South African DJ and producer Dlala Thukzin opens his ninth solo album with “EMBER (Album)”, featuring Zay Mkhize. Released on October 30, 2026, through Dlala Records, the 10-track project runs for just over an hour and brings together a wide selection of voices from South Africa’s dance music scene.

Zay Mkhize’s contribution gives the opening track a vocal presence, while its position at the beginning of the album makes it the listener’s first introduction to the project. At just over two minutes, it is the shortest entry in the collection, serving a different purpose from the longer dance records that follow.

Dlala Thukzin, born Thuthuka Wandile Zindlovu, comes from Lamontville in Durban and built his career through production work before becoming a recognised name in South African electronic music. His work spans gqom, Afro-house, amapiano and 3-step, with earlier milestones including producing Babes Wodumo’s “Umngan’wami” and releasing successful records such as “Phuze” and “iPlan”.

The album arrives after projects including Finally Famous Too, which won Best Dance Album at the 2025 South African Music Awards, and the 2026 release Smoothie with Funky Qla. This opening collaboration introduces another chapter in his catalogue, with Zay Mkhize among the contributors shaping the album’s overall direction.

Featuring Zay Mkhize, the song gains an added layer of melodic sophistication, combining both artists’ strengths to deliver a performance that feels dynamic, vibrant, and unforgettable. Being one of the featured songs on the Ember album, it adds more versatility and creative richness to the project, proving the artist’s musical dedication. Stream and Download Below.

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