Afro-Soul & Resilience: DJ Benzo honors his late mother with deeply personal debut EP ‘Gciniwe’
Acclaimed South African DJ and producer Benzo is stepping away from the high-energy club booths to share the most vulnerable chapter of his life.
Dropping on 7 August 2026, during Women’s Month, his debut four-track EP, Gciniwe, stands as a stirring, soulful tribute to his late mother.
Far more than a standard collection of electronic tracks, Gciniwe is an intimate exploration of grief, gratitude, and healing.
Melding Afro-soul, Afro-pop, and contemporary African sounds, the project serves as a sonic monument to the sacrifices and unwavering support that shaped Benzo’s journey from the Eastern Cape to the national stage.
The EP’s artwork anchors this sentiment, bearing the poignant inscriptions, “Dedicated to my mother” and “Thank you for the love that raised me.”
Born Banele Sotomela in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, Benzo has earned a fierce reputation as one of South Africa’s most electrifying performers, moving crowds across the country, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.
Known for his genre-fluid approach and innate ability to read a room, this project marks a deliberate shift toward storytelling and spiritual reflection.
“This EP is my way of saying thank you to the woman who gave me everything before I had anything,” Benzo shares.
“Every song carries a piece of my heart and a piece of her love. I’ve spent years helping people create memories through music. This time, I wanted to create something that preserves one of my own.”
The four-track project balances heavy emotional weight with uplifting, faith-driven melodies:Gciniwe (Intro): A gentle, atmospheric opening that sets the reflective tone of the project, Ngizwile: A solo execution that highlights Benzo’s growing prowess as a nuanced producer, Mthandazo (with Megamind Nova): Meaning “Prayer,” this track introduces the deep spiritual undertones that guided Benzo through his loss and Ufunani (ft. Blaq Seed, Mailo Music x Salaminah): The standout collaborative effort spearheading the EP’s radio and digital campaign.
For Benzo, the success of Gciniwe will not be measured by chart positions or club rotation, but by human connection.
“This isn’t about chasing trends or making another hit. It’s about leaving something meaningful behind,” he says.
“If even one person listens to these songs and thinks about calling their mother, forgiving someone they love, or appreciating the people who raised them, then I’ve achieved what I wanted.”
Gciniwe releases on all major digital streaming platforms on Friday, 7 August 2026.
