-length album, which will showcase his extensive creative journey and a refined approach to marketing his art. With encouraging advice for up-and-coming musicians, he emphasizes the value of patience and timing in releasing their work, culminating in a confident assertion that his moment has arrived.

DJ Soso’s Journey in the Music Industry

Johannesburg-born DJ Soso has been a key figure in South Africa’s music landscape for over two decades. He launched his career in 2004, focusing on Afro-house music. Since then, he has transitioned into production and founded Ubizo Café, a record label dedicated to blending Afro-house with Amapiano and other modern genres. He states, “I’m in good spirits,” reflecting his passion for music that transcends borders, aiming to reach a global audience.

Emerging from a pivotal role at Wits University, DJ Soso took on leadership as president of the Wits DJ Society at only 18. This experience was crucial as it allowed him to form vital connections within the industry, including his enduring friendship with house music icon Sir LSG. Recalling their early days, Soso mentions, “He was sitting in front of the DJ box at Wits while I was playing,” highlighting their mutual growth in the competitive music scene.

As an independent label owner, DJ Soso faces significant challenges within an industry often marred by gatekeeping and resource limitations. “As an independent label owner, you don’t always have access to the right rooms,” he explains, emphasizing the struggles many in the industry encounter. Nonetheless, he is determined to advance his vision with a dedicated team by his side.

Looking to innovate, Soso is currently experimenting with various musical styles, blending Afro-house and Amapiano with the emerging 3step sound. His latest single, **Umile**, featuring Cape Town artist Gugega, has gained rapid traction on platforms like Spotify, appearing on major playlists. “It might be small to others, but it’s massive for me,” Soso adds, showcasing his humility amid success.

Future Prospects and Musical Evolution

Preparing to launch his debut full-length album, DJ Soso expresses excitement about his creative evolution after years of singles and EPs. “I’ve been making music for over a decade, but now I’m at a place where I can market it right,” he reflects, suggesting that he has gained significant experience to effectively present his work to the public. The upcoming release is expected to feature around 20 tracks, showcasing his artistry.

DJ Soso also shares crucial advice for upcoming musicians in the industry, particularly regarding timing. He notes, “Sometimes your music is too ahead of its time. Hold on to it, study the room, then release it when the world is ready.” His emphasis on understanding the audience’s readiness demonstrates his insight into strategic career progression in music.

As he prepares to take the next steps in his career, DJ Soso confidently communicates his readiness to engage with a broader audience. “I’m coming through, guys. Intuitively, I feel it—my time is now,” he asserts. These statements reflect a commitment to sharing his evolving musical identity with fans around the world.

With a history rich in collaboration and performance alongside icons such as Black Coffee and DJ Fresh, DJ Soso remains a prominent figure in the evolving landscape of South African music. His dedication to innovation through his record label Ubizo Café places him at the forefront of contemporary sounds, continually influencing both fans and emerging artists alike.

Summary

DJ Soso, a Johannesburg-born DJ, music producer, and label owner, reflects on his 20-year journey in the South African music scene, characterized by his passion for music and cultural connection. Running his own record label, Ubizo Café, he is at the forefront of blending genres like Afro-house and Amapiano, while preparing to launch his debut full-length album. Soso’s career began at Wits University, where he led the DJ Society and formed vital connections, including a mentorship with house music icon Sir LSG. Despite facing challenges in the industry, such as budget constraints and gatekeeping, Soso remains optimistic and committed to nurturing emerging talent, emphasizing the importance of timing in music releases. With recent successes like his collaboration on the track “Umile,” which has gained notable recognition on Spotify, DJ Soso confidently declares, “My time is now,” as he continues to evolve and innovate within the music community.