Dlala Thukzin Discusses What South African Hip Hop Needs To Achieve Global Success. Esteemed DJ and producer Dlala Thukzin has shared his perspective on the current landscape of SA Hip Hop, outlining what he believes artists must prioritize to boost the genre’s presence both domestically and abroad.
Dlala Thukzin Discusses What South African Hip Hop Needs To Achieve Global SuccessWith extensive experience in collaborating with some of the leading figures in the industry, Thukzin outlined a straightforward yet effective strategy for success.
Thukzin stressed the significance of producing songs that are easy to connect with. “For SA Hip Hop to rise, number one, if you want a hit, don’t rap too much,” he stated. “Be like AKA. Make it simple so that we are able to sing along. People should be able to remember it and vibe to it easily.” He pointed out that complex lyrics and speedy flows, while technically impressive, might alienate fans seeking a more relatable musical experience.
He further highlighted the essential role of production quality in achieving hit status. “Make sure your producer produces the song with the right beats,” Thukzin advised. Referring to successful international artists, he cited Gunna’s technique as a standard for maintaining quality and consistency. “Let’s say you want to drop an album, like how Gunna makes his music. Gunna’s secret is having the right beats. You need beats that suit the mood of the song, not just following the trap trend all the time.”
Thukzin’s comments arrive at a time when SA Hip Hop is experiencing moderate success but hasn’t reached its former glory, reminiscent of 2014-2015 when the genre thrived. He is not alone in this view; other notable artists like Emtee and Cassper Nyovest have echoed similar thoughts, underlining the importance of catchy and well-produced music that harmonizes lyrical depth with mainstream appeal.
