Durban-born hitmaker Benny Maverick is stepping into a new chapter after signing with global music and entertainment powerhouse gamma and releasing his first solo project, Valencia.
Philani Kweyama, better known as Benny Maverick, officially announced his signing to gamma, the company known for amplifying African talent on a global scale. The acclaimed DJ, songwriter and producer has dropped the lead single Uyadlala from Valencia.
Set for release on November 14, Valencia is a deeply personal tribute to the woman who raised him.
“Valencia is my story, my tribute and my declaration of growth,” he said. “It’s about embracing your roots, pushing creative boundaries and staying true to yourself.”
The album is named after his late mother, Valencia, whose strength and resilience shaped the man and artist he is today. Drawing from Spanish and Latin origins, the name symbolises “strength,” “vigour” and “brave-hearted one”, traits Benny credits to his mother, who raised him and his siblings as a single parent after the death of their father.
Uyadlala officially dropped on October 10 and gives fans a taste of the full project.
Benny’s journey began in 2008, hustling his way into Durban’s nightlife circuit. Frustrated by closed doors, he launched Goodsundae, a pioneering urban youth event that quickly became a staple in the city.
He hit mainstream success with Memeza featuring Dladla Mshunqisi in 2017, a club banger that became a national anthem and helped spark the rise of gqom. His fingerprints were also on Distruction Boyz’ Sama-winning hit Omunye.
In 2021 he co-founded Kweyama Brothers with DJ Stanky (Sizamavezi Kweyama), delivering the platinum-certified Mpumalanga EP and the internationally acclaimed Piano Over Poverty (2022), a project that took their sound to European stages.
As a cultural visionary, he’s behind lifestyle experiences including Saso’s House, an exclusive event series that captures Durban’s flair, and the One-Man Concert, an annual Easter weekend spectacle known for its high-production value and mass appeal.
With Valencia, Benny Maverick comes full circle blending heartfelt storytelling with sonic experimentation, and a deep sense of purpose rooted in his Durban upbringing and family legacy.
“This album is about growth, evolution and gratitude. But at the heart of it is my mom, her strength, her courage and her love.”
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