The South African DJ duo TXC has revealed they are working on new projects, teasing potential collaborations with international music icons Wizkid and Jorja Smith. The news has sparked significant interest among their fan base, who are keen to learn more about their latest endeavors.
This update was shared during an interview TXC had with Dotty on The Dotty Show, where they touched on expanding their global reach, their successful partnership with Davido, and what lies ahead for the duo.
[Dotty:]
TXC, along with Davido and Yebo, are here with me in studio. What took you so long to join us?
[Clairise:]
Actually, it has been you who took long to invite us.
[Dotty:]
Not at all, it wasn’t me.
[Tarryn:]
Well, you only bring the best, and after all our hard work, we’ve finally made it to your show.
[Dotty:]
Yebo was a massive success. Did you ever expect it to grow beyond that? It was a huge hit for a time.
[Clairise:]
Not really, but with Naku Penda, the whole vibe is completely fresh and new.
[Dotty:]
We won’t play Naku Penda just yet; let’s keep the audience anticipating. It’s a significant song, and we will discuss its creation shortly. But right now, you are in London for a big show this weekend. Can you tell us about it?
[Tarryn:]
Yes, we are part of Davido and friends this weekend, and with Davido’s events, you know it’s going to be special. After that, we’ll return on the 28th for Piano People in the park.
[Dotty:]
So, two shows in London?
[Tarryn:]
Exactly.
[Dotty:]
It sounds massive. We’ll talk about your collaboration with Davido after this. Here’s one of my favorites from TXC.
[MUSIC]
[Dotty:]
TXC is here in the Dotty Show studios. Can you explain what makes Amapiano so magical? I’ve enjoyed it for years, even when I don’t quite grasp the lyrics, the music just captures me. What is that essence?
[Clairise:]
It’s the soul behind it, the unique instruments. It’s a lively experience; it’s about the celebration.
[Dotty:]
Are there any key phrases we should know to get by in the Amapiano scene? I often find myself saying Asambe, but I’m unsure of the meaning.
[Clairise:]
Yes, Asambe means let’s go.
[Dotty:]
Asambe.
[Clairise:]
That’s correct.
[Dotty:]
What more should I learn?
[Clairise:]
Yebo is essential; it’s a standard response.
[Tarryn:]
If you know Asambe, they’ll think of you as part South African.
[Clairise:]
Exactly, it shows you’re in the mix.
[Dotty:]
What else should I know?
[Tarryn:]
Asambe and Yebo will set you up nicely.
[Dotty:]
I’ve got those down.
[Tarryn:]
That’s your foundation.
[Dotty:]
So when I hear it in music, it’s Asambe, that’s how it sounds.
[Clairise:]
Right, and I often say, Asambe, Asambe. I’m not sure if it refers to food or a vibe.
[Tarryn:]
It means let’s go; we’re ready.
[Dotty:]
Let’s go. Now, Davido was on my show a few weeks ago and mentioned the recording of Naku Penda, describing it as a spontaneous experience. Can you share your thoughts on the making of that track?
[Clairise:]
Indeed, that’s how it felt. We finished our beat, included Ch’cco, and the moment we realized it had a Davido feel, we sent it to him. He responded almost immediately with enthusiasm. As a contrast, he took a year to work on Yebo.
[Dotty:]
Really?
[Clairise:]
He had Yebo for a year.
[Dotty:]
So he took a year to get on the Yebo track before finally working on it?
[Clairise:]
Yes.
[Dotty:]
How fast did he join in for Naku Penda?
[Clairise:]
It took just seconds.
[Dotty:]
Seconds?
[Clairise:]
I sent it to him, and he immediately responded with, yes, let’s meet in Lagos this weekend. We recorded at Zlatan’s studio, and he brought some fun energy while joking around the mic, playing with the phrase “What is this?” which eventually became a memorable part of the song.
[Tarryn:]
The studio atmosphere was energetic and everyone was upbeat. That vibe was pivotal in shaping the track.
[Dotty:]
As DJs first, before your producer roles, do you have a sense when a track will be a hit in clubs?
[Clairise:]
Absolutely, that’s one of my strengths.
