Deep Narratives - Umsindo

One of South Africa’s finest producers joins the Sondela family with three singles lined-up for 2023, as well as DJ appearances planned at Sondela events worldwide. Known for building mesmerising soundscapes within his music, Thakzin takes us on a universal journey of elevation and spiritual vibrations whilst manifesting the healing power of music. ‘The Magnificent Dance’ is a fusion between deep house and Amapiano, featuring entrancing loops that conjure up images of nature, flitting between the real and the fantastical. The versatile and forward-thinking producer has become a firm favourite of international A-listers Louie Vega, Pablo Fierro, David Morales and many others, and has recently surpassed 1M streams collaborating with Themba in 2021. With a sound that is deeply rooted in African culture, ‘The Magnificent Dance’ is widely anticipated to be one of South Africa’s hottest musical exports.

The Magnificent Dance

Thakzin 'The Magnificent Dance'

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Hypaphonik returns to Stay True Sounds with ‘Funa Wena’, a mesmerising dose of South Africa’s latest genre 3 Step. Drawing listeners into his sonic depths, Hypaphonik’s signature other-worldly sound takes centre stage. As the track builds erupting into an irresistibly deep soundscape, a 3-kick beat pulsates and captivates you until the very end. Unveiling the track’s intricate layers, Hypaphonik’s mastery is evident after his many years perfecting his craft and collaborating with some of the biggest names in the genre. A sign of what’s to come, ‘Funa Wena’ will lead into the producer’s second album offering, set to land this summer on Stay True Sounds.

Funa Wena

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Hypaphonik - Funa Wena

download: https://hypeddit.com/atmosblaq/bayebaye

As the European summer is in full swing, RISE presents South Africa’s latest iteration of dance music, 3Step, directly from one of the protagonists of the sound to the world.

https://soundcloud.com/atmosblaq delivers Baye Baye, a soulful and sundrenched EP that explores the range of this infectious new sound.

The lead offering, ‘Hekele’ is a soulful and hopeful cut characterized by its shuffling percussion and delicate piano lines.

‘Ingane Zomama’ was made for open airs and sundowners, as its bouncing log drum, woodwind flourishes and warm piano progression evoke feelings of dancing with loved ones.

‘Baye Baye’ is a heady and introverted affair, with rubbery drums and tempo changes that demonstrate Atmos Blaq and Edward’s mastery of space and tension.

‘I Tried’ is a rueful ballad that ends the EP on a nostalgic and hopeful note as Kali Mija contemplates love and letting go.

Atmos Blaq & Kali Mija - I Tried [RISE]

Atmos Blaq & Ed - Ward - Baye Baye [RISE]

A record woven deep into the tapestry of South African electronic music, ask any SA selector about Blackwhole’s ‘1000 Seconds’ and its certain to evoke a reaction, coined a “stone cold classic” by many of the biggest names in the genre. Released 17 years ago, emerging out of the local Kwaito scene of Johannesburg’s townships to become a record bag essential for many DJs, the uniquely South African groove has had a far-reaching musical impact, resonating with dancefloors across the country. Now Kid Fonque’s Stay True Sounds picks up the record, after a long search for founding member of Blackwhole Mr Cee for his blessing to give it a global release. Described by South African legend Oskido as “way ahead of its time,” this innovative cut now gets a long-awaited worldwide outing, ready to once again turn the heads of selectors, this time beyond its native land. The release also includes a remix from Stay True Sounds mainstay Atmos Blaq, a key force in the development of the 3-Step genre, he adds his effortless, slow-burn aesthetic to the essential track.

1000 Seconds (Atmos Blaq Remix)

A little something different to close out 2025

One summer night I returned from my bike ride and had this weird idea to try and make my first ever breakbeat track. So I sat down to make it and I almost finished it in just two hours. I needed a couple more hours to get some details right, but overall this is the fastest completed track that I made in so many years, felt very refreshing to not be stuck making one track for eternity haha.

"Fact Check" lends some influences from 00's breakbeat and PlayStation 1 era music. The message behind this track is that in the current times of fake information and AI, you shouldn't take anything at face value and always do you research first.

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