- DJ Skhu says the death of his father profoundly influenced the recording of Emakhosini.
- The 10-track album reflects grief, faith, resilience and African spirituality.
- The producer hopes the independently released project will open a new chapter in his career.
The release of Emakhosini on 7 August marks a significant milestone in DJ Skhu’s career, but for the respected producer, the 10-track album is far more than a new musical project. It is a deeply personal body of work created while mourning the death of his father, whose influence and belief in his son’s talent continue to resonate throughout the album.
Known for his versatility as a producer and years of collaborations across South Africa’s music industry, DJ Skhu says he had always hoped his father would witness the success he had spent years pursuing. Instead, he found himself completing the album while coming to terms with a loss that changed both his life and the direction of the music.
“I was deeply affected by the loss of my father this year. It left a void that can never be filled because he passed away while I was still on this musical journey, before witnessing my success,” he says. “There was so much I had hoped a parent would gain from the passion that comes from deep within me.”
Grief shaped the music
DJ Skhu says the emotions he experienced during that period naturally became part of the recording process. Rather than separating his personal life from his work, he allowed the songs to reflect both the pain of losing his father and the faith that has sustained him.
“In the songs I’ve chosen, you can hear the distress or the difficult situation I am going through, yet I hold onto the hope that God is present and will lift me up,” he says.
While the album draws heavily from his personal experiences, DJ Skhu says its message extends beyond his own story. He hopes listeners will find encouragement through the music, regardless of the challenges they face.
“I create music not just for myself, but to unite everyone across Africa, to inspire self-confidence and encourage people not to lose hope, regardless of their life circumstances,” he says. “They must rise and make a difference.”
Lessons that never faded
Although his father is no longer alive, DJ Skhu says the values he instilled continue to influence every aspect of his life. He recalls learning the importance of hard work, caring for family and living with faith, lessons that remain central to the person he is today.
“My father taught me that as a man, you must work hard for your family to build a better future, and that love and faith should be part of everyday life,” he says. “To me, my father will always be a guiding light because he showed me what life requires and how to treat people.”
Among his most treasured memories is his father’s unwavering belief in his musical future. Long before his career gained recognition, DJ Skhu says his father predicted that he would one day become a successful musician.
“He was the first person to foresee that I would become a famous musician seen on television, and that is exactly what happened,” he says. “That realisation continues to inspire me, especially since he witnessed so much of my journey and took such great pride in it.”
The story behind Emakhosini
The album’s title track carries particular significance for the producer. DJ Skhu says Emakhosini, meaning “to the kings” or “to the chiefs”, reflects his belief in leadership, spirituality and remembering those who came before.
“The song that represents this album is Emakhosini because that is where we find strength,” he says. “A nation is nothing without a leader to guide it forward. All the songs on this album possess a spiritual quality. As people, we need to look back to our origins and remember the ancestors who fought for the better lives we lead today. This album is a way to honour them all.”
The project also represents a new chapter professionally. Emakhosini will be released independently through Skhumusicproduction, with DJ Skhu retaining full ownership of the album and its royalties. He says that achievement is particularly meaningful after a period when he began questioning his future in the music industry.
“I am convinced that this album will open doors for me because I was beginning to lose hope in the music industry,” he says. “What also pleases me is that it is coming out under my own label, Skhumusicproduction, where I own 100% of the royalties.”
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