New highly anticipated album set to drop this October
EMALAHLENI – Born and raised in Witbank, Emalahleni, Ezra Mlotshwa has become a well-known figure in music production, DJing, and event organisation.
Ezra’s journey began in 2009 in his hometown, where his passion for music and performance quickly paved the way to success. Starting off as a dancer, he soon discovered that DJing was his true calling—a craft he felt destined to master.
“I started off as a tribal house DJ back in 2010,” he recalls. “Then I transitioned into Deep and Soulful house shortly after, eventually combining it with Afro house. My sets now incorporate all these styles.”
Despite having no formal mentors, Ezra’s goals have always been bold, driven by a deep sense of purpose. He has achieved several milestones in his career, with his first big break coming when he appeared on Vuzu in 2016.
However, the turning point came during the COVID-19 lockdown when he performed at Shimza and PH’s Channel O lockdown event. “That experience was transformative for my career,” he reflects. “Building a prominent presence in the industry isn’t easy, but I managed to do it by networking and fostering relationships with key figures.”
In 2024, Ezra’s name surfaced again with the release of his latest single, Impi Ye Mpilo, featuring big names like Kabza De Small, Nkosazana Daughter, and Disciples of House. The track merges Ezra’s Afro house style with soulful amapiano elements, creating a unique sound that’s been praised by both fans and critics.
“This collaboration was a dream come true,” says Ezra. “Working with Kabza, Nkosazana, and the Disciples really elevated the song.”
Alongside his music career, Ezra is also an event curator. “I’ve always wanted to do both,” he explains. Inspired by industry heavyweights like Shimza and Glen21, he finds that DJing and event planning go hand-in-hand. “Event curation boosts my DJ career. Both roles feed into each other.”
Ezra is deeply committed to his community, designing his events to give back. “All our events are focused on building and supporting the community,” he proudly shares. “We employ over 200 local citizens, and that impact means a lot.”
Ezra is preparing for the release of his album in October, along with several international performances. His events company, SOGA, is also planning two major events in December. “People should definitely keep an eye out for those,” he says.
Offering advice to aspiring artists, Ezra says, “It takes time and effort to build a brand. My message is simple—push through, stay committed, and always believe in yourself.”