USA-based producer and DJ Mpiloz has spoken out against what he describes as “gatekeeping” in the music industry, as he navigates a challenging “dry season” for bookings while pushing forward with new music and global opportunities.
Born Philani Manyoni, the Estcourt-born artist has just released his latest single, Imbewu — a deeply symbolic track centred on the idea of “tomorrow” and the consequences of today’s decisions.
Despite growing international recognition, DJ Mpiloz says he has long faced resistance at home.
“A few years ago, I launched my annual DJ Mpiloz Music Festival. It was doing very well until political influencers tried to overtake my project and began sabotaging me,” he said.
“They blocked me from hosting it, even when I was funding it myself. They even organised events on the same dates I had booked. But by God’s grace, I am still standing.”
The artist now says Imbewu is more than just music — it is a message.
The title, which translates to “seed,” reflects the principle that what one plants today determines the future. Mpiloz says the track serves as both a warning and a reflection directed at those he believes have tried to block his progress.
The single features Portia Alive and Tebza De DJ, blending 3-Step and Afro House elements into a sound that is both emotionally driven and structurally deliberate.
“When we were creating the song, it was challenging because the vocalist comes from a gospel background. Transitioning her into Afro House and 3-Step took time, but we created something special,” he explained.
Musically, Imbewu avoids repetition, instead evolving through shifts in mood, pacing and theme — each element carefully aligned with the song’s core message.
Despite the challenges, DJ Mpiloz says he is entering a new season of growth.
“This is a season of expansion for me, not just as a musician, but as a businessman. The timing is perfect,” he said.
He has been invited to speak at the Deep in the Underground music summit in North London later in May, followed by a major performance in the United States during a 2026 World Cup Watch Party in June.
He is also set to perform in Ibiza, Spain, later this year at an event hosted by Afrolicious Mumma — further cementing his growing international footprint.