Renowned producer and DJ Thabo Mahundla, best known by the name Airburn Sounds, sealed the year 2025 with a bang when he released his last single titled Tshwala featuring B33kay SA, Blacko SA, DJ Njabsta, and CPT Switch.
Tshwala is a stern warning about using alcohol to heal and numb one’s pain. It is about those who use alcohol to deal with issues instead of confronting them head-on.
The single came after months of his romantic Amapiano hit titled Crush Yam alongside Mawhoo, Optimist Music ZA and BoontleRSA.
The producer and DJ plans to dominate the year 2026 with even more hits and international moves.
Airburn Sounds has completed his long-awaited EP and will release his first single of 2026 at the end of January.
“I took almost two years working on the music, and every week. It has taken a lot of sleepless nights, long hours and collaborations with already established artists who showed their support and love for the sound,” he said.
With no finalised title as yet, the upcoming project will feature artists such as Zuma of the Amaroto duo, LeemCrazy, Lintonto, Aza, Soulful G, Lowsheen, MaWhoo, and many others.
“Everyone’s role in the music has been significant, and I appreciate the effort and creativity they put in. There are new sub-genres within the Amapiano sound that are developing. I started producing Hip-Hop and Afro beats, and have been able to produce any style of music I want. So, my Amapiano sound is a mix of Soul, dance, Sgidongo, Sgija, Afrobeats, and just something really different to what we are used to, and I am certain everyone will love it, both young and old,” he said.
With origins from Limpopo and raised in both Alexandra and Ebony Park in Tembisa, Airburn Sounds started producing at the age of nine years old.
He won his first DJ competition at 15 years old.
“I have been working and developing my craft. I have been influenced by many sounds and cultures. This year, people will get to hear my real style.”
He has produced for the likes of Makhadi, Moncebo Zikode, Mphowabadimo, Zanda Zakuza,and internationally he has worked with USA/Senegalese artist Akon and produced for the Jamaican artist Ka$e.
“I plan to have more international collaborations this year, more travels, and experimenting with different sounds,” he said.