[Dotty:]
Did you foresee Naku Penda becoming such a monumental success?
[Clairise:]
Yes, even before the vocals, the strength of the beat was evident to me. I would have confidently sold it even without any lyrics; it had that much potential.
[Dotty:]
Let’s dive into it.
[MUSIC]
[Dotty:]
This track is enormous. TXC’s Naku Penda. For those who have seen your shows, you clearly don’t just stay behind the decks. Do you think that era is behind us, especially with DJs like you?
[Clairise:]
Absolutely. Everything evolves with time, including DJ culture and perceptions. With the presence of women in an otherwise male-dominated field, we need to own our space. You claim it by your actions, be it dancing or whatever you contribute. The dance movements emerged naturally, especially for Tarryn, as she embodied the moment.
[Dotty:]
Tarryn, do you see yourself merely as a DJ? How would you define your role?
[Tarryn:]
I consider myself the dancing DJ.
[Dotty:]
How do you balance dancing and DJing?
[Tarryn:]
It’s a 50-50 split. I play my song, then I dance to my song.
[Dotty:]
Really?
[Tarryn:]
Absolutely.
[Dotty:]
It may seem like Clairise handles most of the work while you just dance.
[Tarryn:]
That’s not the case…
[Dotty:]
It doesn’t seem that way.
[Tarryn:]
People only see short clips online. They don’t see what happens before. We choose to showcase the energetic side. It may lead to assumptions that I’m not contributing, but I’m actually dancing to the song I just played.
[Tarryn:]
Every song I play is one I’m eager to dance to.
[Dotty:]
Right.
[Tarryn:]
So when I’m up front, it’s because I just played my song.
[Dotty:]
I’ve witnessed your sets.
[Tarryn:]
I’ll defend us because it has been a sensitive topic. I’m actively performing, but not everyone sees it.
[Dotty:]
That’s the reality.
[Tarryn:]
Yes.
[Dotty:]
What’s next for TXC? With so many exceptional tracks released, can fans expect an album or a global tour?
[Clairise:]
A significant project is indeed on the way. I’m not sure if I should share this, but we have some collaborations lined up with Wizkid and Jorja Smith.
[Dotty:]
So, TXC with Wizkid and TXC with Jorja?
[Clairise:]
Keep it quiet.
[Dotty:]
You’ve mentioned it now. Are we talking separate songs or a combined track?
[Clairise:]
It may be either; we’ll have to wait and see. We hope it will be as successful as Naku Penda.
[Dotty:]
Naku Penda stands out on its own as a major hit. When will we get to hear the new material?
[Clairise:]
Keep an eye out.
[Dotty:]
Soon?
[Clairise:]
Soon, definitely.
[Tarryn:]
We’ll certainly have it this year.
[Clairise:]
Yes.
[Dotty:]
Will we see a release by the South African summer?
[Clairise:]
Absolutely this year.
[Dotty:]
You must stay updated through social media. Plus, Apple Music will have the news first.
[Clairise:]
For sure, just drop it in my group chat.
[Dotty:]
In our little group chat…
[Clairise:]
You’ll hear it first.
[Dotty:]
Before you leave, could you share some South African artists we should be listening to? What names do you have for us?
[Clairise:]
Al Xapo produced Naku Penda and is quite talented. Who else can we talk about?
[Tarryn:]
Al Xapo, Benzo…
[Clairise:]
These are all my friends.
[Dotty:]
Are these the newcomers in the scene?
[Clairise:]
Indeed.
[Dotty:]
So right now, you’re part of a music-making community?
[Clairise:]
Exactly.
[Dotty:]
Alright, let’s listen to a track from Al Xapo. Please introduce it.
[Clairise:]
Here’s Snoko Noko by Al Xapo; you’re tuned in to the Dotty Show.
[Dotty:]
TXC live on Apple Music 1. Thank you for visiting!
[Clairise:]
Thanks for having us.
With potential international collaborations and a significant project on the horizon, TXC appears poised for a promising new chapter. Fans are advised to keep an eye on their social media for updates.
Listen to the full interview HERE.
