'Culture is everything': Dlala Thukzin on Trace Awards nomination and upcoming projects

Fresh from being nominated for Best Male at the Trace Awards, Dlala Thukzin is gearing up for an exciting year ahead.

“Being nominated for Best Male at the Trace Awards is a huge honour. I'm still in shock and excited at the same time. It's a recognition of our creativity and hard work,” the DJ and producer told TshisaLIVE.

With two hit songs under his belt (iPlan and Ama Gear), Dlala Thukzin, real name Thuthuka Zindlovu, has proven himself to be a talented and innovative producer and is busy leaving his mark on the music scene. 

“For me, creating a hit song is all about understanding what resonates with people. I try to create music that speaks to them, and that's what sets me apart from other DJs and producers. Culture is everything. The sound I create will always have traditional elements to it.”

Despite facing challenges, including hosting an event last year that was marred by phone thefts and security concerns, Thukzin remains undeterred.

“I will keep hosting events as with our events we are selling an experience more than anything. Regarding the cellphone issue, I think people need to take more responsibility as these things happen to events worldwide. Even one of our partners, Dogg Dbn, lost his phone at the Dlala Dance Festival last September. There’s a syndicate worldwide; security measures can only manage to a certain extent.”

The gqom producer is looking to scoop more awards. 

He's set to spend the next eight days at a studio camp in a secret location cooking up new music. A source revealed to TshisaLIVE that singer Ami Faku and rapper Cassper Nyovest are some of the confirmed artists who will be working with him on his upcoming songs.

“I'm planning quite a few big projects this year, more music and more shows,” he revealed. “We really just want to keep growing these brands and the guys I've been making music with.”