Sounds of Zwe

Jazz, Lounge, Bossa and Broken BeatsPretoria, South Africa

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About

Sizwe Mahlaola, popularly known as Zwe, is a versatile DJ from Mamelodi whose passion for music was ignited at a young age. Influenced by his father’s deep love for jazz, Zwe was raised on a soundtrack of soulful melodies that would later shape his unique musical style. He fondly remembers long drives with his father, immersed in the smooth rhythms of jazz moments that sparked a lifelong appreciation for the genre.

While Zwe began collecting music long before, his official DJing journey kicked off in 2014, driven by a strong affinity for house music. During his university years, he encountered a track by Erykah Badu, a moment that became a turning point in his musical exploration. This led to a deep dive into Neo-Soul, eventually expanding his palette to include Trip-Hop, Lounge, and other soulful subgenres.

His breakthrough came when his friend Billion invited him to play a set at Tsweu Lifestyle Café during one of her Thursday sessions. The crowd's response was overwhelmingly positive, and the venue’s owner quickly offered him a residency. This opportunity marked the beginning of Zwe’s rise in the local scene, allowing him to refine his sound and build a loyal following.

Now with over seven years behind the decks, Zwe has established himself as a dynamic and thoughtful curator of music. Known for his ability to seamlessly blend diverse genres, he crafts sets that take listeners on rich, soulful journeys—each performance a reflection of his deep-rooted love for music and dedication to his craft.

Member since: 6 years