Top producer and house music veteran DJ Stax is living proof that you do not always have to go to Johannesburg to achieve success in the SA music industry.
Despite living in Mthatha, an area better known for its high crime rate and unruly drivers, the 46-year-old continues to blaze a trail as one of the leading artists in the province.
In 2021, his song, Emaxhoseni, featuring Russell Zuma, became one of the most successful songs of the year.
Within two weeks of its release, it received huge airplay from some of SA’s biggest commercial radio stations including Metro FM, 5FM and Umhlobo Wenene.
The music video, shot in Mthatha and Coffee Bay, was also heavily featured on rotation on television music channels including MTV Base, Chanel O and Trace Africa.
In March 2025, the man born Fikile Faku in Mbizana, celebrated another milestone when his song, Ungayithi Vu, featuring Thabie Ngethe, was certified double platinum after reaching 5.6-million streams in SA alone.
The song was officially released in 2023.
“Ungayithi Vu is basically about love and someone who wants their relationship kept under wraps until he marries his partner,” DJ Stax said.
He has also released three other songs featuring Ngethe, who originally hails from Richards Bay.
Soyizama, their second collaboration, was officially released in 2024 followed by Bayeza in the same year, while Ngamane Uhambe was released about two weeks ago.
“I saw her videos on Facebook and thought there was just something in that voice.
“We did a song together without ever meeting in person. I pitched an idea for a song and later sent her a beat.”
DJ Stax said when he worked on releasing Emaxhoseni four years ago, he had no idea it would be a huge hit.
His love for music was inspired by listening to stations such as then-Radio Transkei and Metro FM.
Despite a passion for music, it was only while at varsity in Durban in 1997 that he realised he wanted to be a music DJ.
He started playing at weddings and parties, eventually becoming a resident club DJ in Durban and later in Pietermaritzburg and Cape Town.
Ten years later, a friend introduced him to music production, and he spent the next three years honing his skills on how to produce music on an app.
In 2010, after moving to Pretoria, DJ Stax released his first EP, Dramatic Launches, consisting of four songs.
He took a decision to move to Mthatha in 2011, where he opened his own record label, iTouch Recordings.
“I could see a lot of talent from Mthatha was moving to the big cities looking for greener pastures, and I wanted to show them that you can still make it without moving away from home.”
His first full album, The New Beginnings, was released in 2014 and featured artists from as far afield as Spain and the US.
His second album, Transition, was released in 2017 and also featured many international and SA artists.
He believes music has the power to heal.
“I am trying to inspire people and give hope through my music.”
Daily Dispatch
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